Our canine friends range in size from tiny to titanic - meet the smallest, the Chihuahua

If you love Chihuahuas, you might know that May 14 was International Chihuahua Appreciation Day. While Chihuahuas might be tiny in size, they are huge in personality. It’s one of the things that makes them popular companions for everyone from celebrities to grandmas to long-distance truckers. As the author of the third edition of “Chihuahuas for Dummies” and owner of the late, great, much missed Chihuahua-mix Gemma, I thought it would be fun this week to share some fascinating facts about these widely loved dogs.

Modern Chihuahuas are largely descended from Eurasian dogs introduced to the Americas between the 15th and 20th centuries, but about 4% of their ancestry is from pre-Columbian dogs.

Chihuahuas were “discovered” in the late 19th century by American visitors to Mexico, some of whom brought the little dogs home as souvenirs. They’re named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The first Chihuahua was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904.

Chihuahuas have made a name for themselves in film and TV, with Moonie starring in “Legally Blonde” and “Legally Blonde 2,” and Gidget grabbing attention as the Taco Bell spokesdog.

A Chihuahua named MacKenzie was named American Humane’s 2020 American Hero Dog for helping to raise young animals with birth defects.

Neither variety of Chihuahua — smooth coat or long coat — has ever won Best in Show at Westminster (yet), but a smooth-coated Chihuahua named Ch. Quachitah For Your Eyes Only took the Toy Group in 1984.

Typical Chihuahuas weigh between 3 and 6 pounds, but some are larger or smaller. Oversize Chihuahuas are sturdier and can make better pets for families with kids than tiny and more fragile dogs.

There’s no such thing as a “teacup” Chihuahua; that’s simply a marketing term used by breeders selling extra-tiny dogs.

Chihuahuas can have short or long coats, but they all have large, erect ears — somewhat resembling satellite dishes — that flare to the side. The large ears help them to dissipate heat. In April, a 2-year-old Chihuahua named Pearl was named the world’s shortest dog by Guinness World Records. Pearl stands 3.59 inches at the shoulder — shorter than a Popsicle stick — and weighs just over a pound.

Chihuahuas come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. To name just a few, they can be any solid color, including fawn, peach, sable, blue, black or white; spotted or splashed with white; tricolor; or black and tan or chocolate and tan. None of the colors or patterns are considered more desirable than another.

Both shorthaired and longhaired Chihuahuas shed, but you might be surprised to learn that the shorthaired variety sheds more. Smoothcoated Chihuahuas are always growing new hairs and shedding old ones, while longcoated ones shed seasonally — a few thorough brushings are called for during shedding season (usually spring and fall), then they don’t shed for a while. Both varieties should be brushed at least weekly to distribute skin oils and, in longhairs, to prevent development of mats.

Chihuahuas are considered “natural” dogs, meaning their coats don’t need to be trimmed, shaved, stripped or plucked; their ears aren’t cropped; and their tails aren’t docked.

A Chihuahua adopted from a rescue group or shelter can’t compete in conformation dog shows, but they can participate in dog sports such as agility, nose work, obedience, rally and more, and they are keen competitors in whatever they do.

Chihuahuas don’t shiver because they’re scared, but because they’re sensitive to cold. Get them a coat or sweater!

Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot on their skull known as a molera, or fontanel. Usually it closes by the time they’re 6 months old, but sometimes it remains throughout life.

Chihuahuas can have long life spans, living well into their teens. One, named TobyKeith, is 22 years old.

— Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton, and dog trainer/behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication