Chihuahuas: pampered pets - in pictures

Pancho, a chihuahua cross, waits to be sprinkled with holy water at the Blessing of the Animals in Los Angeles Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Lillybell and Sweet Pea at the Blessing of the Animals Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Coco Bella is dressed as a ballerina for the Times Square Dog Day Masquerade in New York Photograph: Natalie Behring/Reuters

'Vinny the Pimp' competes in the Times Square Dog Day Masquerade Photograph: Natalie Behring/Reuters

Little, best in show at 'Howl-oween', a dog costume competition in Boston Photograph: Lisa Poole/AP

Mondex is dressed as a scuba diver at a dog show in Manila Photograph: Aaron Favila/AP

Tinkerbell, a chihuahua-pomeranian mix, is dressed to go out in Tokyo Photograph: Kim Kyung-hoon/Reuters

Tequila wears sunglasses at the Westminster dog show in New York Photograph: Seth Wenig/AP

Conan prayers beside a Buddhist priest at a temple in Japan. Chihuahuas are growing popular as a 'prayer dogs' Photograph: Toru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images

James Bond, adopted from an animal shelter in San Francisco - one chihuahua with a happy ending Photograph: Russel A. Daniels/AP