Last Updated on August 24, 2022 by Cristina
No widely accepted theory provides an appropriate response to “Why Are Chihuahuas Eyes So Big?”. However, there are several ideas that the rules of evolution may both explain and support.
The most popular one is the one that proposes Chihuahuas to have initially been domesticated in Mexico, mostly in desert areas. Because the deserts are so dark at night, their large eyes let them see and hear predators and foes better as well as see clearly when hunting in the dark.
Why Are Chihuahuas Eyes So Big? Are All Chihuahuas Born with Large Eyes?
Chihuahuas normally have eyes that seem oblong and bigger than their heads. It’s in their genetic makeup. But there is an exception. The deer head specie of Chihuahuas is thought to have smaller eyes than others. The Apple Head breed makes up the majority of Chihuahuas and is the standard Chihuahua breed.
The face and head form of the Deer Head Chihuahua are similar to those of a small deer. This breed of chihuahua also differs from others in that it has a longer nose, bigger ears, and a sloping forehead. The deer head chihuahua is categorized as a toy breed, although nothing is known about the remainder of the chihuahua’s past. Some claim that this dog breed was once held by the Aztecs in the 1500s.
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Do Chihuahuas Suffer From Eye Problems?
They do, indeed. Therefore, before selecting your pup, be careful to meet the parents and look into their medical history. As you sort after answers to lots of questions about Chihuahuas such as “Why Are Chihuahuas Eyes So Big?”, it’s alright to also note that many eye diseases that affect this specie of dogs can be inherited; if your vet doesn’t discover them in time, some of them may even result in blindness. Chihuahuas and many other small-breed dogs frequently have the same eye health issues. One of them is the crying eyes’ scars and watery eyes.
Epiphora, which literally translates as an excess of tears, is the medical term for watery eyes. A hereditary abnormality that forces the eyelid or eyelashes to bend inside rather than outward is possibly the source of this ailment. Shar Peis, Labradors, Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas are some of the breeds that are prone to inheriting such disorders as well as having watery eyes.
Your Chihuahua or other dogs may squint, be inflamed, or have red, swollen eyes in addition to having watery eyes. Watery eyes can also be a symptom of other illnesses, such as facial injuries, tumors, infections, sinus problems, congenital anomalies of the eyes or eyelids, and dirt in the eyes.
There usually isn’t anything else wrong if your Chihuahua has had wet eyes their entire life. If your dog’s eyes suddenly get wet, you should take them to the doctor to make sure they haven’t been inflamed or scraped by debris.
Since they are closer to the ground and more exposed to moving dust, small, energetic dogs are more likely to have debris in their eyes. If your dog displays other symptoms or if the discharge coming from their eyes is yellow, green, or bloody, call your veterinarian.
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Are Chihuahuas’ Eyes Truly Able To Pop Out?
Proptosis is the term for when this can and does occur, especially during hard play with another dog. The eye sockets of Chihuahuas and other flat-headed dogs, like Pugs and Tzus, are typically shallower than those of most other breeds.
They are bred to have highly distinct heads, which in certain cases can lead to a shallow eye socket. If enough force is applied during play or even a collision with furniture playing around the home, the eyes may literally pop out.
Even though there are few precautionary measures you can take, if your dog’s eye pops out, there is a chance that it may be placed back into place by surgery. If proptosis happens, it is imperative to get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
What Color Of Eyes Are Chihuahuas’ Born With?
If your Chihuahua pups were just born, you should pay particular attention to them around the 2 weeks. When you can see their eyes start to open at this point, it’s incredibly adorable. From this point on, their eyes will continue to change, reaching their final color no later than 16 weeks.
Chihuahua eyes typically have a reddish tint behind them and are dark brown or black. Having said that, they do come in different tones, and merle Chihuahuas occasionally do have blue or green eyes. This remains uncertain until the Chihuahua is about 16 weeks old, but if it DOES, you’ll have a Chihuahua with a distinctive pair of eyes. The recessive gene that results in blue eyes is present in only 5% of Chihuahuas, making them quite rare.
How Should Chihuahua Eyes Be Cared For?
A dog’s eyes should typically be cleaned every day, and Chihuahua eyes are no exception. Pus and dried tears collect in the corners of the eyes. With a tissue or your finger, this is simple to remove. When you notice that your dog is itchy, you can use tepid water and tissue to wipe the region around the eyes. Visit a veterinarian right away so they can prescribe an ointment if the inflammation doesn’t go away. Sometimes an ointment is the only thing that will relieve the discomfort.
Chihuahua eyes are unique. Chihuahuas and other canines with protruding eyes need more attention than other breeds. It simply takes a few seconds every day to clean their eyes, but it’s an imperative habit you need to imbibe. When you notice yellow pus in the corners of the eyes, an infection may be there. Eye drops are the solution to this issue.
Conclusion On Why Are Chihuahuas Eyes So Big?
Oversized eyes in chihuahuas are often natural and the outcome of evolution. At first, it can seem strange to you, but as long as it doesn’t bother your dog, everything should be alright.
You can maintain the comfort and happiness of your chihuahua with a little bit of care and cleaning. Of course, it is preferable to stay on the side of caution and speak with a veterinarian if you have any worries about the health or wellbeing of your dog.
I hope this article answered the question “Why Are Chihuahuas Eyes So Big?” Thank you for reading!
FAQ’s
What kind of eyes do Chihuahuas have?
Chihuahuas are quite distinctive! They have full round eyes. Their eyes are dark or ruby in color. Although blonde and lighter dogs may have lighter colors, you can never miss them.
Do Chihuahuas have problems with their eyes?
Of a fact, they do!
It is, therefore, necessary that before adopting a pup before selecting your pup, you endeavor to look at the medical history of the parents.
Some of the eye problems of these pooches are inherited.
Epiphora - excess of tears, is one of the most common eye problems of the Chi.
How do you take care of a Chihuahua’s eyes?
It is helpful to clean Chi's eyes every day. The use of tepid water and tissue to wipe the corner of the eyes will help to tackle dried discharges.
Ensure to visit the veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your pup's eye!
Do all Chihuahuas have big eyes?
Chihuahuas are often recognized for their obvious small size, and their big eyes. The deer head specie of Chihuahuas has eyes smaller than other Chihuahuas.