10 Fun Facts About Chihuahuas
Today, May 14th, is International Chihuahua Appreciation Day. People are encouraged to post about their chihuahuas, share information about chihuahuas and have parties with other chihuahua owners on this special day. Chihuahuas are fascinating little dogs. Let’s to join in the fun and celebrate this day with 10 fun facts about Chihuahuas.
Chihuahuas come from Chihuahua, Mexico. They were discovered by Americans during the1800’s. They became so popular during that time, that they were quickly brought back to the U.S. to become a favorite canine pet.
The early Aztecs believed that the ancestors of Chihuahuas had powers that allowed them to take disease from a human and transfer it to themselves to protect their owner. Ancient Aztecs also believed that Chihuahuas had the power to take away their sins. These myths are still believed in some cases to this day.
Chihuahuas coat can vary. There are both long-hair and short-hair (or smooth) Chihuahuas. It can be silky or wiry, and it can be a double coat or single coat. Male long-haired Chihuahuas tend to have longer luscious coats than females. This makes males look a lot fluffier than females.
Teacup Chihuahuas are extremely small. They weigh 3 pounds or less and never grow taller than 6 inches. The Guinness World Record for the smallest living dog was given to a female Chihuahua in 2013. The little pup was only 3.8 inches in height and weighed less than an ounce at birth.
The Chihuahua might be small, but they have a huge personality that won’t go unnoticed! Chihuahuas are known to be feisty, sassy, bossy, and noisy.
Chihuahuas often stand up to dogs twice their size. They can be very aggressive and mean when left on their own. A feral pack of Chihuahuas took over and terrorized an Arizona town back in 2014. There were more than 6000 calls made to animal control.
Chihuahuas have been in popular culture for many years. They are featured in many movies such as Lady and the Tramp, Legally Blonde, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua – just to name a few! You can also see celebrities carry them around in their purses. Contrary to the images that celebrities project with their “pocket pets,” Chihuahuas don’t like to be carried around. They enjoy running, walking, and playing, not being a fashion accessory.
“Yo Quiero Taco Bell!” The most famous Chihuahua is Gidget, the Taco Bell dog. Gidget’s popularity was so big that she influenced pop culture during the late ’90s and early 2000s. This dog passed away in 2009 and her influence has not been forgotten.
“Chico” is the most popular Chihuahua name. Chico comes means ‘small boy’ in Spanish which seems like a fitting name for a Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas are the second most euthanized breed. Pitbull’s are number one.
Hope you enjoyed these 10 Chihuahua fun facts. Go and share your Chihuahua stories with us below in the comments in celebration of International Chihuahua Appreciation Day.
