Chihuahua

Overview

Although their breed origins are unclear, Chihuahuas are believed to descend from an ancient Mexican breed called the Techichi, who was a kind of wild dog living amongst the Toltec civilization over a thousand years ago. In the 12th century, the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs and took the Techichi with them. As the Aztec refined the Techihi into a smaller, more compact breed, they became so integrated into Aztec culture that they were later considered one of Montezuma's fabled treasures. These pups were thought to have mystical powers, like seeing the future, healing the sick, and guiding souls of the dead to the underworld. Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the 1850s, where they were first discovered, Chihuahuas have since melted hearts all over the world. The well-known bandleader Xavier Cugat helped popularize Chihuahuas in the 1940s and 50s when he would famously bring his dogs on stage with him. And more recently, they have starred in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” “Legally Blonde” and have been the sidekick of celebrities like Paris Hilton, Adrian Brody, and even Marilyn Monroe. A Chihuahua's radar-dish ears aren't just cute - they help them get rid of excess heat and detect danger at the same time. Their ears are some of the best among dog-kind! Chihuahuas have two different coat types: smooth and long. Chichis come in any solid color, marked, or splashed with another color. Despite their small size (6lbs and under), Chihuahuas are bold, confident, and possess the loyalty and charm of a large dog!