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.
• There are some 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 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 Chihuahuas is that if they slow down you know something is wrong! 

Personality

• Personality is all over this little hyper mover. They love their human families and will do whatever is necessary to be included.
• Experts place Chihuahuas in the top ten breeds for watch dogs.
• Affectionate and protective, they are not friendly toward strangers unless you show them that they do not pose a danger.
• They are intelligent and fairly easy to train.
• 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 familiar 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. 

Unusual 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 Chi 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.
• 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.
• Chihuahuas used to run wild in packs across the desserts 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.

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

Hope you enjoyed these facts!