Monroe Chihuahua is a pool shark

MONROE — The best player at Robin’s Billiards will growl, bark and run right at you the moment you step inside the building.

Don’t show fear.

Only your ankles are vulnerable. After a couple of growls and sniffs, the 5-pound, 9-inch tall black Chihuahua will start hopping on his hind legs, just wanting you to pet him.

Amadeus has become the main attraction and best player at the pool hall at 124 E. Main in Monroe.

“I will not let him play against others because he’ll beat them up,” said Michael Baldwin, who owns the pool hall and Amadeus.

Three-year old Amadeus is becoming an Internet sensation because he can clear the pool table by pushing the balls into the pockets with his paws.

Amadeus doesn’t let up until each ball is sunk, looking around for praise each time he gets one in. His tail never stops wagging and he growls when the ball he’s working with does not go where he wants.

“We did not teach him,” said Baldwin’s wife, Constance. “I put him on the table and told him clear up the table.”

Amadeus finishes the job in about two minutes. His record is one minute, 17 seconds.

The Baldwins got Amadeus almost two years ago from their daughter Robin. She bought Amadeus for herself, but couldn’t keep him after she enlisted in the Coast Guard.

About six months ago the Baldwins taped Amadeus in action and sent it in to “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” When they did not hear back from the show, they posted two videos of Amadeus doing his thing on YouTube. By Tuesday evening, they had been viewed more than 300,000 times.

Now Amadeus performs for treats about five times a day, three days a week.

“He enjoys being a star,” Constance said.

The dog also has earned the respect of fellow pool players.

“He’s a fantastic, talented dog,” said Chris Dormer. “He runs the table faster than me.”

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.