12 Fun Facts About Chihuahuas

Do you love Chihuahuas? If you love this wonderful breed, you probably have tried to learn much about them as you can. Let’s test that.

Here are a dozen fun facts that you may or may not know about the Chihuahua.

1) Chihuahuas Get Their Name From Mexico

Okay, this is an easy one and if you did not know this, you’ve got a lot of learning to do.

The Chihuahua dog is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. This is Mexico’s largest state and it takes up almost 100,000 square miles. The dog, believed to have been derived from the Techichi, was brought back to the United States by American travelers.

2) The Chihuahua is The World’s Smallest Dog

You knew the Chihuahua was small, but did you know it was the smallest?

When fully grown the average dog will weigh in ad 3 to 6 pounds and their height is generally under 10 inches. They have a very big presence in a very tiny package, making them a good choice for those living in tight quarters.

The current record holder for smallest dog in the world is Milly. Milly is a Chihuahua that weighs in at just 1 pound.

3) They Like To Burrow

Because of their ancestry, they have the desire to burrow. They just have not lost the instinct and will burrow in anything that they can find. This usually means in blankets but if you leave a pile of laundry on the ground, it is fair game.

4) They Used To Travel In Packs

As recently as the early 1900’s it was common to see packs of Chihuahuas traveling together in the Southwest. Though not as common these days, wild Chihuahuas can still be spotted on occasion.

As funny as this sounds, it can actually pose a bit of a problem. Chihuahuas in the wild can be quite aggressive and have been known to attack small children.

5) They Can Live 20 Years Or Longer

Generally, the larger a dog breed is, the shorter that they live. Naturally then, you would expect a Chihuahua to live a rather long life, but 20 years?

Yes, the average lifespan is in the 15 to 20 year range due to their small size and lack of major health problems. As a breed, they are generally healthy and free of genetic issues.

The world’s oldest Chihuahua is Megabyte who lived to nearly 21 years of age.

6) Solid White Is Very Rare

Looking for a rare color of Chihuahua, it is white. A solid white dog with no other markings is very hard to come by. A true white Chihuahua will also have lighter nails and a lighter nose.

Besides the color, there is very little difference to a white dog versus another colored one. They might be a bit smaller however and, like many breeds, white dogs are more prone to deafness.

7) They Have Huge Brains

Who would think that the world’s smallest dog has one of the biggest brains but it is true. In fact, when you compare the Chihuahua brain to the overall size of the dog, they have the largest brain of all dog breeds.

8) There Is No Teacup

Some breeders like to advertise Teacup Chihuahuas, but they do not exist. They are not recognized by the AKC and are generally just dogs that have been bred to be smaller. They still fit within the normal weight range of the breed. The term “Teacup” is mainly used to get more money out of buyers.

9) Taco Bell Put Them On The Map

Before Taco Bell spent hundreds of millions on their famous “Yo Quero Taco Bell” advertising campaign, many Americans had n idea what a Chihuahua was.

Gidget, the Taco Bell Chihuahua, who sadly died in 2009 made the breed one of the most popular in America. They currently rank around 10th in popularity and are a favorite of many celebrities.

10) Shaking Is Common

You have probably seen a Chihuahua shaking and wondered what the problem was. Nothing really, they just shake. This is due to their high metabolism and is often used to regulate temperature.

Shaking can also be a sign of nervousness but this would usually be accompanies by barking or whimpering.

11) Long Haired Dogs Shed Less

There are two official types of Chihuahua, the smooth coat and long coat. Although not known for major shedding issues, they still shed a bit. Ironically, if you want a dog that sheds less, choose a long coat.

While they will require frequent grooming, you won’t find as much of the hair on your furniture and floor.

12) They Have A Soft Spot

Like human babies, your Chihuahua will be born with a soft spot on the top of their heads, so try not to poke.

Just like with humans, this spot will typically close in about a year. Some dogs however will have the soft spot their entire lives.