Have you ever wondered what exactly does a chihuahua brain look like? After all, it can be quite a big task to fit all that brain power into their tiny skulls.
It turns out that the brains of all dogs are relatively the same, regardless of breed. This is because the skulls were designed to accommodate the dog’s brain, which is around the size of a tangerine or lemon.
This is especially true for small breeds like chihuahuas. They share the same brain-to-body weight ratio as larger dogs, such as border collies and poodles. Despite this, their tiny skulls have special features that may account for their nimble personalities and natural alertness.
One such feature is the presence of a bump at the base of their skulls. This bump protrudes outward more than the other two bumps found on a chihuahua’s head, and it may be responsible for their alertness and quick learning ability. Another notable feature is their olfactory bulb, which is much bigger than in humans. This allows them to smell more easily than most other dog breeds, and may explain their prey-driven instincts.
Although their brains are well adapted for their size, they can still be susceptible to health problems that affect the brain. These include intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause pain, weakness, and paralysis; and cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or “doggie dementia,” which is common in older dogs and can lead to memory loss, confusion, and other symptoms. To prevent these conditions, it is important to keep a chihuahua in good health through regular vet visits, and to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation and exercise.
