Why Do Chihuahuas Have Big Eyes?

Chihuahuas are an interesting dog breed. Not only are they the smallest dogs but they also have the biggest attitude.

 It is not uncommon for a Chihuahua to try to pick a fight with a German shepherd or another huge dog breed.

But attitude and personality are not the only big things about these otherwise tiny doggies – they also have gigantic eyes that appear like they are popping out of the skull.

These huge eyes are considered adorable by many pet parents and they may well be the reason why chis are very popular.

But have you ever thought about why Chihuahuas have such huge eyes, especially considering their body size?

The most likely explanation is that it is a result of their evolution.

As one of the older dog breeds, Chihuahuas have been around since the 19^th Century.

And in that time, they have undergone some evolutionary changes—one of which is their eye size.

 It’s believed that the reason why Chihuahuas have such big eyes is that they are a “brachycephalic” breed.

Brachycephalic breeds are those that have a small skull and a shortened snout – this is what gives Chis their signature, large-eyed look.

Anyone that has ever owned a Chi knows how poor their vision is. It is plausible that their eyes got bigger through evolution as a way of compensating for their poor eyesight.

Chihuahuas have one of the worst visions of any dog breed. In fact, some Chihuahuas are either blind or near-blind.

Whatever the reason may be, there’s no denying that Chihuahuas have some of the biggest and most beautiful eyes in any dog breed.

And there’s no denying that their devotees wouldn’t have it any other way!

Do The Big Eyes Pose A Health Risk?

The Chihuahua peepers are pretty but is it safe for a dog to have such huge eyes?

Well, the huge eyes expose them to lots of potential health issues.

For starters, research has established that small dog breeds with huge eyes are more susceptible to proptosis than other breeds.

Proptosis, or bulging eyes, can be caused by several things including injury, tumors, and certain genetic conditions. However, in most cases, it is simply due to the shape of the skull.

Because Chihuahuas have such short skulls, their eyes often appear to bulge out.

While this may look alarming, it is usually not a cause for concern. In most cases, the eyes are still protected by the eyelids and bones of the skull.

However, some health risks can be associated with proptosis. For example, dogs with bulging eyes are more susceptible to eye injuries.

 They can also experience drying of the cornea, inflammation, and ulceration.

If you notice that your Chihuahua’s eyes are bulging or appear to be protruding from the sockets, it is important to take them to the vet for an examination.

Chihuahuas are also prone to a condition called ‘cherry eye,‘ which can cause the eyeball to pop out of its socket.

However, this condition is relatively rare and can be easily treated by a veterinarian.

Other than these known issues, Chihuahuas are not more prone to eye infections or other eye problems than any other breed of dog.

 So while those big, dark eyes may look fragile, they are actually quite strong and resilient.

Consequently, there is no need to worry about the health of your Chihuahua’s big, beautiful eyes.

Caring For a Chihuahua’s Big Eyes

Your Chi’s eyes may be cute but they require special care to keep them healthy.

First of all, it is important to keep their eyes clean. You can achieve this by wiping any discharge from their eyes with a soft, damp cloth.

Chihuahua eyes are usually watery, so this is something you’ll need to do almost daily.

But as you do this, your goal is only to wipe away the surface around the eyes and not the eye itself.

 If your Chis eyes get dry, it will also be a problem.

In the unlikely event that your Chi’s eyes keep getting dry, you can use artificial tears or drops to keep them lubricated. Check this post for the best options in the market right now: 10 Best Eye Drops for Dogs with Cataracts

You should also check their eyes regularly for any sign of irritation or infection.

Because they have huge eyes, Chihuahuas may be prone to lots of different eye problems.

So if you notice anything unusual, take them to the vet right away. The vet may prescribe eye drops or ointment to help clear up the problem.

Lastly, make sure to provide plenty of soft bedding for your Chihuahua. Their eyes are delicate and can easily be damaged if they sleep on a hard surface.

By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your Chihuahua’s big eyes healthy and happy.

Why Do Chihuahua Puppies’ Eyes Always Look Like They Turn Outwards?

Chihuahua puppies are born with their eyes closed, and they usually don’t open them until they’re about two weeks old.

In fact, this is common across all mammals – human babies included.

When they first open their eyes, they may look crossed or turn outwards a little bit.

This is because the muscles that control the eyes are still developing, and it can take a few weeks for them to strengthen enough to hold the eyes in alignment.

If your puppy’s eyes still look crossed or turn outwards after a few weeks, you should talk to your vet about it.

In some cases, this may be due to an underlying health condition. But for the most part, it is nothing to worry about and will correct itself as the puppy grows.

Summary

The big eyes of a Chihuahua are one of the most distinctive features of the breed.

In most cases, the reason for their large eyes is simply due to the shape of the skull.

It is also possible that the breed got the big eyes through evolution to cover up for the poor eyesight that these doggies typically have.

Whichever the case may be, these gigantic eyes make it one of the most adorable dogs.