As a certified Hater Of Little Dogs™, I found this amusing. Recent DNA analysis has determined that not all dogs are dogs.

Among other findings, the analysis determined that the Chihuahua is actually a type of large rodent, selectively bred for centuries to resemble a canine.

This may buttress theories that Michael Jackson isn't actually human.

On the other hand, considering the source, and this little bit, perhaps we shouldn't take this research totally seriously:

The study found that several diminutive breeds had been independently created around the world from a variety of other animals, including the Lhasa apso (Tibetan snow rabbit), Pekingese (Chinese water rat), Shih Tzu (stoat), and Yorkshire Terrier (pigeon).

[Update on Thursday]

Here's the real story, from this week's Economist.

My understanding is Chihuahuas started as dogs bred to hunt rats. But they took war brides.

The proper term all those things you mentioned is "doglet".

hehe my GF will freak out when I tell her about this.

We have a Shih Tzu and a Lhasa Apso and the first thing they do when you let them in to the house is run around the living room table about 200057 times yapping and growling.

Of course they can be real cute when they eat their pooh 5 seconds after it comes out of their butt. I call the Shih Tzu, Mrs. Poopyhead.

If you hold a treat above their heads they walk around on their hind legs with a crossed eyed crazed out look.

Oh and of course you can hold them like a baby and go "GOOGOO GAAGAA JEEBEEBBEE!!"

Snopes? Oh, Snopes, where are you? Ok, how about Brunvand?