The Chihuahua is by far one of the most Mexican dog breeds. In fact, they get their name from the largest state in Mexico. Probably because of his character, the physical characteristics he possesses or the joy he transmits have made him stand out enormously.
1. Its origin dates back to the Toltec civilization
According to the FCI standard [5] the chihuahua was a wild dog that was captured and domesticated duringthe time of the Toltec civilization It is one of the pre-Columbian cultures present during the X and XII centuries
Some theories suggest that the ancestors of today's Chihuahua lived in Tula (Tollan-Xicocotitlan) in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. This is due to the well-known figure of "Techichi", which is considered the forerunner of today's chihuahua.
two. He is one of the bravest dogs
The chihuahua stands out for being a dog alert [6] y very brave [5] as indicated by the standards of the FCI and the AKC, respectively. He is also considered a dog intelligent, lively, devoted, restless, sociable and faithful
Although each dog is different, the truth is that this breed generally creates a very strong emotional bond with its owners, becoming very attached. It is also common for him to try to get attention or be jealous
3. Tremble
Have you ever seen a chihuahua in a coat? Probably many times in winter. This is not a fad, that is because this breed is especially sensitive to low temperatures, as indicated by the AKC. [6]
Does your chihuahua shake a lot? You should know that they do not always shiver from the cold. Sometimes the origin of the tremor is due to excitement, because they are still in their puppy stage, fear or possible hypoglycaemia. There are many causes!
4. His name is not "chihuahua"
Indeed, the real name of this breed is "chihuahueño", which literally means in Tarahumara (Uto-Aztecan language) "arid and sandy". Chihuahuas are named after the place where they were found, Chihuahua, Mexico
5. Born with a soft spot on the skull
Just like human babies, Chihuahua puppies are born with a soft spot on their skull. That's because their frontanelles (skull bones) haven't quite fit together properly. In principle, they should finish doing it in their adult stage.
It is usually a birth defect [1]Common in toy-sized breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, or M altese, but it can also be caused by hydrocephalus, a brain infection, a brain tumor, or a disease that blocks the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.
In an article [2] on the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare page on genetic problems of the chihuahuha, it is mentioned thatprimary hydrocephalus (presence of water in the brain) is one of the most common congenital diseases.
Hydrocephaly causes pressure and pain in the dog's brain, as well as thinning of the skull bones. This disease is associated with the size of some breeds.
6. It is the smallest dog in the world
The chihuahua is the world's smallest dog, both in height and length. According to the Guiness World Records, the smallest living dog (in length) [3]Brandy is a female chihuahua who measures 15.2 centimeters from the tip of her snout to her tail. Lives in Florida, United States.
It also records that the smallest living dog (in height) [4] is another female chihuahua named Miracle Milly, who is 9, 65 centimeters. She lives in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
7. Prefers peers of own race
Well socialized, the Chihuahua is a dog that gets along wonderfully with practically all breeds of dogs, including cats. However, it is common to observe how chihuahua dogs prefer others of the same breed to socialize. Perhaps for this reason it is among the curiosities of the AKC. [6]
8. It is one of the most popular dogs in the world
The Chihuahua is one of the most popular and loved dog breeds in the world. It became known in the United States after the Taco Bell commercials were broadcast, in which the dog Gidget (which replaced Dinky) appeared. Paris Hilton, Hillary Duff, Britney Spears or Madonna are some of the many celebrities who have decided to adopt a dog of this breed.
9. It is the breed with the greatest variety of colors
According to the FCI standard [5] the chihuahua dog has two varieties: short-haired or long-haired In both specimens we can find all kinds of colorsor combinations, except for blackbirds or hairless dogs.
The long-haired specimens have a silky, fine and slightly wavy coat, they also have an undercoat. The most notable feature is the presence of long hair on the ears, neck, limbs, feet and tail. Those with short hair show a short, close-fitting coat, which sometimes has an undercoat.
10. He has a long life expectancy
The chihuahua is one of the dogs with the longest life expectancy. Relatively few years ago it was estimated that they lived between 12 and 18 years, but today we can find chihuahua dogs that exceed 20 years.
If you offer him a good diet, veterinary visits every 6-12 months, good care and a lot of affection, your chihuahua can reach this wonderful figure.
