Super facts about chihuahuas

There are lots of myths and legends about chihuahuas. Some ideas have their roots in ancient myths and some are just plain silly nonsense. Here are 8 super facts about chihuahuas

Chihuahuas shiver all the time

Not all chihuahuas shake and shiver. If a chi is shaking excessively they could be cold, or anxious. He could have low blood sugar, an ear infection or a more serious underlying problem. If your chi shakes all the time maybe get him checked out by a vet.

Not all chihuahua shiver all the time

Chihuahuas are indoor dogs?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Chihuahuas like a walk and a rummage like any other dog. Getting out in the fresh air for a sniff about is good for their mental well-being. Chihuahuas are rocking dog agility.

Chihuahua are curious and active, they love to get out doors for a rumage and a sniff.

Chihuahuas are highly intelligent

Some debate on this, they have the largest brain to body ratio but does this affect their IQ? They are reported to have; “Fair Working Intelligence”. They are highly trainable if you can get past their stubborn streak! How smart is your chihuahua?

Chihuahua have the largest brain to body ratio

Chihuahuas don’t shed

Chihuahuas do shed, both long and short coat. There has been some suggestion that short coat chis shed more than the long coat. Some chihuahuas have an undercoat they will shed twice a year. But they are a light shedder compared to other breeds.

Chihuahuas do shed, but lighter than other dogs

Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world

They are the smallest dog breed, but the original chihuahua were not so tiny. It is selective breeding that has reduced the chi to the size it is today. Some chis will grow to the size of a small terrier and this is more their original heritage size. Merle chihuahuas are reported to grow larger than the average chihuahua.

Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, but the original chis were not this small.

Chihuahuas were not always named after the Mexican state.

Originally, they were called the “Arizona Dog”, especially within America. This made sense because “Chihuahua” is notoriously difficult to spell. Some people spell it chiwawa.

I type this word a hundred times a day and still get it wrong

Chihuahuas live a long time

They do have a long-life span, some will live to 18 – 20 years. The oldest know Chihuahua was called Megabyte. He lived until he was 20 years & 265 days old. Megabyte died on 01 January 2014.

Chihuahua have the widest range of coat colours

They do have one of the widest range of coat colours than other dog breeds. Their nearest rival is the border collie.

Chis and border collies have a large selection of coat colours

Chihuahuas are hypoallergenic?

Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic. Although it is reported that people who have allergies can tolerate chihuahuas there is no medical evidence to support this. There is an ancient myth that chihuahuas can cure their owner’s ailments such as asthma and this is probably where this idea came from. It is not a good idea to buy a chihuahua based on this idea.

Chihuahuas can cause allergies the same as other dogs

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