Chihuahua Information Center
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Chihuahua Facts
True or False Chihuahua Facts
The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dogs in the world. Its size, appearance and personality make this dog wanted by many people. Whether you own a Chi or are thinking about purchasing or adopting this dog; you have surely heard many rumors about this amazing little canine.
Let's discuss the aspects of the Chihuahua breed to find out what is true and what is false about this wonderful dog and lay to rest false information.
The Chihuahua Has a Permanent Soft Spot on Its Head
False. While it is true that a Chihuahua is born with a soft area on its head called the Moleras, this grows in as the dog grows. This is an occurrence that happens with humans babies; the same care must be taken: During the first 6 or 7 months, this area must be touched extremely gently. Sadly, even some veterinarians believe it is normal for the soft spot to remain for life; thus they miss a potentially deadly disease! If your dog has a soft area on his or her head after 7 months, this may be Hydrocephalus and a reputable and experienced vet must diagnosis this.
The Chihuahua Comes from Mexico
Fact. The Chihuahua does come from Mexico; however some archaeologists believe the true origin of the Chihuahua is found further back in world history, to ancient times of Asia. This breed was extremely popular and become well known in Mexico centuries ago. Mexico played a huge part in breeding this dog and keeping the bloodlines Therefore, it is named after the town of Chihuahua Mexico.
The Chihuahua Speaks Spanish
Sometimes a fact. Oddly enough, this is true...in a way! A PetChiDog Member adopted a Chihuahua, named named Chiquita Banana, who appeared to not understand any commands. Why? Because it was determined that the Chihuahua only understood commands in Spanish! Once the new owners figured this out, they re-trained the dog to learn English commands. So, if you adopt a rescue dog or obtain a dog who is already trained... if that dog doesn't listen to you, try giving commands in a different language or training the dog from scratch with English words!
The Chihuahua is the Smallest Dog Breed in the World
Fact. It is true that the Chi is the smallest breed; also the smallest dog recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records was a Chihuahua named Ondra who weighed 850 grams. Sadly, Ondra passed away and surprisingly a Yorkshire Terrier currently holds the place for the smallest individual dog.
Chihuahuas Have Small Brains
False. Despite its size, the Chihuahua is a very intelligent canine. In a comparison of brain to body size ratio, the Chihuahua is the leader of the pack.
Rats Have Been Sold As Chihuahuas
Sadly, this is a fact that this happened a few times. However it must be mentioned the the buyers could not have known very much about dogs at all! It must also be assumed that anyone with common sense would immediately know the difference.
The Chihuahua Comes from Mexico
Fact. The Chihuahua does come from Mexico; however some archaeologists believe the true origin of the Chihuahua is found further back in world history, to ancient times of Asia. This breed was extremely popular and become well known in Mexico centuries ago. Mexico played a huge part in breeding this dog and keeping the bloodlines Therefore, it is named after the town of Chihuahua Mexico.
The Chihuahua Speaks Spanish
Sometimes a fact. Oddly enough, this is true...in a way! A PetChiDog Member adopted a Chihuahua, named named Chiquita Banana, who appeared to not understand any commands. Why? Because it was determined that the Chihuahua only understood commands in Spanish! Once the new owners figured this out, they re-trained the dog to learn English commands. So, if you adopt a rescue dog or obtain a dog who is already trained... if that dog doesn't listen to you, try giving commands in a different language or training the dog from scratch with English words!
The Chihuahua is the Smallest Dog Breed in the World
Fact. It is true that the Chi is the smallest breed; also the smallest dog recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records was a Chihuahua named Ondra who weighed 850 grams. Sadly, Ondra passed away and surprisingly a Yorkshire Terrier currently holds the place for the smallest individual dog.
Chihuahuas Have Small Brains
False. Despite its size, the Chihuahua is a very intelligent canine. In a comparison of brain to body size ratio, the Chihuahua is the leader of the pack.
Rats Have Been Sold As Chihuahuas
Sadly, this is a fact that this happened a few times. However it must be mentioned the the buyers could not have known very much about dogs at all! It must also be assumed that anyone with common sense would immediately know the difference.
There are Two Different Breeds of the Chihuahua
False. All Internationally known dog clubs only recognize 1 breed of the Chihuahua; whether short coat or long coat, there is only 1 Chihuahua breed. There are also two types of looks: the deer head Chihuahua and the apple head Chihuahua. What is the difference between the deer head and apple head Chihuahua? The deer head will have a slightly longer snout, the apple head will have a wider face, usually with more prominent eyes.
There are Miniature Chihuahuas
Not true. While all Chihuahuas are miniature in comparison to other dog breeds, there is not a separate type of breed known as the Miniature Chihuahua.
Smaller Breeds Like the Chihuahua Live Shorter Lives
False. This fact or rumor has long plagued Chi owners. When given proper care, the Chihuahua's life span is approximately 15 years and many have lived longer. While a Chi, just like any other dog, will be born with predisposed DNA that may lead to certain diseases, overall this breed lives just as long as others.
Chihuahuas Were Used as Heating Pads
This is a true Chihuahua fact. Long ago, ancient societies would gently place Chihuahuas in their clothes to protect them from the harsh cold weather. While one can not say for certain, it is assume that the dogs were not injured, as they themselves were protected by the clothing they were placed into.
Chihuahuas Always Give Birth Via Cesarean
False. While modern medicine has allowed the Chihuahua to have easier births by offering C-Sections; this breed has thrived for 1000's of years without this practice. Because its head is big in comparison to the body, it is a fact that now-a-days the majority of Chihuahuas will have birth via this method; however it is not mandatory.
Not a Fact. While it is true that Christopher Columbus was indeed surprised by his discovery of the Chihuahua; a dog never previously seem by the English, he did not record that the dog was mute. He happened to encounter a Chi that was a bit shy; and he did make a note that the breed seemed rather quiet.
