Often misunderstood as a modern, fashionable breed, there's more to chihuahuas than you might first think.
Despite their dinky size, for example, they have plenty of intelligence just waiting to be shown off. And it's said that ancient civilisations found a very handy use for them, that's not dissimilar from what we do today...
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Where do chihuahuas come from?
This has been debated extensively over the years. In his book History of the Chihuahua, William Miller wrote, “We know that the Toltec people of Mexico [900-1168] kept a little dog known as the Techichi, which had a fat body and large, chihuahua-like ears.”
And various other historians have reported that the Mexican Aztecs [1300-1521] sacrificed a chihuahua whenever one of their noble leaders died (the idea being that the dog’s spirit would guide the deceased person through the afterlife). However, DNA tests carried out in 2013 suggest that some dog breeds found in the Americas – including the chihuahua – may have come from Asia.
How small is a chihuahua?
Chihuahuas are teeny-tiny, typically growing no taller than 23cm (9in). According to the Guinness World Records, the smallest dog ever recorded was a chihuahua named Pearl. The Florida-based pooch, who passed away in 2020, measured a mere 9.14cm (3.59in).
How intelligent are chihuahuas?
What chihuahuas lack in physical stature, they more than make up for in intelligence – they have the largest brain-to-body size ratio of any dog breed.
How long do chihuahuas live?
A 2022 study carried out by the Royal Veterinary College calculated the average life expectancy of a chihuahua to be 7.9 years. According to the study, French bulldogs spend the least amount of time on this Earth, living for just 4.5 years, while the Jack Russell terrier tops the longevity list, lasting for an average of 12.7 years.
What kind of personality do chihuahuas have?
Chihuahuas have a reputation for being bold and sassy – and they can even be quite fiery when they want to! There are viral videos showing them barking at much bigger breeds, pulling bulldogs’ tails and even chasing away coyotes.
Are chihuahuas good family goods?
Chihuahuas can be great family pets – particularly those with older children or teenagers. Young children may feel inclined to pick up and pet smaller dogs without understanding the dog's body language, which could lead to acts of aggression. Their loyalty and breeding to be companion dogs makes them ideal for owners who want to spend a lot of time with their dog.
Are there any famous chihuahuas?
You bet! Over the years, several chihuahuas have had their moment in the spotlight. In the 1990s, a chihuahua named Gidget appeared in a TV ad campaign for the US fast food chain Taco Bell, where it could be seen pounding the pavements in search of a hot snack. In the movie Legally Blonde (2001), Reese Witherspoon’s character Elle Woods is rarely seen without her pink-clothed chihuahua, Bruiser. And there’s even a series of Disney films dedicated to the breed – namely, Beverley Hills Chihuahua (2008-2012).
What were chihuahuas bred for?
According to ChichisAndMe.com, both the Aztecs and the Mayans used chihuahuas as foot warmers due to the dogs’ high body temperatures. If you’re tempted to do the same, just remember what we said about their fieriness!
Understand more about your pet
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- How long do dogs live? Understanding the lifespan of your furry friend
Main image: black and tan long hair chihuahua. Credit: Getty