Chihuahuas: Tiny Dogs With a Giant Legacy

Hello and welcome to Doggone history, a lighthearted look back at the history of dogs, one breed at a time. I’m your host, Rich Napolitano. 

When you think of ancient civilizations, epic journeys, and royal intrigue, you probably don’t picture a dog small enough to fit in a purse. But today’s story proves that history doesn’t always come in large packages. Sometimes, it weighs six pounds…or less… and shakes a lot.

Welcome to the story of the Chihuahua—the tiniest dog breed in the world, and somehow one of the biggest personalities ever unleashed on living room couches everywhere.

The American Kennel Club describes the Chihuahua as, “A tiny dog with a huge personality.” A national symbol of Mexico, these alert and amusing “purse dogs” stand among the oldest breeds of the Americas, with a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times.

The origins of the Chihuahua, like most dog breeds, can be a bit murky. Some have speculated the breed was brought to the Americas from Malta by Spanish conquistadors. Others believe they came from China as descendants of the Chinese Crested Dog. And some have—perhaps a bit cheekily—suggested that Chihuahuas descended from rats.

But most canine historians agree the Chihuahua’s story begins with an early ancestor called the Techichi, in what is now modern-day Mexico. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests the Techichi were already living among humans beginning around the ninth century. In his book History of the Chihuahua, William Miller writes: “We know that the Toltec people of Mexico kept a little dog known as the Techichi, which had a fat body and large, Chihuahua-like ears.”

The Techichi weren’t exactly pets. Instead, they were revered as sacred animals believed to guide human souls through the afterlife. In some cases, a dog would be buried alongside its owner, its role continuing even after death.

So yes—those tiny little dogs that now bark ferociously at vacuum cleaners… were once thought to escort spirits into eternity. Quite the résumé.

In the eleventh century, the Aztecs adopted the Techichi into their customs. It has been speculated that the Techichi were bred with the Xoloitzcuintli [SHO-LO-itz-KWINT-lee] — also known as the Mexican hairless dog—to produce what we would recognize as the Chihuahua.

Over time the dogs were bred to be even smaller and were woven deeper into religious and cultural life. The Aztecs believed the human spirit would crawl onto the back of the Chihuahua in order to cross a river into the afterlife. Evidence suggests Aztec nobility kept hundreds of Chihuahuas both as companions and for rituals.

According to Ms. Kyle Potts, former president of the Chihuahua Club of America, Chihuahuas were “almost a form of money, and used in trading.”

So at one point in history… you could literally pay someone in Chihuahuas. Which, honestly, might still be a pretty good deal.

When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1500s, much of Aztec culture—and many Techichis—were wiped out. But a few survived in remote villages, quietly evolving over time into something more familiar.

While their ancestors could include dogs from China, Malta, and the Americas, the Chihuahua breed as we know it today began to emerge in the 1800s. American travelers visiting northern Mexico began noticing tiny dogs roaming around freely.

They were seen as cute exotic curiosities, purchased as souvenirs, and brought back to the United States. Because many of them were found in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the name stuck.

The first Chihuahua was shown at the Philadelphia Kennel Club in 1884—a dog named Chi-Chigas. In 1888, dog lover and show judge James Watson purchased a female named Manzanita in El Paso, Texas, and others soon began importing Chihuahuas as well.

Author Owen Wister purchased a Chihuahua named Caranza, which became the progenitor of well-known Chihuahua bloodlines called Meron and Perrito.

Chihuahuas at the time were also called Mexican Dogs, Arizona Dogs, or Texas Dogs… which sounds less like a breed and more like a minor league baseball team.

The breed gained official recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1904, making it one of the oldest recognized breeds in the United States. The first registered Chihuahua was named Midget, owned by H. Raynor of Texas.

Not long after, a dog named Beppie, owned by Mrs. L. A. McLean of New Jersey, became the first Chihuahua to be crowned a champion.

The first Chihuahua shown in the United Kingdom was a dog named Chaco in Richmond in 1902. In 1907, two dogs named Prince and Topsy became the first official UK registrations.

The Chihuahua’s small size made it easy to transport, inexpensive to feed, and—let’s be honest—impossibly adorable.

The breed’s popularity skyrocketed in the 20th century, becoming one of the most desired companion dogs in American homes.

The Chihuahua Club of America was founded in 1923 to promote the breed across the United States. One of the club’s founders, Clara L. Dobbs, established annual shows for the breed beginning in 1928.

Since then, the Chihuahua has maintained steady popularity, ranking #27 in popularity as of 2024.

Now it’s time for Bad Dad Jokes…

What do you call a chihuahua that plays heavy bass music?

A sub woofer.

The standard for Chihuahuas includes two main varieties:

• Smooth coat, with short glossy fur
• Long coat, with flowing hair and a slightly more regal look

As a member of the Toy Group, Chihuahuas stand just 5 to 8 inches tall and weigh up to 6 pounds.

One of the smallest dogs ever recorded was a Chihuahua named Miracle Milly, who stood just 3.8 inches tall and weighed about one pound. Born in 2011 in Puerto Rico, Milly was so tiny as a puppy that she had to be fed with an eyedropper.

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their size is not at all an indication of their attitude. They can have apple-shaped or deer-shaped heads, ears that stand straight up, and very expressive eyes that sometimes seem to be silently judging us.

Despite their delicate appearance, Chihuahuas are surprisingly sturdy and long-lived, often reaching 15 to 20 years. They are extremely brave and will confront animals much larger than themselves.

Sometimes that confidence is so overwhelming that larger dogs simply back away—mostly out of confusion. After all, they just came over to say hello.

While trainable, Chihuahuas aren’t always the best choice for families with very young children. They tend to bond strongly with one person and can be distrustful of strangers or other animals.

Because of this, they’re often on high alert… and occasionally on high volume.

Kyle Potts once said of the breed, “These are not frail, yappy, ankle-biters who only like to sit on your lap.”

Although… they are usually very happy to sit on your lap.

Given their small size, exercise needs can be met with a few play sessions a day and short walks outside. They are known for bursts of playful energy that can be surprisingly entertaining.

Chihuahuas are somewhat more susceptible to certain health conditions, including hypoglycemia due to their fast metabolism. The breed also has a genetic predisposition toward certain skeletal disorders and congenital deafness. These diminutive dogs also have a unique biological trait:

Many Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot on their skull called a molera, similar to the fontanelle in human babies. In some dogs it closes with age, but in others it remains throughout life. Interestingly, in Mexico this trait was once considered a sign of purity in the breed. Relative to their body size, Chihuahuas have one of the largest brains of any dog breed. This may help explain their sharp alertness—and possibly why they seem convinced they are in charge of everything. It’s just all gone to their head.

Chihuahuas are famous for shaking or shivering, but it isn’t always because they’re cold. The breed has a very fast metabolism and high energy level, and they often tremble simply from excitement, stress, or anticipation. In other words, they aren’t necessarily scared or cold, they’re just extremely enthusiastic about life.

Chihuahuas entered pop culture in earnest during the mid-to-late 20th century.

Spanish bandleader Xavier Cugat famously appeared on stage with his Chihuahua Pepito in the 1950s, holding the dog in one arm while conducting his band with the other. Impressive multitasking for anyone… let alone someone holding a Chihuahua. Marilyn Monroe often traveled with her Chihuahua named Josefa, which was purportedly given to her by legendary crooner, Frank Sinatra.

More recently, these little stars have appeared in numerous films and television shows. A dog named Moonie played Bruiser alongside Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2.

The role of Angel in Beverly Hills Chihuahua featured a white female Chihuahua named Chloe.

From 1997 to 2000, a smooth-haired Chihuahua named Gidget appeared in Taco Bell’s famous advertising campaign, delivering the memorable line: “Yo Quiero Taco Bell.”

Gidget also played Bruiser’s mom in Legally Blonde 2.

In the cartoon Ren and Stimpy, Ren Hoek was a Chihuahua who spoke English with a Mexican accent and was often drawn with exaggerated features.

And in the sports world, the El Paso Chihuahuas serve as the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres—complete with a logo featuring a snarling Chihuahua wearing a spiked collar.

The Chihuahua’s appearances on both the big and small screen ushered in the celebrity era. Soon they were everywhere: tucked into designer bags, photographed on red carpets, and occasionally treated like fashion accessories.

While this visibility made the breed wildly popular, it also created misconceptions. Chihuahuas aren’t toys. They’re intelligent, sensitive dogs that thrive on companionship and structure.

So why does this tiny dog continue to capture hearts around the world?

The answer is simple. Chihuahuas are:

• Deeply devoted
• Highly expressive
• Endlessly entertaining

While they may be stubborn, dramatic, and occasionally convinced they rule the household… they also bring enormous joy.

From sacred companions of ancient civilizations to modern icons of pop culture, the Chihuahua has lived through many generations—and ruled many laps.

If you are in the United States and are interested in owning a Chihuahua, please contact Chihuahua Rescue & Transport at chihuahua-rescue.com, or search for a Chihuahua rescue organization near you. Links are provided in this episode’s show notes.

I also strongly urge anyone seeking to add a pet to their home to contact their local SPCA, Humane Society, or other animal shelters, where millions of adoptable dogs and cats are waiting to find their forever homes. And please, spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the homeless animal population.

Now it’s time to announce the next dog to be featured on Doggone History. I’ll start the randomizer… and here we go… It's the Scottish Terrier!

Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by me, Rich Napolitano. Original theme music is also by me. All episodes, show notes, and more can be found at doggonehistory.com.

Please join me again next time.

But until then… say hi to your dog for me, won’t you? 🐕