Chihuahua Facts for Kids

The popularity of chihuahuas has increased dramatically over past few years. Both kids and adults are fascinated by the idea of bringing home a chihuahua puppy. Chihuahua is not a new dog breed. Archaeologists have found evidences of chihuahuas buried with human beings in ancient Mexico and in the United States. In fact, chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breed. These small cute dogs are favorites of all, especially kids.

Interesting Facts about Chihuahuas

• Chihuahuas have excessively small body but they look pretty and attractive because of their luminous and sparkling eyes and over sized ears.
• The small chihuahuas are often called 'teacup' chihuahuas, but the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register any such type or variety of chihuahuas and so it cannot be considered as a legitimate name.
• Chihuahua dog facts inform us that chihuahuas were present in the 9th century A.D. This breed is supposed to be descended from the fennec fox.
• In the Guinness book of records, chihuahuas are not considered as the smallest dogs in the world. Yorkshire Terrier is the smallest dog in the world. But even the smallest dogs can prove to be dangerous for kids.
• The long-coated and the short-coated are the two legitimate varieties of chihuahuas. White, black, fawn, chocolate, brindle, silver, merle and blue gray chihuahuas are common. Some chihuahuas are multicolored, such as black, blue and chocolate with tan and white markings.
• Though they are tiny and delicate, they compensate their size with devotion, spunk and personality. Their movements are swift and graceful. They are bold, alert and lively.
• According to the chihuahua facts, chihuahuas weigh about 1-6 lbs. Their height is about 5-9 inches. They are so gentle and sweet-tempered that they easily get adapted in the new environment. With proper care, they can live up to 16 years.
• Chihuahuas enjoy the companionship of other chihuahuas more. There is a soft spot in their skull which is known as 'moleras'. It fills in with age but you should take utmost care and try to prevent injuries.
• Instead of giving 1-2 big meals to chihuahuas, they should be given several small meals. They have a delicate digestive system, so it is better to avoid canned food. It is more likely to cause diarrhea. Dry food, rich in nutrients, can be mixed with some canned food and can be given.
• Owners of chihuahuas need to take proper care of their cuddly little pets as they are likely to suffer from jawbone disorders, vision problems, heart disease and tooth and gum problems.
• Taking them for walks with you can make them happy. They don't require any special exercise as such.
• The name 'chihuahua' comes from their place of the origin, Chihuahua in Mexico, where they were discovered in 1850.
• If the body size is taken into consideration, then it is a fact that chihuahuas have a relatively large brain among all dog breeds!
• Chihuahua facts inform us that the largest known litter of a chihuahua contained ten puppies! I know kids love reading such facts.
• Chihuahua were considered as sacred animals by the Aztec and Toltec tribes of Mexico.
• They have such a short nose that it often makes them wheeze and snore.
• Records show that the first chihuahua was accepted and registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.
• Chihuahuas are known for their apple-shaped heads. They have pointed muzzles which add to their beauty.
• Miniature teacup chihuahuas are enlisted under 'Toy Dog Group'. These puppies are very expensive and hence are usually owned by rich people.
• Short coat chihuahuas need occasional brushing. They shed a fair amount of hair.
• Training a chihuahua can be a job of excessive patience! They learn new commands very slowly.
• Chihuahua is an excellent apartment dog. Without thinking about his own size, he can unwisely and happily take on a dog twenty times his size! So owners need to take care of their small chihuahuas.

I hope the above chihuahua facts were informative and enjoyable. This small pretty dog is loyal and intelligent, but he may nip at a child who is irritating him. He can be snappy when teased. So chihuahuas should be kept away from small children.