5 interesting facts about the chihuahua
1. The chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world.
In 2023, the Guinness Book of Records verified that the smallest dog in the world is a chihuahua named Pearl, and it’s just over 9 cm tall.
2. It was named after the Mexican state of Chichuahua.
Chihuahua is the largest federal state in Mexico and its seat is also called Chihuahua. The word means ‘dry, sandy place’.
3. It’s one of the dog breeds with the greatest variety of colours.
According to the FCI standard, all colours are allowed in all possible shades and combinations. According to the American Kennel Club, for example, chihuahuas can be registered in 9 standard colours and 21 additional colours, shades and patterns.
4. It is one of the dog breeds with the longest life expectancy.
The average lifespan of chihuahuas is 12–18 years.
5. It played an important role in the Aztec culture.
During rituals, many dogs were sacrificed as a sign of respect. The ancestors of chihuahuas, the techichi, were taken to death by their masters to take on their sins or, according to other assumptions, to lead them through the underworld.
