10 Intriguing Facts About Chihuahuas

The American Kennel Club labels these dogs as 'saucy,' a fitting description given their small stature and an abundance of spirited charm.

1. Chihuahuas originate from Mexico. 

These dogs are thought to be descendants of the Techichi, an ancient breed. The Toltecs in Mexico cherished them as companion dogs as far back as the 9th century CE.

2. The journey of Chihuahuas to Europe remains a mystery.

Although it's confirmed that these small dogs originated in Mexico, their path to Europe is still unclear. Some theories suggest Christopher Columbus, who mentioned the tiny dogs in a letter to the King of Spain. He might have brought some back during his voyages.

3. Chihuahuas have become smaller over the years.

The earlier iteration of this breed was likely much larger than the modern-day Chihuahuas. It's believed that after being crossed with a smaller, hairless dog from Asia—possibly a Chinese Crested brought to Alaska via the Bering Strait—the breed gradually reduced in size.

4. Avoid touching their heads.

Similar to human babies, Chihuahuas possess a soft spot on their heads known as a molera. However, unlike babies, this spot may remain throughout the dog's life. The presence of this soft spot depends on factors like size, genetics, and skeletal structure. Notably, show Chihuahuas aren’t penalized for having them.

5. Chihuahuas come with two distinct head shapes. 

Chihuahuas can have either apple-shaped or deer-shaped heads. Deer-headed Chihuahuas feature a narrower head and a longer snout, while apple-headed ones boast a rounded, dome-like skull. Both types are endearing, but the AKC strongly prefers the apple-shaped heads for show competitions.

6. Chihuahuas are exceptionally intelligent.

Chihuahuas boast the largest brain-to-body ratio in the canine kingdom, making them exceptionally sharp and easy to train. However, their small bladders and strong-willed nature make housebreaking a challenge. As desert-dwelling dogs, they also tend to dislike rain and cold weather.

7. Don’t underestimate the Chihuahua.

Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are fiercely bold. One study revealed that they rank among the most aggressive breeds toward humans and other dogs. To curb this behavior, early socialization with people and other dogs is highly recommended.

8. A feral Chihuahua pack once caused chaos in an Arizona town in 2014.

Highlighting their bold nature: In 2014, a pack of stray Chihuahuas overran a small town in Arizona. These dogs roamed Maryvale, intimidating children and leaving messes everywhere. They formed large groups, harassing residents and even teaming up with bigger dogs. "I’ve seen six or seven Chihuahuas ... and big dogs running with them in a pack every single day," a resident told Fox News.

Residents contacted Animal Control nearly 6000 times, but capturing the unruly dogs proved to be a daunting task. “We analyzed calls from Maryvale in 2013 and found they were triple the number compared to similar areas,” said Melissa Gable, who was then with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, speaking to ABC11. “A major factor is that these animals aren’t spayed or neutered, so they roam in search of mates and reproduce, worsening the issue."

9. The world’s tiniest dog is a Chihuahua.

Milly the Chihuahua holds the record as the smallest living dog by height. At birth, she was so tiny she could fit inside a teaspoon.

10. The Taco Bell Chihuahua was a busy star.

During the late 1990s, Taco Bell launched a series of advertisements starring a Chihuahua, voiced by Carlos Alazraqui, who famously exclaimed, “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" This canine, known as Gidget, was discovered at a kennel. Despite lacking the conventional beauty of show dogs—her undershot jaw and large ears set her apart—she carried herself with undeniable star quality. Beyond her iconic Taco Bell role, Gidget also graced the screen in the 2003 film Legally Blonde 2 and featured in a GEICO commercial. Her fame was such that she was credited with revitalizing interest in the Chihuahua breed. Following her passing in 2009, Taco Bell issued a heartfelt statement: "Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans."