• Fact 2 - Description and Definition of Chihuahuas: This tiny breed of dog has short hair and protuding eyes. Its tail is longer than its body!
  • Temperament: Cheerful, agile, intelligent and friendly
  • They are considered suitable as a family pet  
• Fact 3 - Origin of the breed: Chihuahuas originated in Mexico, Central and South America and was originally bred by the Aztecs and Toltecs as ceremonial sacrifices
• Fact 4 - Size: The height ranges from 6 - 9 inches, up to the shoulder
• Fact 5 - Alternative Names of Chihuahuas and Nicknames: Chihuahua Teacup dog - often mis-spelt as Chiwawa!
• Fact 6 - Coat and colors of Chihuahuas: Chihuahuas come in both short haired and long haired varieties. The short coat is dense and soft to touch. Their coats come in a range of colors
• Fact 7 - Life of Chihuahuas: the life expectancy of this breed of dog is between 14 - 18 years
• Fact 8 - The names of dog breeds are separated into different dog types which are referred to as Dog Groups. The name of the dog group for Chihuahuas is the Toy dog breed
• Fact 9 - After the first year of life, dogs are considered to be adults - they equivalent to 16 human years!
  • After 2 years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old
  • After 3 years, they are equivalent to a 30 year old
  • Every year after  add five human years to determine the equivalent age of the dog
• Fact 10 - Choosing Chihuahuas as pets! The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing this particular breed of dog as a pet:
  • How much it will cost to feed and train the dog?
  • How much time will it take to groom the dog?
  • How much time will it take to exercise the dog on a daily basis?
  • Are Chihuahuas suitable for children?
  • How much will it cost for vet bills, pet or dog health insurance, medication and vaccinations?
• Fact 11 - Every breed of dog is susceptible to certain health problems and illnesses. Chihuahuas are prone to health problems and illnesses such as:
  • - Patellar Luxation (the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place)
  • - Eye problems including Entropion (The border of the eyelid turns inward against the eyeball)
• Fact 12 - Chihuahuas were originally bred to help with various jobs and tasks such as:
  • - Companionship
  • - Status symbols
  • - Warmth - toy dogs sat on laps (hence the term 'lapdogs') and were also used to warm beds in cold castles and large houses
• Fact 13 - Breeding Chihuahuas for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century
• Fact 14 - It is estimated that 85% of dogs visit a vet in a year
• Fact 15 - The average cost of owning a medium sized dog, over a 10 year period, is estimated as over $13,000! This provides a good idea of how much it costs to raise Chihuahuas

For in depth information we highly recommend Dog Names and Breeds.