More than 6000 calls by residents were made to animal control. The owner claimed that their tiny dog had been mauled by a bigger dog. You will need to monitor your dog to ensure it is not getting overweight, as obesity can lead to a shorter lifespan. The hair on their legs is called Furnishings. Click the link to learn more about why chihuahuas shake and shiver. So love your furry friend with reckless abandon. She *is* full of personality, is too smart sometimes, and definitely does the pawing thing. The following actions may help extend your Chihuahua’s life span: Love and Care. 56- Did you know that there has been mention of an earlier version of the Chihuahua that is much larger than the Chihuahua we see today? From what historians understand astoday’s standing theory, Chihuahuas are a very ancient breed. Yep, they can. With a strong bond and relationship, there’s nothing they enjoy more than cuddling up with their owner. If you own a teacup Chihuahua, you know how special he or she is to you. They lose body heat quickly, and just as you shake when you are cold, so will your Chihuahua. Chihuahuas love attention. 19-Chihuahuas are considered a ”natural” dog because their coats are not sheared or clipped, and their tails and ears are not docked. I’m an experienced dog mom that shares what I know about Chihuahuas and dogs in general. They're picky eaters and make a mess on the carpet, won't take their meds, have to be told to go "outsie" on schedule, if they don't like what you are saying they just look away. 42-The Toltec and Aztec Indian tribes in Mexico considered Chihuahuas to be sacred. These dogs love hard, and their loyalty is endless. So, if you want a dog that you can form a close bond with that is loyal to you, then the Chihuahua is definitely the dog breed to consider adding to your family. when it comes to size, I have to say that my Hector gets along much much better with bigger or even big dogs, rather than small ones. Because of their small size, they have been known to be swooped up by eagles and hawks, attacked by wolves, coyotes, and even alligators. Short coated Chis shed all the time. I'm an avid dog lover and I've had many dogs throughout my life. 32-Chihuahuas can range from 1 to 10 pounds. You should never attach a leash to your Chihuahua’s collar because their little necks are fragile. They can be clingy. I'm curious, was your dog's mom the german shepherd or was the dad? This dog, which was referred to as the “Techichi” was believed to be a larger version of what we now know as the Chihuahua. Dang, I wish it would work for me! After the dog died, the servant was killed so she could continue to serve the dog in death. Chihuahua’s love their home and what they know is theirs. 45-Some says that Christopher Columbus believed this breed was mute when he first came across them. This can be one of the reasons why your Chihuahua will lick you a lot. 31-Chihuahuas are the ultimate snob. True. A lot. What an awful state of mind for that dog to live with. However, this dog breed is one of the smallest in the world – they can weigh as much as 3 kg. 24- In over 100 years of the show’s history, a Chihuahua has never won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. You can run around after them, but they love coming after you as well. Chis are the only breed with that trait. Thanks for sharing about them Shannon! Chihuahuas are very alert and because they can be wary of strangers (if not socialized properly) they love to bark at them – especially anyone who enters their turf. Pet parents need to be aware that one of the biggest health problems Chihuahuas face is obesity, and focus on proper nutrition and portion sizes for their Chihuahuas. I try to be worthy of their love as much as I can. 30-Despite their bravado, Chihuahuas are the smallest dog in the world. They love to be held, carried around, and they’ll often curl up on your laps. Just like most dogs, Chihuahuas wag their tails wildly when excited but this isn’t just enough for them. But they do go to bed when told to, go to their place when I have to go out and love their "Happy Place" (the couch). Well that’s probably an understatement. She hates being picked up, held, and does NOT want to be on your lap. Most of the time, no. They shed even more if they have not been spayed because of the hormones. Sometimes it seems that chihuahuas are their own breed of animal, completely different from other dogs. 37-Other stars to own Chihuahuas are Reese Witherspoon, George Lopez, Rosie O’Donnell, Mickey Rourke, Madonna, Brian Littrell, Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis, Paula Abdul, Kimberly Stewart, Britney Spears, Sharon Osborne, Katherine McPhee, Anne Heche, Hillary Duff, Christina Rici, Alyssa Milano, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Paris Hilton. Some of what I share are researched facts; some of it is what I have learned from living and working with dogs all my life; and some is just my opinion or the opinion of other pet parents. This is one of the most lovable traits of a Chihuahua; they love to kiss their owners. The dark side of their big personalities is that chis can be demanding. 18-Chihuahuas were used as hot packs in ancient times. Pros. Other Reddit users chimed in, saying “that’s pretty typical” for a Chihuahua. Here are a few related posts you might also like: Thanks for the interesting read. Like all dogs, a Chihuahua will periodically shed its fur. Fetch is an old staple, but the connection with their owners also leads Chihuahuas to love chase. 53-There is some belief that Chihuahuas may have some roots in the Mediterranean and became established on the island of Malta. 1-You should never attach a leash to your Chihuahua’s collar because their little necks are fragile. 14-The Aztecs believed the early ancestors of the Chihuahua had the power to take a disease from a human and transfer it to themselves as a way of protecting their owner. One theory is that Fennec foxes helped to develop the breed. The color varieties are as big as you can imagine. So, I decided it would be fun to gather together 55 facts about these wonderful little pups. 54-Chihuahuas are the second most euthanized breed in shelters. Chihuahuas love nothing better than to snuggle in the lap of their favorite human. Author has 1.9K answers and 326.6K answer views Most chihuahuas love to sleep touching their chosen owner. I went through them and made a list and will share with you the most common answers. They soon became popular among the border states of Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Well-meaning owners love to give their Chihuahuas treats and table scraps, and it only takes a few of these treats to easily end up being 1/3 of the daily calorie need of a Chihuahua. 6. Many Chihuahua owners, tend to carry there dog around with them, like a handbag. 59- We mentioned earlier how they were known in Texas and Arizona, but did you know that a feral pack of Chihuahuas actually took over and terrorized a town in Arizona back in 2014? Were any of them a surprise to you? When I rescued my first Chihuahua, I was hooked on the breed. 58- Tiny dogs are often considered to be the most aggressive toward humans and those not in their dog breed because some feel they are trying to compensate for their small size. If they aren’t up by six months of age, they probably aren’t going to go up. LOL, yes they are definitely different than other dog breeds. Chihuahuas shake when they are nervous or upset. The great news is that owners do have the ability to impact the lifespan of their Chihuahuas. 15-The ancient Aztecs also thought Chihuahuas could take away their sins. 16-Along with being called the Arizona dog, Chis were also called the Texas dog in their early days in the USA. They prefer to get their whole body into the act. I haven’t met one yet that doesn’t do it to some degree. For such tiny little dogs, chihuahuas have strong personalities. When they love you, they love you with all their heart, soul and being. They will also let you know if someone is walking by on the sidewalk, or a leaf is blowing across the yard. If I stop, she scratches my ankles until I give in. They will also shed more than normal after delivering pups. Or just a Chloe thing? They kept the dogs so they could help them reach the afterlife when they died. They love to be near their person. Chihuahuas can live a long time. The feral pack was blamed on the animals not being spayed and neutered which allowed them to run rampant and mate as they wanted. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. A human’s resting heart rate is between 60-100 beats a minute. However, it was believed to have mystical powers. I have a chihuahua name CeCa she has been in my family for 7 years old,one day she got up and would not have anything to do with me she is scared of me I have never hurt her anyway what can I do to make her love me again. The dog has it’s origins in Chihuahua City, in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Although a reader told me that she read that the dog’s name was Maf after hearing Frank Sinatra talk about the Mafia. Training is easy because they are such quick learners. The best way to ensure a good relationship with your Chihuahua is to care for it well. However, he didn’t make a written record that the dogs were mute. It doesn’t mean I don’t love and have other dog breeds, but there is something special and different about chihuahuas. And the hair falling from their ears is called Fringe. 52-Female Chis shed more than males. 9-Remember the Taco Bell dog? This was a big one among chihuahua owners and it’s one I hear about every day from readers. Let’s face it. They can be bossy. Chihuahuas instinctively guard their owners against any person or animal they perceive as a threat. 55-Chihuahuas can love everyone in their family, but they usually bond very strongly with one person. A Chihuahua lifespan averages between 12-15 years, but some have been known to live well over 20! Can you relate to it? A Chihuahua has a life expectancy of 12 to 20 years. That’s a lot of pups for a Chi mama! Chihuahuas enjoy the companionship of other Chihuahuas. All dogs are loyal but I had never seen the same degree of loyalty a chihuahua has in any other breed, have you? Please notice I said “can“. You will have a constant tiny shadow. These little balls of fur are the purest form of love. Per some elderly people my father grew up around they said if we got a chihuahua it would cure my brothers asthma and allergies. They are incredibly easy to train and are very smart. Unfortunately for the poor Chihuahuas, though, that meant they were sometimes used as sacrifices in religious ceremonies. Maybe that’s why they always want to be sitting on us. Please check with your veterinarian before taking medical advice, introducing a new food, treat or supplement, or to confirm anything else I suggest here to be sure it is a good fit for your dog. Some may argue that this dog breed borders on genius! Sometimes they can be two tones too. I heard more than once “My chihuahua owns me“. If she lies down she sleeps on her chest. It's no wonder that so many Chihuahuas are neurotic when they're made that way by their owners. (My Lucas has a dark brown and pink nose). Spoiling is a dreadful way to raise a dog; all it does is make the owner feel good, while creating an insecure dog who barks manically whenever he sees something that looks or sounds unfamiliar. The facts are just a little bit different. 13-Chihuahuas come in over 30 different varieties and colors! In 1980 a Fennec fox was successfully bred with a Chihuahua. in temperatures of 35-40 degrees fahrenheit, it is recommended that you dress your chihuahua in a warm dog sweater for brief walks. Chihuahuas make good watch dogs. Another thing she HATES is baths; is that a Chi thing? … 11-Chihuahua puppies are born with floppy ears. Well over 700 responses, closer to 800! Chihuahuas are extremely trainable dogs, capable of learning all kinds of cute tricks, but at the minimum they will give their owners much greater pleasure if taught basic manners as all dogs should be. Got an older female lab, and he followed her everywhere and learned to go outside to do his business from her. He must have come across a Chi that was a bit shy, and he did make a note in his journal that the breed seemed rather quiet. Many are from our weekly newsletter, but some aren’t. I know I am totally in love with the breed. It can be annoying and doesn’t help their bad reputation. 12-Chis with floppy ears are not the standard in the breed, but they can still be purebred Chihuahuas and have ears that lay down instead of standing up. (Not true, I still have asthma. For this reason, the dog owner is urged to socialize their Chihuahua early on with other people and animals. Chihuahuas can come in just about any color combination. 21-A legend of an Aztec princess during the time the Aztecs ruled the Mexican states that she kept over a thousand tiny dogs (believed to be the ancestors of today’s Chihuahuas) and each dog had its own servant. We hope you were able to learn a bit more about this breed. 3-Completely white Chis are the rarest of all the colors. New owners learn very quickly to pat down any soft furnishings before sitting, for fear of squishing a … They can also be feisty, saucy, and strong-willed. One of the best things about the Chihuahua is how much they love their people. Chihuahuas can live anywhere from 11-18 years! When a Chihuahua befriends another dog, it will lick and spruce up his canine friend too. Lucy does it when she wants me rub her belly with my toes. The small dogs, while affectionate, are quite stubborn. I'm an avid dog lover and I've had many dogs throughout my life. That myth is still alive and well today. Other breeds of dogs that are thought to make up a Chihuahuas descendants are the Perro Chihuahueno, Maltese Pocket Dog, the Papillon, and the Chinese Crested. thank you for these interesting facts! Due to their personality, it is common for us to want to return a gesture of affection as proof that we also love them. Consult your veterinarian about an appropriate diet if your pet has a health condition or is gaining too much weight. Sometimes it is on their legs, other times it is on their laps, around their necks, plastered alongside any part of their owners, under … It can be wiry or silky and can be a single coat or double coat. When I rescued my first Chihuahua, I was hooked on the breed. I wonder if she had a nightmare about you and didn't realize it was a dream. They become very protective of their owners, especially around strangers and children. Papillons were bred with short hair Chis to make long hair Chis. That’s why (as so many people pointed out) you have to be very careful before sitting down so you don’t sit on them. Their hair also comes in long, short, or mid-coat. My dad got our first chihuahua. They can be socialised and learn to like other animals but will mostly prefer their owner or other chihuahuas. Her real name was Gidget, and she was in hundreds of commercials (not all for Taco Bell). Historians agree that he must have been surprised by his discovery of the Chihuahua, a dog never previously seen by the Europeans. It’s a generalization. Dani looks expectantly at her owner to make sure everything is okay and that she can be around a stranger with a camera. Once they decide they love you, you will never have a moment alone again. I have a Chi/GSD mix (yes, you read that correctly) who I swear has no clue she's Chihuahua. I know one of my chihuahuas does this (as does my yorkie too) but I didn’t realize it’s such a common thing. Not all chis are like this but many do have some sort of issue to some degree. They love attention. She rarely shakes, only when super scared. This is plausible. GSD thing? He sounds like a wonderful little guy. 51-Chihuahuas have more Cesarean sections than any other breed due to the newborns’ extremely large head in relation to their body and the narrow width of most Chi females. That is so weird. A small dog similar to a chihuahua lived there that had a Molera (soft spot on the head). The Chihuahua may be small on the outside, but inside there is a big and strong-willed character. Home » Chihuahua Facts » 13 Things Only a Chihuahua Owner Understands. True. 38-Just like human babies, Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on their heads called a Molera that usually closes up after a year. I think they should change the phrase “Napoleon Complex” to “Chihuahua Complex”. Lucy does this to me a lot but I didn’t realize this was so prevalent among chihuahuas. Even though teacup Chihuahuas require extra care, they make excellent pets for devoted, responsible owners. This is also the reason why the Chihuahua owners form a much stronger community then other dogbreeds. He is brave, attentive and lively. Training. I’m sure many of you know some of them, but there may be some surprises for you. She did! These are tiny dogs and they have that high metabolism. Love all of my furbabies and if I ask you not to bother them, respect that. he also prefers the big ladies, especially labradors and golden retrievers. Hopefully she will come around. 7-The folks in the US first became aware of Chihuahuas when they found them in the Mexican state of Chihuahua around 1850. This was the top answer. walking your chihuahua in temperatures below 35 degrees fahrenheit is strongly discouraged, especially when there is a wind-chill factor. Now that’s loyalty! Normal sized Chihuahuas are also strong, persistent and robust. 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