Chihuahua Appreciation Day is coming up on May 14th. These tiny dogs have some big hearts, and legions of devoted fans. Fido is quite popular, and consistently makes the AKC’s list of top 20 breeds. A vet lists some fun facts about the Chihuahua below.
Tiny Dog
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds out there. According to breed standards, they should weigh no more than 6 pounds, though it’s not uncommon for some to be a little bigger than that.
Namesake
The Chihuahua originated in Mexico, and takes its name from the Mexican state Chihuahua. These devoted pups have been around for a very long time; they were around in pre-Columbian times, and were even kept by Aztecs. In fact,16th-century conquistadors noted seeing many small dogs with thin coats.
Colors
Fido can wear almost any color. He can also sport a variety of patterns, including solid, splashed, or marked. However, the merle coloring is no longer officially allowed by many professional breed associations, as the genetics responsible for those pretty coats has also been linked to serious health problems, such as hearing and vision issues.
AKC Welcome
Although Chihuahuas are a fairly ancient breed, they were fairly rare in the US until the early 1900’s. They were officially welcomed into the ranks of the AKC back in 1904.
They Can Be Feisty
Don’t let Fido’s size (or lack thereof) make you think that training isn’t important. Many Chihuahuas have a bit of a Napoleon complex, and seem to see themselves as much larger than they actually are. Even the tiniest dogs need to learn proper manners, just like any other pup.
Personality
This is one area in which Chihuahuas truly shine. These little guys absolutely love to snuggle up with their humans, and can often be found curled up in their owners’ laps. They’re also popular ‘purse’ dogs!
Longevity
One thing that may surprise you is the fact that Chihuahuas can be quite long-lived. They can get up to age 20 with proper care. That’s quite old for a dog!
Workouts
Chihuahuas are quite playful, and they are often very energetic. However, that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of time walking your canine pal. Fido can get quite a workout in just running around the house on those little legs!
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