101 Fun Chihuahua Facts That You Need To Know (#6 = Weird)

Want to know more about Chihuahuas? 

Great!

Here you’ll discover 101 fun facts about these tiny fluffy creatures (#6 is super weird).

I’ll reveal…

• How long Chihuahuas live and where they come from.
• How many different Chihuahua types there are (+interesting facts about each one of them).
• Which Chihuahua type sheds less: long-haired or short-haired (the answer in #9 might surprise you).
• And more…

101 fun Chihuahua facts

There are so many fun and interesting facts about Chihuahuas. Some of them you may already know, but others might surprise you! Like, did you know that Chihuahuas are born with floppy ears? It’s true! Their ears begin to stand erect as they grow older. Fascinating, right? 

Even if you are familiar with the breed, there are for sure some things that you don’t know about Chihuahuas. 

Read on to explore 101 totally fun and fascinating facts about these small, energetic pooches…

#1: Their noses can be different colors

The colors of a Chihuahua’s nose can vary from black to pink, gray, and brown. Sometimes they can even feature two or more tones too!

#2: Completely white Chihuahuas are the rarest

Chihuahuas come in a huge variety of different colors. The ones that are completely white are the rarest. 

#3: Chihuahuas were discovered in the Mexican state of Chihuahua

The US first discovered Chihuahuas in around 1850 in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. They very quickly became popular in bordering US states such as New Mexico, California, Arizona, and Texas.

#4: They are born with floppy ears

Chihuahua puppies are born with floppy ears.

They begin to stand erect as they get older.

If they aren’t erect by the time the pup is six months old, then they probably aren’t going to go up.

#5: They come in over 30 varieties of colors

These colors include black, white, brown, red, silver, blue, and many more. Many Chihuahuas are also a mixture of two or more colors!

#6: Aztecs believed Chihuahuas had healing powers

The early Aztecs believed that the ancestors of Chihuahuas had powers that allowed them to take disease from a human and transfer it to themselves to protect their owner. This myth is still believed in some cases to this day. 

#7: Aztecs believed Chihuahuas could take away their sins

As well as believing they could take your diseases away, ancient Aztecs also believed that Chihuahuas had the power to take away their sins. 

#8: They were once used as hot packs

Chihuahuas were once used as hot packs in ancient times. This, perhaps, explains why they always want to be sat on your lap. 

#9: Long-haired Chihuahuas shed less hair than short haired ones

Long-haired Chihuahuas shed hair twice a year whereas short-haired Chihuahuas shed hair all year long. 

#10: Never has a Chihuahua won best in show at the Westminster kennel club show

Despite over 10 years of the show’s history, a Chihuahua has never won the Best in Show prize. That’s a real shame!  

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Top 10 interesting Chihuahua facts

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#11: Harness is always better

You should avoid attaching a leash to a Chihuahua’s collar. Chihuahuas’ necks are very fragile and can become damaged. Instead, you should opt for a harness that is much safer.

#12: They’re now smaller than ever

Chihuahuas used to be larger than they are now.

It’s thought that they were bred with the Chinese Crested in order to make them even smaller. 

#13: The average size of a Chihuahua’s litter is 4 puppies

This is relatively small in comparison to other dog breeds. However, their small size contributes to the number of pups that the mum can carry at once. 

#14: Chihuahuas can die of a broken heart

Chihuahuas are extremely loyal dogs. Some of them have actually died of a broken heart after the death of their owner. 

#15: Apple headed Chihuahuas are the standard for the breed

There are both apple-headed and deer headed Chihuahuas. Despite that, it is stated that the standard for the breed is the apple headed Chihuahua. 

#16: Chihuahuas have the largest color combinations of any breed

They can come in just about any combination of colors. The color varieties are huge and this makes every single Chihuahua unique. 

#17: Their coats vary

A Chihuahua’s coat can vary from long or short. It can be silky or wiry, and it can be a double coat or single coat. 

#18: Long-haired Chihuahuas have their own fur lingo

Their tail is called a Plume. The hair falling from their ears is called a Fringe. As to the hair on their legs, it is called Furnishings – how cute! 

#19: Two short-haired Chihuahuas can produce a long-haired Chihuahua 

Chihuahuas have dominant and recessive genes. This means that they can produce both long or short-haired puppies, despite the length of hair on each parent. 

#20: Their resting heartbeat is much higher than humans

A Chihuahua has a resting heartbeat of around 100-140 beats per minute. Whereas a human has a resting heartbeat of around 60-100 beats per minute. 

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10 Teacup Chihuahua facts

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#21: They usually weigh 3 pounds or less 

There is no minimum weight that applies to Chihuahuas.

But one thing to know about teacup Chihuahuas is that they usually weigh less than 3 pounds. 

#22: Some never grow larger than the palm of your hand

Some teacup Chihuahuas stay extremely small.

So small, in fact, that they are often mistaken for puppies throughout their entire lives. 

#23: They are the runts of the litter

The term “teacup Chihuahua” is actually a branding phrase for small Chihuahuas. These are usually the runts of the litter. They look exactly the same as other Chihuahuas, with the only difference that they’re just a bit smaller. 

#24: Breeders created the term “teacup”

The word “teacup” Chihuahua is something that breeders came up with. The goal was to make runts more appealing to buyers. The term also allows them to charge more. It makes the tiny Chihuahuas more appealing to people interested in a small Chihuahua. 

#25: They often never grow taller than 6 inches

The “teacup” variety of Chihuahuas are extremely small in size and often never grow taller than 6 inches in height. To get a better idea of the size – that’s smaller than the height of an average pencil!

#26: They’re prone to a number of health issues 

Due to their tiny size, teacup Chihuahuas can be prone to many health issues. Their tiny frames are very delicate. This means that they can very easily be injured. 

#27: Teacup Chihuahuas live shorter lives than other Chihuahuas

Unfortunately, the smaller the Chihuahua, the more likely it is to have a shorter lifespan. This is because their tiny frames simply aren’t designed to support a long life. A teacup Chihuahua that is a result of two runts being bred will usually have an even shorter lifespan. 

#28: The world’s smallest dog is a teacup Chihuahua

The Guinness World Record for the smallest living dog was given to a female Chihuahua in 2013. The little pup was only 3.8 inches in height and weighed less than an ounce at birth.

She was so small that she could fit on a teaspoon. That’s why she was often labeled as the “teaspoon Chihuahua”. 

#29: Teacup Chihuahuas are bigger divas than other Chihuahuas

They are known to have shorter tempers and can end up growing up to be more aggressive than standard Chihuahuas. 

#30: They have tiny lungs

The especially tiny lungs that Chihuahuas have can make them susceptible to a number of respiratory illnesses.

Even more so than the standard size of Chihuahua.

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10 Long-haired Chihuahua facts

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#31: They are often overlooked

When people think of Chihuahuas, they usually think of the short-haired variety. However, the long-haired Chihuahuas have just as must energy and spunk as the short-haired ones. 

#32: They get cold easily

Despite their furry coat, long-haired Chihuahuas still don’t handle the cold well.

They do, after all, originally come from a hot climate. Their small bodies lose heat a lot more quickly than larger pets. 

#33: They love a good sweater

Many Chihuahua owners like to dress their little dogs up in cute sweaters.

While some may see this as cruel, it is actually great for keeping the Chihuahua warm. Especially in the colder months. 

Check out: Do Chihuahuas Need Clothes? 7 Things You Should Know

#34: Males are fluffier

Due to their genetics, male long-haired Chihuahuas tend to have longer luscious coats than females. This makes males look a lot fluffier than females. 

#35: The gene for long hair in Chihuahuas is recessive

This means that even two short-haired Chihuahuas can end up having a long-haired Chihuahua puppy. Both long and short-haired puppies can be born out of the same litter. Due to it being a recessive gene, long-haired Chihuahuas are less common than short-haired ones. 

#36: Long-haired puppies don’t always have very long hair

The fur on a long-haired Chihuahua can take a very long time to grow. Some long-haired Chihuahuas can take up to two years to get their long coat. 

#37: They are the same size as short-haired Chihuahuas

Both long and short-haired Chihuahuas belong to the same breed. As a result, they share many of the same characteristics, including size. 

#38: They love being brushed

Long-haired Chihuahuas love being brushed, and it is also great for them. Brushing regularly removes any build-ups of dirt within their fur. It also prevents the fur from becoming matted or tangled.

#39: They live for 15 to 20 years

The average lifespan of a long-haired Chihuahua is around 15-20 years.

This is basically the same as the life-span of a short haired Chihuahua.

#40: Their tails take a lot of upkeep

The tail on a long-haired Chihuahua is the most likely part to pick up dirt. It can also collect excess urine and poop. 

With this in mind, the tail on a log haired Chihuahua will need to be washed and brushed regularly. 

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5 Apple Head Chihuahua facts

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#41: The apple-shaped head is considered the breed standard for Chihuahuas

This means that some other types of Chihuahuas, such as deer head Chihuahuas might not be considered real Chihuahuas. They are, they’re just not the breed standard. 

#42: They’re the most expensive type of Chihuahua

As the breed standard, apple head Chihuahuas are more expensive than any other type of Chihuahua. 

#43: They have existed since ancient times

Archaeologists have found drawings of Chihuahua-like dogs with apple-shaped heads in Central America. These drawings are hundreds of years old and might date back to the years before Christopher Columbus came to America. 

#44: They sometimes have a hole in their head

When apple-head Chihuahuas are born, they sometimes have a hole in their head. This is called a molera and it happens as a result of the skull not fusing all the way. 

#45: They have a shorter muzzle than other Chihuahua types

The head shape of an apple-head Chihuahua sets them apart and it also causes a shorter muzzle. This gives the apple-head Chihuahuas their classic Chihuahua look. 

Reading further: 29 Fun Apple Head Chihuahua Facts (+Pictures And Tips)

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5 Deer Head Chihuahua facts

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#46: They’re usually bigger than apple-heads

Standard Chihuahuas usually weigh 6 pounds or under. Deer head Chihuahuas however can weigh up to 12 pounds.

#47: They have longer legs

Deer head Chihuahuas have longer legs than other types of Chihuahuas. This makes them appear quite a bit bigger and defines them with their own unique characteristic.

#48: They are usually fawn-colored

Although the deer head Chihuahuas can come in any color, they are most often fawn-colored. 

Some other colors you might find on a deer head Chihuahua include black, red, chocolate, silver, white, and blue. 

#49: They come in many patterns

Deer head Chihuahuas can come in a number of different patterns. Some of them are tri-colored, spotted, piebald, splashed, or marked. Look out for varieties of colors within the patterns. 

#50: They have fewer health problems than apple heads

It is thought that this is due to the fact that deer head Chihuahuas tend to be larger than apple heads or other types of Chihuahuas.

The smaller the dog, the more health problems it is prone to. This explains why deer heads tend to be less prone to health issues. 

Reading further: 21 Interesting Deer Head Chihuahua Facts (With Pics & Tips)

51 more fun and interesting Chihuahua facts that you need to know

There are some more facts about Chihuahuas that everyone needs to know. 

#51: They live for a long time

Chihuahuas are one of the most long-lived breeds. Their lifespan is an average of 12-15 years. Some have even been known to live way over the age of 20!

#52: It’s rumored that Chihuahuas are a cross between a rodent and a dog

This rumor first came about in the 1800s and some people still believe the rumors to this day!

#53: Marilyn Monroe owned a Chihuahua

The details about Marilyn Monroe’s Chihuahua are hard to find.

Nobody seems to know their name, gender, or any other details about them. To this very day, her dog remains a mystery. 

#54: A LOT of celebrities own Chihuahuas

Some other celebrities that have owned Chihuahuas include:

• Madonna.
• Hillary Duff.
• Paris Hilton.
• Brian Littrel.
• Paula Abdul.
• Christina Rici.
• Alyssa Milano.
• George Lopez.
• Mickey Rourke.
• Jennifer Lopez.
• Britney Spears.
• Rosie O’Donnell.
• Jamie Lee Curtis. 
• Sharon Osbourne.
• Reese Witherspoon.
• Jennifer Love Hewitt.
• And many more!

#55: Chihuahuas have large brains

Considering how tiny Chis are, the relation of their brain size to their body size is huge. 

#56: It’s easy to overfeed a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas probably don’t need anywhere near as much food as what you’re giving them. Most of the time, a Chihuahua only needs less than half a cup of food to last the entire day.

#57: The record for the largest number of pups in a Chihuahua litter is 10

That’s a lot of pups for a tiny Chihuahua mom to carry all at once! The average Chihuahua litter is about 3 puppies.

#58: Some Mexican tribes considered Chihuahuas to be sacred

The Aztec and Toltec tribes believed Chihuahuas to be a sacred animal.

Unfortunately, this meant that the poor pups were sometimes used as sacrifices in religious ceremonies.

#59: 1904 is the year the first Chihuahua was registered with the AKC

The dog’s name was Midget, and he was owned by H. Raynor who resided in El Pas, Texas.

#60: A popular urban legend says that Chihuahuas can cure asthma

This is, of course, not true. However, some people still do believe this myth. 

#61: Chihuahuas should always be supervised when outside

Due to their tiny size, Chihuahuas can easily get swooped up by hawks and eagles or attacked by wolves or coyotes. 

#62: Females shed more than males

Females shed more than males anyway. But they will shed even more so if they haven’t been spayed. This is due to hormone production. They also tend to shed a lot more after delivering a litter of puppies. 

#63: They tend to gravitate towards one person

Chihuahuas can love everyone within their family. However, they usually form a strong, special bond with just one person.

#64: A feral pack of Chihuahuas took over and terrorized an Arizona town back in 2014

There were more than 6000 calls made to animal control. 

The feral pack of Chihuahuas was blamed on the dogs not being spayed.

So, they were left alone to breed and run rampant. 

#65: Chihuahuas are classed as a toy breed

Chihuahuas are a toy breed and are classed as a lapdog companion. This classification comes from the American Kennel Club. 

#66: Chihuahuas are named after the Chihuahua state in Mexico

Chihuahua is Mexico’s largest state and has an area of 95,543 square miles. 

#67: The Chihuahua Club of America was founded in 1923

This is an official parent company of the AKC. It was founded to promote the responsible breeding of Chihuahuas. 

#68: They have a ‘clannish’ nature

Chihuahuas are the only breed to have this ‘clannish’ nature. This means they prefer the company of other Chihuahuas over any other breeds. 

#69: Chihuahuas were bred to be smaller

During the early days of the breed, the AKC encouraged selective breeding to produce smaller pups. 

#70: There is a minor league baseball team called the ‘El Paso Chihuahuas’

Unsurprisingly, the team’s mascot is a growling Chihuahua wearing a spiked collar.

#71: The word ‘Chihuahua’ means ‘between two waters’

It is derived from a Nahuatl word that means ‘between two waters.’ Historians believe this name can be dated back to as early as the early 1500s.

#72: Wild Chihuahuas are still seen in the U.S

In certain parts of the U.S, wild Chihuahuas can still be found, usually in packs. 

#73: Chihuahuas are celebrated on Cinco De Mayo

Since Chihuahuas originated in Mexico, they are often celebrated at Cinco De Mayo.

Many U.S cities will host events that include costume contests, Chihuahuas races, and parades.

#74: The world’s smallest dog by height is a Chihuahua

The world record for the smallest dog by height is held by a female Chihuahua named Miracle Milly.

When she was measured for the Guinness World Records, she was a mere 3.8 inches in height.

#75: The world’s smallest dog by length is also a Chihuahua

A different Chihuahua holds the title for the world’s smallest dog by length.

Heaven Sent Brandy is a long-coated Chihuahua who was just 6 inches long when measured for the Guinness World Records back in 2003.

#76: Wild Chihuahuas used to climb trees

It’s been said that wild Chihuahuas have been known to climb trees and almost vertical hills with the grace of a squirrel. 

#77: Chihuahuas are one of the oldest breeds recognised by the AKC

They were first recorded in 1903. Since then, there have been dozens of other breeds added to the list. 

#78: Chihuahuas were often gifted in bouquets

In the late 1800s and early 1900s in Mexico, a groom would often gift his bride with a bouquet of flowers that had a Chihuahua inside. 

#79: They have a natural instinct to burrow

No matter what it is, bedding, blankets, clothing – Chihuahuas will burrow under it.

This is an instinctual behavior for protection that was passed down through generations. 

#80: All small dogs in Northern Mexico and Southern U.S used to be called Chihuahuas

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, every single breed of small dog in this area was called a Chihuahua. 

#81: They are excellent watchdogs

Chihuahuas have a very strong sense of hearing and live in a constant state of awareness. This makes them excellent watchdogs. 

#82: “Chico” is the most popular Chihuahua name

Chico comes from the Spanish meaning ‘small boy’. This name seems fitting for a Chihuahua. 

#83: Police force in Japan have a search and rescue Chihuahua

He is a 6-pound long-coat Chihuahua named Momo. His small size allows him to crawl into tight spaces during searches. 

#84: They are prone to reverse sneezing

This is a condition in which air is pulled through the nose. A Chihuahua will often extend its head or neck while making wheezing sounds. 

#85: The word ‘Chihuahua’ is one of the most frequently misspelled words

If you have trouble spelling the word Chihuahua, you are not alone. Many people claim that it is one of the most difficult words to spell. 

#86: Taco Bell made Chihuahuas popular

They were popularized in the 90s when a set of TV commercials launched featuring a small Chihuahua dog named Gidget. 

#87: A Chihuahua in the U.K has a $19,000 wardrobe

The pup is owned by a professional dog groomer named Sian Butler. The owner claims to have spent over $19,000 on outfits for Lily, a fawn-colored Chihuahua. 

#88: Chihuahuas have more cesarean sections than any other breed

Due to the large heads of the pups and the narrow birth canal of the mother, Chihuahuas are often delivered via cesarean sections. 

#89: Chihuahuas have been featured in many movies

Lady and the Tramp, Legally Blonde, Oliver and Company, Beverly Hills Chihuahua – just to name a few! 

#90: Chihuahuas are prone to Patellar Luxation

This is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its groove and into the femur. 

#91: Chihuahuas are natural retrievers

Whether it be a ball, a stick, or a toy – Chihuahuas will retrieve just about anything you throw for them.

#92: There was once a world record set by 209 costume-wearing Chihuahuas

This happened on Daytona Beach in 2015 as a way of celebrating Cinco De Mayo.

A record was set for the largest gathering of Chihuahuas in costumes. 

#93: Chihuahuas are known to shake and shiver

This can be due to a number of reasons including increased or decreased body temperature, anxiety, and excitement.

#94: A Chihuahua was the first-ever dog to dine at the House of Commons

Rozavel Miguel, the lucky pup, wore a green jersey and a diamond encrusted collar for the annual British Mexican Society dinner held in 1952. 

#95: Chihuahuas have been known to nurse orphaned kittens

Who said cats and dogs can’t get along? Chihuahuas have been known to nurse orphaned and abandoned kittens. 

Don’t miss out on: Are Chihuahuas Good With Cats? The Truth + 17 Simple Tips

#96: Dental crowding is a major breed issue

Due to their small mouths, Chihuahuas often have dental problems. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It’s important to keep a Chihuahua’s mouth clean and healthy. 

#97: Chihuahuas are colorful

They come in a huge variety of different colors with a huge mix of patterns. The color and pattern combinations of Chihuahuas is almost endless!

#98: Chihuahuas have big personalities

They may be small, but they won’t go unnoticed! Chihuahuas are known to be feisty, sassy, bossy, and noisy. 

#99: Chihuahuas and humans have the same number one cause of death

The leading cause of death in both humans and Chihuahuas is cardiovascular disease.

#100: Short-haired Chihuahuas were originally bred with Papillons to make the long-haired type

Now both the long and short-haired versions of Chihuahuas are recognized by the AKC.

#101: They can exhibit ‘small dog syndrome’

This means that they often act aggressively and will bark at other dogs or humans. This is thought to be due to their size as they feel intimidated by larger beings.