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Fun Facts About Chihuahuas

May 1 2022

hihuahua Appreciation Day is May 14th! These tiny dogs have some big hearts, and legions of devoted fans. Fido is quite popular, and consistently makes the AKC’s list of top 20 breeds. A vet lists some fun facts about the Chihuahua below.


Namesake

The Chihuahua originated down in Mexico, and takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The breed has apparently been around for a very long time. There is evidence that they were kept by the Aztecs. In fact,16th-century conquistadors documented seeing many small dogs with thin coats.


Tiny Dog

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. According to breed standards, they should weigh no more than 6 pounds. However, due to doggy obesity, it’s not uncommon for some to be a little bigger than that.


Colors

Chihuahuas can wear almost any color. They can also sport a variety of patterns, including solid, splashed, or marked. There is one notable exception. Merle coloring is no longer officially allowed by many professional breed associations, as the genetics responsible for those pretty coats has been linked to some serious health problems, such as hearing and vision issues.


AKC Welcome

Although the Chihuahua is a fairly ancient breed, they were fairly rare in the United States until the early 1900’s. Fido was officially welcomed into the ranks of the AKC back in 1904.


They Can Be Feisty

Don’t let Fido’s size (or lack thereof) make you think that training isn’t important. Chihuahuas are prone to having a bit of a Napoleon complex, and often see themselves as larger than they actually are. They can even get aggressive! Even pint-sized pups need to learn proper manners!


Personality

This is one area in which Chihuahuas really shine. These little guys tend to be very cuddly, and absolutely love to snuggle up with their humans. Fido can often be found curled up in his owners’ lap. He is also a popular ‘purse’ dogs!


Longevity

One thing that many people are surprised by is the fact that Chihuahuas can be quite long-lived. They can get up to age 20 with proper care. That’s pretty old for a dog!


Workouts

Chihuahuas are really playful, and tend to be very energetic. However, that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of time walking or exercising your canine pal. Fido can get quite a good doggy workout in just running around the house on those tiny legs!


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