Weird Facts About Dogs: Chihuahua Edition
Believe it or not, Chihuahuas were considered fashion statements in Hollywood in the 2000s. During the glamorous Hollywood era, Chihuahuas starred in TV shows and movies from being Elle Woods’ sidekick in Legally Blonde, Paris Hilton’s preferred pets, and (of course) their dedicated movie— Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
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Weird facts about dogs: Chihuahua Edition will explore the fascinating details on why the smallest dogs tend to bark the loudest. People believe that Chihuahuas can cure asthma, along with other ailments. This superstition stems from the Aztecs’ belief that the reason Chihuahuas wheeze and cough like an asthmatic is because they’re trying to cure their owner by absorbing their ailments. This may sound absurd for some people, but this is partly why some households, particularly in Mexico, prefer this breed over others.
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Wild Chihuahuas are a common sighting all over the world. It may be hard to believe, but packs of wild Chihuahuas are common sightings across the United States from the 1800s to the 1900s. In 2014, a large number of stray Chihuahuas were seen roaming Arizona. I guess we know why their dog breed characteristics include aggression.
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Aside from that, there was a book written on how Chihuahuas reportedly aided in the Mexican revolution, and you can read it here. Chihuahuas are naturally born geniuses. If you’re looking for the smartypants of the canine world, then look no further. While Chihuahuas are universally known for their small frame, they actually have one of the largest brains of any pooch to exist! This advantage makes Chihuahuas amazingly easy to train as they can learn tricks at an early age. However, make sure not to get on your Chi’s wrong side. They may be clever, but they’re also one of the most aggressive dog breeds towards humans and non-Chi pooches!
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Chihuahuas have a recognizably small spot on their heads. Vets advise against nudging at a Chihuahua’s forehead because they have a soft spot on there! Much like human babies, about 90% of Chis are born with a “molera” or a cranial opening, and while some moleras close as a Chi grows older, others get to keep this soft spot for their entire lives. Most chihuahuas and humans die from the same disease. This might come as a total surprise, but most humans and Chihuahuas die from the same cause: cardiovascular disease! A study from the University of Georgia in the US mentioned that Chis die from heart attacks due to a deformity in their cardiovascular valves as they age. As a result, vets highly emphasize a healthy diet and consistent exercise so this lovely pooch can enjoy their golden years!
