There are many different breeds of dogs, and they come in various shapes and sizes. However, Chihuahuas is one breed that stands out from the rest because it’s so small.
The Chihuahua is a small breed of dog that originated in Mexico. They are the smallest breed in the world! There are many reasons they grow so tiny, but it ultimately comes down to their genetics.
Throughout this article, you will learn about Chihuahua’s origin, how small they can get, and what harmful effects it has on them if they stay small for too long.
In this blog post, we will discuss why chihuahuas are so small, the origins of these tiny dogs, how small they are compared to other dog breeds, and if there have been any harmful effects on their size.
Why Are Chihuahuas So Small?
Chihuahuas are small due to many reasons. Some of the reasons are mentioned below:
Companion Dogs
The reason why Chihuahuas are so small is that they were originally bred to be companion dogs. They were incredibly popular in Mexico and of Mayan descent, where it was believed that they had created the world.
In order for these dogs to have been able to fit into the lives of their owners as house pets, they needed to remain on the smaller side.
Genetics
Chihuahuas can become so small because they have a dominant gene that causes them to remain on the smaller side throughout their lives. This means that no matter how often the Chihuahua is bred with other dogs, it will always keep its tiny build.
What Is The Origin Of The Chihuahuas?
The Chihuahua is one of the most popular breeds in the world. You can know chihuahuas for being incredibly loyal and loving companions to their owners, making them perfect pets!
The origin of these dogs is back in Mexico, where they were companion animals for Mayans. Chihuahuas came to the Earth when they came out of a big turtle shell.
How Small Are The Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas are considered “toy” size because these Chis generally don’t grow to weigh more than six pounds. However, if you compare this dog with other small dog breeds like Pomeranians or Yorkies, you will realize just how tiny chihuahuas are!
The average weight of a fully grown male chihuahua is just over six pounds, while females can be slightly larger and weigh up to eight pounds or more!
However, some breeders have created monstrously large “teacup” sized chihuahuas which may weigh in at five pounds or less when full-grown.
Compare this to an average full-grown pit bull who can weigh anywhere from fifty to ninety pounds, and you’ll see just how big a difference in size there is.
Chihuahua’s come in many different sizes based on what breed you buy from. Some can grow up to two feet long while others only reach eight inches tall! In general, though, most chis range between six-ten pounds.
Are There Any Harmful Effects Of Chihuahuas Being So Small?
The fact that chihuahuas are so small does have its drawbacks, as they can be more prone to health problems than their larger counterparts.
Due to their tiny size and lack of muscle mass, these dogs can easily become cold or overheat in extreme weather conditions.
They are also at a higher risk for developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and joint problems due to their little bodies’ extra stress.
Risk of Hypothermia
The average dog has around 18% body fat- meaning that they have some extra padding on their bones which helps them survive colder temperatures without getting too cold or overheating when it’s warm out.
On the contrary, Chihuahua only contained about 13% of their body weight as fat! This means whenever they get wet (such as during a rainstorm) or go outside into freezing weather for extended periods of time, they are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite due to a lack of insulation.
If your tiny pooch spends a lot of time outside in extreme weather- even just going to the park or for walks- be sure to bundle them up properly!
Patellar Luxation
Another issue that is common in small dogs like chihuahuas is patellar luxation. This means that their kneecap pops out of place, which can cause them pain and make it difficult for them to walk.
About one in five chihuahuas will suffer from this condition at some point. So if you are buying a chihuahua, be sure to ask the breeder about the Chihuahua’s history for it.
Conclusion On Why Chihuahuas Are Tiny Dogs
In conclusion, there are many why Chihuahuas stay on the small side. They are companion dogs, they have a dominant gene that keeps them small, and they can easily become cold or overheat.
While these dogs have some health risks associated with their size, they are a healthy breed that is great for families living in smaller homes or apartments.
Just be sure to provide your Chihuahua with plenty of food, water, and shelter during extreme weather conditions! So there you have it- the reason why Chihuahuas stay on the smaller side.
Are you considering adding one of these pint-sized pups to your family? Be sure to keep all of this information in mind so that you can properly care for your new furry friend!
If you’re considering adding a chihuahua to your family, keep all this information in mind to properly care for your new furry friend! Thanks for reading!
