With all of the chihuahuas found in the Central Valley, we know we’re not the only chihuahua lovers around. For this reason, we decided to put together a list of fun chihuahua facts that most owners may not even know about.
However, before we get into these little known chihuahua facts, let’s go over a quick rundown of the breed…
All About Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are an adorable toy breed that is popular with residents throughout the United States. Originally recognized by the AKC in 1904, they typically weigh between three and six pounds and are six to nine inches tall. Because of their size and little need for exercise, they adapt well to city and apartment dwelling.
The smallest of all purebred dogs, Chihuahuas—or Chis as they are affectionately called—are intelligent and can be quite sassy, having distinct personalities. They are very loving and extremely loyal pets that typically do well with children and other animals, if introduced properly.
Because of their intelligence, Chihuahuas are easily trainable. In fact, they do quite well when competing in agility and obedience trials and can make for good service dogs, particularly for the blind and as an emotional support animal.
This breed has a long history and some unusual physical traits, so let’s take a look at a few fun facts about the Chihuahua that you may not know and may just change your mind about the breed.
Now, let’s get into our list of fun chihuahua facts!
Fun Chihuahua Facts
- The Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi, the companion dog of the ancient Toltecs.
- The breed is likely derived from a cross-breeding of the Techichi and a small hairless dog that was brought to the Americas from Asia, over the land bridge that once existed between Asia and Alaska.
- They are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens were found.
- Chihuahuas come in seven colors: Black, Black & Tan, Blue & Tan, Chocolate, Chocolate & Tan, Cream, Fawn, Fawn & White, and Red. Purebred Chis also can have one of six standard markings: Black Brindling, Black Mask, Black Sabling, Merle Markings, Spotted on White, and White Markings.
- There are both long-hair and short-hair (or smooth) Chihuahuas. Long-hair Chis only shed twice per year, while short-hair Chis shed year round.
- Oddly enough, there are specific words used for the hair on those long-hair Chihuahuas: on the tips of the ears is called “fringe,” on their legs it is known as “furnishings,” and the fluff on their tail is called the “plume.”
- The ratio of brain to body size makes this breed known as the one with the largest sized brain.
Chihuahuas typically birth between one and three pups, and they have the highest rate of Cesarean sections amongst all purebred dogs. The larger size of the pup’s head in relation to mom’s narrow width often necessitates the surgery. - When pups are born, their ears are floppy. As they age, they begin to stand erect, with fully erect ears occurring by around six months of age.
- Chihuahuas are more prone to phobias, such as separation anxiety and fear of traffic or crowds.
Remember the old Taco Bell series of advertisements that featured a talking Chihuahua (“Yo quiero Taco Bell!”)? Her name was Gidget and she served as the official mascot for the food chain for eleven years. - And sadly, Chihuahuas are the second most euthanized breed after the Pit Bull.
That last fact is very disheartening given the temperament and low maintenance of the Chihuahua. We hope that by enlightening you on these wonderful attributes and fun chihuahua facts that you will consider adopting a chi. Perhaps you might find your new best friend us.