There are some divided opinions out there about Chihuahuas. Some think they are sweet and adorable while others find them loud and bossy. There is some truth to these opinions, as Chihuahuas have a lot of personality for such a tiny dog. But, they can also be shy. Here are a few more facts about Chihuahuas:

1. Chihuahuas Are Extremely Loving

Deeply devoted to their owners, they want to always be with them at all times. Chihuahuas will follow you and are the prime example of a “velcro dog”, as they will stick with you no matter what. Their tiny size makes them perfect for traveling as you can easily tote them around in a small dog carrier.

While Chihuahuas are one of the most affectionate dog breeds and are extremely loving to their family, they tend to be wary of strangers. They are very alert and intelligent dogs, and are on the lookout for their owners. They are the tiniest watchdogs with a lot of big-dog attitude.

2. Chihuahuas Are One of the Oldest Breeds of the Americas

Because the Chihuahua is featured in ancient paintings from around the world, it’s hard to pinpoint their exact origin. That is currently considered a secret from before recorded history.

What we do know is that the Chihuahua’s ancestors came to the ancient peoples of Mexico at some point over a thousand years ago. The Chihuahua as we know it today originated there and they are one of the oldest dog breeds of the Americas.

The Toltecs were a prominent civilization in Mexico around a thousand years ago. The predecessor of the modern Chihuahua, the Techihi, was their dog breed of choice. In the 12th century, the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs and also favored the Techihi. The Aztecs bred the Techihi to be a lighter, smaller dog and they are credited with refining the breed into the modern Chihuahua.

These little dogs were widespread throughout the region. North Americans started to become interested in them during the mid-1800s. As interest increased, many of these dogs were found in the State of Chihuahua, which is how they got their name. They’ve been a popular toy breed ever since.

3. They Are Quick Learners

Highly intelligent, Chihuahuas will respond well to training. Be sure to make their training fun, with plenty of positive reinforcement.

Due to their small size, Chihuahuas are very agile. They can compete in agility and obedience trials.

4. The Taco Bell Dog Was a Chihuahua

In the 90s, the popular fast-food chain, Taco Bell, ran a series of commercials starring Gidget, a Chihuahua found at a pound. Voiced by Carlos Alazraqui, Gidget would say, “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!”

These commercials launched Gidget into fame. She went on to star in the movie, Legally Blonde 2, as well as a GEICO commercial. As her stardom rose, so did the popularity of the breed.

5. Chihuahuas Don’t Do Well in the Cold Weather

Since Chihuahuas were bred in the warm climate of Mexico, it’s no surprise they are not built for the cold weather. Their small size and short, thin coat make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter. Chihuahuas will seek out any warm spots in your home, like under blankets or the elusive sunbeams on the floor.

However, many owners take this as an opportunity to buy cute sweaters for their Chihuahuas. These sweaters are a functional way to keep your dog warm, while also letting your dog be fashionable. If you live in an area that has cold winters, it’s a good idea to invest in some winter dog products to help keep your Chi warm while out on walks in the cold.

These are just a few facts about Chihuahuas. If you think this might be the best dog breed for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Chihuahua puppies. You could end up finding your new best friend!