Chihuahua Facts

25 Interesting and Fun Facts About the Chihuahua Dog

1) The Chihuahua is in the toy breed group and its classification is a lapdog, companion.

2) It has now been proven via DNA evidence that the Chihuahua originated from the ancient Techichi dogs of Mexico.

3) This breed got its name from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, thought to be the major border crossing when this dog was brought into the United States.

4) Litter size can range quite a bit and in rare cases a Chi can have 6 pups; however, the average sized litter is 1-3 puppies.

5) This breed has more Cesarean sections than any other due to the Chihuahua newborn's extremely large head in relation to his body and the narrow width of most female dams.

6) According to a 20 year long study by the University of Georgia, the 3 top leading causes of death for the Chihuahua breed are - in order - cardiovascular disease, trauma and infection.

Photo courtesy of Jane Mongold of Chihuahuas Heaven

7) Each major kennel club around the world has its own standards in regard to size, however most state that he Chihuahua should be 6 pounds ( 2.7 kg) and under.

8) The Chihuahua is in fact the smallest of all purebred dogs; though there have been other breeds to set size records. As of 2014, a Chihuahua named Milly - 3.8 inches tall (9.65 cm) - was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. (Dogs qualify due to height, not weight).

Milly is a chocolate Chihuahua with very minor tan and white spotting. At the age of 2 years old, she weighed approximately 1 pound (.45 kg). She took the place of Boo Boo, a long haired Chihuahua that stood at 4 inches (10.16 cm).

9) Since this breed is so tiny, a miniature or teacup Chihuahua is a redundant term. They are all 'teacup' sized; though this terminology is a marketing term and not an official canine classification.

10) There are two official variety of Chihuahuas, the smooth coat (short coat) and the long coat (long haired). Both are types of the one breed.

11) Life expectancy is 14 to 18 years, which is considered a long life span for canines.

12) Though some are shy and others may tend to be nervous, the Chihuahua makes an exceptional family pet in households that can offer enough care and attention. He is one of the most popular toy breeds in the U.S, UK and Canada.

13) This is a very friendly breeds. Chihuahuas and cats generally get along very well. They also do well with other dogs if introduced at a young age and with children. Young toddlers should be taught proper handling techniques and watched closely.

Photo courtesy of Candy and Dale of Candy O' Farm Chihuahuas

14) A Chihuahua puppy is born with a molera, which is a soft spot on the top of the skull where the bones have not yet fused together (similar to human babies). It remains for about half for all Chihuahuas. The breed standard does not have a preference for this.

15) The Chihuahua is one of the breeds that can be found in a huge range of colors. Chi can be solid, two-toned or hold 3 colors in the coat. They may have markings and/or a mask.

16) While there are both deerhead and applehead Chihuahua dogs, only the apple head recognized in the breed standard.

17) The unofficial nickname of this breed is Chi.

18) It is not uncommon for a Chihuahua to suffer from phobias, such as being home alone (separation anxiety) fear of traffic and being afraid of unknown dogs.

19) This breed is very active for its size. A Chihuahua is often hyper and very enthusiastic to play. While he should not be over exercised, a Chihuahua does need one to two walks per day, with a duration of 20 to 30 minutes to maintain good health and release pent up energy.

20) The Chihuahua is considered to be a light to moderate shedder. A long haired Chi will not shed any more than a short coat. Both need routine grooming to pull out dead hairs from the coat. The shedding season is twice per year and will be more noticeable for those that reside in locations that experience all four seasons. Sheds will be notable in the spring and fall. Females may blow the coat after a heat cycle finishes.

21) In a comparison of brain to body size ratio, the Chihuahua is the leader of the pack with the largest sized brain.

22) There are many stories about unscrupulous 'puppy' sellers having sold rats to naive customers, passing them off as Chihuahua puppies. There is at least one documented case from Brazil in which a person paid $487 for a rat after being told it was a Chihuahua.

23) Some say that Christopher Columbus believed this breed was mute when he first came across them. The facts are just a little bit different. Historians agree that he must have been surprised by his discovery of the Chihuahua; a dog never previously seen by the English. He did not, however, make any written record that he dogs were mute. He happened to encounter a Chi that was a bit shy; and he did make a note in his journal that the breed seemed rather quiet.

24) Despite being prone to chills and shivering due to being cold, many healthy adults enjoy romping through the snow. This is okay to allow as long as the Chihuahua stays out no longer than 20 minutes in above freezing temperatures and is kept on a leash or supervised in a safe, enclosed area.

25) This very tiny breed does amazing well acting as service dogs. They help with all sorts of tasks, including leading the blind and acting as therapy dogs.