Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dog is Chimi?

Chimi is what’s often called a “teacup” chihuahua. “Teacup” isn’t an official breed or size category. It’s a term used for chihuahuas that are smaller than usual, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize it. Chihuahuas of this size typically weigh around three pounds, compared with the standard chihuahua, which weighs up to six pounds. Because they are so small, it can be hard to predict how big a puppy will get.

Why does Chimi always shake and look scared in videos?

We’ve seen the comments on her videos saying she looks scared or is trembling, and we appreciate how much people care about her. Chihuahuas are known to tremble, whether they’re excited, happy, cold, or nervous, and Chimi shakes a lot of the time. On camera, that can look like fear. She does sometimes get startled by the camera, but she’s safe, healthy, and well loved, and we would never keep filming if she were distressed.

How old is Chimi and is she fully grown?

When we took her to the vet shortly after she arrived in 2023, her teeth showed that she was fully grown, not a puppy. Our vet estimated that she was around two to three years old at the time. Since we don’t know her birthday, we celebrate her all year round

What did you do to find Chimi’s owners?

When Chimi was left at our farm, we contacted the local police and the SPCA, had her checked for a microchip, and searched local lost-dog pages. We couldn’t find anything about her, so we chose to adopt her. If her owner had ever come forward after the adoption, we would have returned her.

How did Chimi end up on the farm?

Chimi was left at our farm in August 2023 alongside a pitbull. We don’t know where she came from or what her life was like before she found us, but we’re so glad she did.

How much does Chimi weigh?

Chimi weighs about three pounds today. When she first arrived at the farm, she was closer to two and a half pounds, so we took her to the vet right away for a checkup. Our vet recommended that she gain a little weight, and with some extra attention to her diet, she got there. She’s now at a healthy weight and doing great.