Chihuahuas are one of the oldest and most popular breed of dog in the United States. These dogs are known for their small statue and feisty personality. They have been described as being fiercely loyal, fearless and as a lovable canine companion. These traits have contributed to the Chihuahua being among the animals featured in TV commercial and Hollywood blockbusters. Here are 5 interesting facts about Chihuahuas:
Size
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The biggest Chihuahuas are about nine inches tall and weigh about seven pounds. In 2013, the Guinness book of World Records measured the world’s smallest living dog -a Chihuahua named Miracle Millie. She is only 3.8 inches tall.
Origins
Chihuahuas have a long history that dates back to mid-19th century in Mexico. The early ancestor of the Chihuahua was the Techichi and remains of these dogs were discovered in Casas Grandes in the Mexican State called Chihuahua. This is where the name of the breed originated. In the time of the Mayans the dogs were utilized in religious ceremonies and it was often believe these dogs helped to escort their owners into the afterlife. Chihuahuas have been spotted in Mexican art dating all the way back to 200 B.C., including a spot in Bottiicelli’s Sistine Chapel Fresco.
Varieties
Chihuahuas have a great variety in coat color and markings. The breed contains more than 40 different colors and markings, including black, black-and-tan, white, cream, chocolate and red. There is also a variety of coat lengths from short to long. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
Breeding
The largest litter of Chihuahua puppies ever delivered occurred in September of 2011. The mother, Coco gave birth to 10 puppies. The puppies were the size of the average mouse at both with the smallest puppy weighing only 2.5 ounces.
Stay alert
Owners of Chihuahuas should be aware of a condition called hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Small breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas are predisposed to this condition due to their small size, and if they do not receive proper nutrition or are very sick the levels of glucose in the body can drop rapidly. When this occurs the body reacts through collapse, seizures, coma and in the most severe cases, death. It is essential that a pet owner acts quickly if they suspect hypoglycemia because this is a medical emergency.