Content
- 1. The Chihuahua originated in the Toltec civilization
- 2. Chihuahua personality - one of the bravest dogs
- 3. Shakes
- 4. His name is not
- 5. Are born with a soft area in the skull
- 6. It is the smallest dog in the world
- 7. Prefer own race companions
- 8. It is one of the most popular dogs in the world
- 9. The breed with the most variety of colors
- 10. Have a high life expectancy
The chihuahua is one of the mexican dog breeds more popular. His name comes from the largest state in Mexico. This dog stands out most probably due to its character, physical characteristics and the joy it possesses and transmits.
Do you have a chihuahua or crossbred dog of this breed? Would you like to know more about them? In this article by PeritoAnimal we will share with you 10 fun facts about chihuahuas. Keep reading!
1. The Chihuahua originated in the Toltec civilization
According to FCI standard[5]the chihuahua is a wild dog that was captured and domesticated during the time of the civilization of the Toltecs. It is one of the pre-Columbian cultures present during the 10th and 12th centuries.
Some theories claim that the ancestors of today's Chihuahua lived in Tula (Tollan-Xicocotitlan) in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. This theory is based on well-known figure of "Techichi", which is considered the forerunner of the current Chihuahua breed.
2. Chihuahua personality - one of the bravest dogs
The chihuahua stands out for being an alert dog[6]and very brave[5]as indicated by FCI and AKC, respectively. is also considered a dog intelligent, vivacious, devout, restless, sociable and faithful.
Although each dog is different, what is certain is that, in general, this breed creates a very strong affective bond with its tutors, even showing itself to be very attached. It is also common for him to try to get attention and be jealous.
3. Shakes
Have you ever seen a dressed chihuahua? Probably many times in winter. This is not a fashion, it is due to the fact that this breed is especially sensitive to low temperatures, as indicated by the AKC[6].
Does your chihuahua shake a lot? It's not always due to the cold. Often, the origin of the tremor is due to to the excitement, fear or possible hypoglycemia. There are many causes!
4. His name is not
Effectively, the real name of this grace is "chihuahueño", which means in Tarahumara (Uto-Aztec language) "arid and sandy place". Chihuahuas were named after their location, Chihuahua, Mexico.
5. Are born with a soft area in the skull
Like human babies, chihuahua puppies are born with a soft bridge in the skull (moleira). This is because the fontanelles (bones in the skull) don't finish fitting correctly. In principle, they should finish developing during the adult stage of life.
It is a defect congenital[1]Common in toy-sized breeds such as the shih tzu, yorkshire terrier, or maltese bichon, but can also be caused by hydrocephalus, brain inflammation, a brain tumor, or a disease that blocks the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.
in an article [2]from page Universities Federation for Animal Welfare regarding genetic problems in chihuahuas, primary hydrocephalus (the presence of water in the brain) is mentioned as one of the most common congenital diseases.
Hydrocephalus causes pressure and pain in the dog's brain, as well as a thinning of the skull bones. This disease is associated with the small size that some breeds have.
6. It is the smallest dog in the world
the chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world, both in height and length. According to the Guinness World Records, the smallest living dog (in length) [3]Brandy is a female chihuahua that measures 15.2 cm from the tip of the nose to the tail. Lives in Florida, United States.
It is also recorded that the smallest living dog (in height) [4]is another female Chihuahua called Miracle Milly, which measures 9.65 cm. He lives in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
7. Prefer own race companions
Well socialized, the Chihuahua is a dog that gets along well with almost all dog breeds, including cats. However, it is often observed that chihuahua dogs prefer other dogs of the same breed as them to socialize. This fact is found in the AKC curiosities. [6]
8. It is one of the most popular dogs in the world
The Chihuahua is one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds in the world. Began to be known in the United States after the issuance of the ads of taco bell, in which the dog Gidget (who replaced Dinky) appeared. Paris Hilton, Hillary Duff, Britney Spears and Madonna are some of the many famous who decided to adopt a dog of this breed.
9. The breed with the most variety of colors
According to the standard of FCI [5]the chihuahua dog has two varieties: short-haired or long-haired. In both copies we can find all kinds of colors or combinations, except the blue merle and the hairless dogs.
The long-haired specimens have a silky, thin and slightly wavy coat, they also have an inner layer. The most notable feature is the presence of long hair on the ears, neck, extremities, feet and tail.Those with short fur have a short coat and occasionally an inner layer.
10. Have a high life expectancy
The chihuahua is one of the dogs with longer life expectancy. Relatively few years ago, it was believed that these puppies lived between 12 and 18 years old, but nowadays we can find chihuahua puppies that over 20 years old.
If you offer your Chihuahua good nutrition, regular veterinary visits, good care, and lots of affection, your Chihuahua can reach that old age.
What more can you ask of this lovely breed?
