Chihuahua Facts for Kids

Kids love dogs and dogs love kids. I decided to write a post about interesting chihuahua facts that kids would like though I believe adults may find it interesting too. 

Check out our main post that showcases all our chihuahua fact articles!

Ready? Let’s get started!

• Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog. They are named after Chihuahua, a state in the country of Mexico.
• Known as a companion dog, Chihuahuas can have either short hair or long hair.
• They can live to be 18 years old or more if kept healthy and fit.

Here are some more interesting facts about this tiny breed.

Appearance

• Chihuahuas weigh between 3 to 6 pounds.
• They stand 6 to 9 inches tall when measured from the floor to the top of their shoulders.
• All Chihuahuas were originally short-haired.
• They were bred with Papillons to create a long-haired version.
• Brown, black, white, and tan in color, these dogs actually have 30 different shades of color and varieties.
• Noses can also be different colors. Brown, pink, gray, or black are possible shades. They can also have a two-toned nose.
• The rarest of them all is a completely white variety.
• They have the largest color combinations of any breed.
• The type of coat is also varied. Long-haired dogs can have more than one layer of hair.
• Some can have wiry or silky coats.
• Sharp pointed ears are a characteristic of this breed.
• This breed is born with floppy ears. They begin to stand to attention as they grow older.
• Some Chihuahua ears that never do stand up.
• It is possible for a purebred Chihuahua to have floppy ears. 

Health and Activity

• Chihuahuas are known to shiver when cold, frightened, or excited.
• Their tiny bodies do not handle damp and cold outside conditions.
• Dress them in a sweater to protect against the wind and frigid temperatures that can cause health issues.
• Most people think that Chihuahuas need lots of outdoor physical activity. However, running around the house for 30 minutes will keep this breed happy and healthy.
• Toy dogs, such as Chihuahuas can develop heart murmurs or heart disease. Regular visits to the vet can catch these conditions early for proper treatment.
• Low blood sugar is another illness that can make this breed appear tired and listless.
• One thing about  most Chihuahuas is that if they slow down you know something is wrong! 

Personality

• Personality is all over this little munchkin. They love their human families and will do whatever is necessary to be included.
• Experts place Chihuahuas in the top ten breeds for watchdogs.
• Affectionate and protective, they are generally not friendly toward strangers unless you show them they do not pose a danger.
• They are intelligent and fairly easy to train (except maybe with potty-training).
• The best way to train Chihuahuas is by lavishing them with praise when they follow commands. 
• They do not respond to harsh treatment very well so save your yelling.
• It is better to keep Chihuahuas away from children under 8 years old. The problem is not with the chi, but with a young child unintentionally harming the small dog. It will bite if harmed. 

History

• No one knows for sure where Chihuahuas originated.
• The most popular theory is that they came from Mexico since bones were found in a Mexican tomb in 300 BC.
• It is further believed that Chihuahuas were so plentiful in Mexico that they were sold as food by the Aztec tribe.
• Another theory is that Chihuahuas evolved from foxes.
• The fennec fox is known for its big ears and luminous eyes. Found in Arabian nations like Morocco and Egypt, these foxes look very similar to Chihuahuas. In fact, we all know that one species cannot breed and have offspring with a different species. It has been proven that foxes and Chihuahuas have successfully been bred and produced puppies. 

Other Facts

• Long-haired Chihuahuas shed less than short-haired Chihuahuas. Long hairs do shed but only twice a year. Short hairs shed constantly.
• Chihuahuas get so attached to their owners that some have been known to die from a broken heart when separated from their master.
• This breed has never won the Best of Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Show.
• Movie star Marilyn Monroe once owned a Chi. Other noted Chihuahua owners include George Lopez, Brittany Spears, Madonna, Reese Witherspoon, Jamie Lee Curtis, Paula Abdul and Rosie O’Donnell.
• Full-blooded Chihuahuas can have an apple-shaped head or a deer-shaped head. The Chihuahua Club of America (CCA) uses the apple-shaped head breed as the standard. This means if you were to enter your Chihuahua in shows, they should be an apple-head.
• The largest recorded litter of pups born to this breed was 10. They normally have 4 pups.
• The first artwork with Chihuahuas in it was in 300 BC.
• Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot on the crown of their heads just like human babies. This is called a molera and usually will harden up as they get older. But sometimes it will remain soft.
• Chihuahuas used to run wild in packs across the deserts of America. There are a few groups left that can be seen in Arizona.
• Wild Chihuahuas used to climb trees. They were often mistaken as monkeys.
• Even though Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, they have big personalities! They can be very brave and confident, sometimes even bossing around bigger dogs.
• A Chihuahua named Miracle Milly holds the world record for being the smallest dog in the world, measuring just under 4 inches tall!
• Chihuahuas often love to lie in the sun. Because they are so small and originally came from a hot climate, they can get cold easily, and sunbathing helps them stay warm.
• For their small size, Chihuahuas have big brains compared to their bodies, making them very smart and quick learners.
• Chihuahuas love to burrow under blankets or pillows. This might be because their ancestors lived in warmer climates and Chihuahuas love to stay cozy!

Regardless of where Chihuahuas first came from or how they became pets, they are one of the most compassionate and protective animals that man could have.

Hope you enjoyed these facts!