Chihuahuas are so tiny, you can fit them in your pocket. Their personalities, though, would need a much bigger container. Read on to learn some fun facts about the world’s smallest dog breed!

They Are Lighter Than Most Cats

Though some individuals weigh a bit more, most chihuahuas top out at around six pounds. That’s a compact canine! They’re so slight, in fact, that most cats actually weigh more than them. Some healthy cats can be a bit larger, but the average cat weighs between eight and 12 pounds. Even if chihuahuas are smaller, they are often too spunky to be bossed around, though.

Their Tininess is Record Setting

In addition to their miniscule weights, chihuahuas are also very small on the height size. They’re typically five to eight inches tall, fitting snugly in their human’s purse. Guinness World Records has celebrated their feats in tininess, as well. A Puerto Rican chihuahua named Miracle Milly was recognized as the shortest dog in 2013, standing just 3.8 inches at the shoulder. Around the same time, the shortest dog by length was a Floridian chihuahua named Heaven Sent Brandy, who was only six inches from nose to tail tip. 

They’re Pint-Sized Bouncers

Despite their diminutive stature, the chihuahua’s courage is super-sized. They are very protective of their people, often honing in on one BFF in particular. They’re not afraid to bark at anyone they find suspicious, and, at times, they’re all bark and all bite because they can sometimes be a bit nippy, too.

They’re Elders of the Dog World

Though there is some debate on the chihuahua’s origins, their ancestors are believed to have been the Techichi dogs kept by the Toltecs, who were prominent in Mesoamerica before the Aztec empire. The Aztecs later adopted the dogs themselves. They were kept as companions and often buried with their owners. With this impressive history, it’s no surprise they have so much confidence. 

They’re Often Found Among the Stars

Chihuahuas weren’t just around prominent people in the past. They’re still running – and barking – in important circles today. Their famous owners have included Marilyn Monroe, Academy Award-winner Reese Witherspoon, Christina Ricci, Paris Hilton, and Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell.  Famous chihuahuas, meanwhile, include Gidget the Taco Bell dog, Moonie from the movie "Legally Blonde", and Ren from the 1990s cartoon "Ren & Stimpy."

They’ll Be the Star of Your Home for Years

Chihuahuas don’t have to be famous to be the stars in their humans’  lives. They’ll likely be walking the red carpet – or whichever color carpet their humans have in their home - for a while, too, because they’re among the longest living dog breeds. Their average life expectancy is 14 to 16 years, but it’s not uncommon for them to reach 20. Individual chihuahuas have often been named the world’s oldest living dogs, as well. 

They Certainly Shiver Their Timbers

While chihuahua owners enjoy their long-term housemate, they may notice them shivering a fair bit. This is common in chihuahuas, and it can be due to anxiety or excitement. It’s most likely due to them being a bit chilly, though. Chihuahuas are among the breeds that don’t handle the cold all that well, regardless of their fur length. That means owners may want to get them a sweater or get extra snuggly in blankets with them during the winter months. 

You’re the One That They Chihua-want

Chihuahuas appreciate that extra snuggling more than most. That’s because they are very loyal to and affectionate with their humans. They also tend to pick a person they love the most, so you’d better shape up because they need a BFF and their heart is set on you… 

They Have a Soft Spot for You and a Soft Spot on Their Heads

Human babies are born with soft spots on their heads, and so are many chihuahuas.
They may outgrow it during puppyhood but some don’t. These spots are called a molera. If a pup has one, their human will need to be careful when handling them, but extra gentle snuggles are always appreciated!

They’re Great Baseball Players

A six-pound baseball player sounds improbable, but there’s a whole team of them! Well, sort of. The San Diego Padres’ AAA affiliate, or the last level before the majors, is called the El Paso Chihuahuas. They play in the Pacific Coast League and hopefully aren’t barking too much at the opposition.