Fascinating History and Origins of Chihuahuas

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Many people wonder, “Are Chihuahuas Mexican?” The history of Chihuahuas dates back to ancient Mexico and it’s fascinating to learn how this loveable breed has evolved over the years.

Table of Contents

• Early Origins of Chihuahuas
• Why Were Chihuahuas Bred?
• History of Chihuahuas In America
• Chihuahuas and Foxes?
• Characteristics of the Chihuahua
• FAQs About the History of Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are one of the most popular canine breeds around and no wonder. They are loyal, adorable, and have loads of personality.

Chihuahuas can be seen in many parts of the world being walked by their owners, or carried in tiny dog purses decked out in rhinestones. Chihuahua owners love to dress up their pooches in tiny clothes made especially for them, and celebrities can be seen toting them around Hollywood, even on the red carpet.

But what did the Chihuahua evolve from?

Check out our comprehensive post that showcases all our Chihuahua facts articles!

Early Origins of Chihuahuas

The Chihuahua breed originated in ancient Mexico and is considered one of the oldest breeds of canines in Mexico. Most people believe the chihuahua dog origin dates back to Mayan times when Chis descended from the Techichi. 

Techichis were a Mayan breed of dogs that were described as being extremely tiny. 

The Mayans were conquered by the Toltecs, and the Toltecs are believed to be the first to domesticate the Techichi and bring the dogs into the home as pets. The Toltecs also used the Techichis for religious purposes, food, and companions and some believed the dogs were sacred. 

Techichis have been depicted in Mayan, Aztec, and Toltec writings and drawings found in ancient tombs and pyramids.

In 1850, Techichi dogs were found in the Mexican state of Chihuahua near old ruins built by Emperor Montezuma. When explorers came searching for the new world, it is believed that the Techichi bred with a canine species brought over by the explorers. This resulted in the Chihuahua we have today.

Why Were Chihuahuas Bred?

Since most dogs are bred for a specific purpose, people often wonder, what are chihuahuas bred for? 

Chihuahuas were bred as companions and as sacred animals. Evidence suggests that these dogs were popular as sacrifices for religious ceremonies and rituals.

The Aztecs and Toltecs may have believed that these small dogs guided the soul to the underworld after death and the Techichi dogs were often buried with their owners.

History of Chihuahuas In America

The first Chihuahua was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904 and was named Midget. 

Chihuahuas’ popularity in the United States was slow during the early 1900s. Most people lived on farms and wanted dogs that could serve a purpose. Folks opted for dogs that could herd livestock, chase off varmints, scare off predators, or be used in hunting. 

Because of their small size, Chis were considered useless on the farm.

One of the myths going around back in the day was that having a Chihuahua sleep next to a person in their bed would transfer their illness (usually asthma or other lung diseases) from the human to the dog.

One of our readers told about how her uncle did this and it actually worked, but killed the poor Chihuahua. Glad we don’t use Chihuahuas in that way anymore!

During the 1960s, the population in cities started to boom and many people were living in small apartments or houses. Because of this trend, people were now wanting a smaller dog that was suitable for household living and companionship.

The smallness of the Chihuahua breed pertained well to city folks, so the popularity of Chis started to rise. 

Chihuahuas were first popular in the states that border Mexico, such as Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. Eventually, the Chihuahua breed spread to other cities all over the United States, and even in other countries.

Chihuahuas and Foxes?

Ever notice how Chihuahuas sort of resembles a fox? There is a reason for that. It has long been thought that Fennec foxes were bred with the early Chihuahua ancestors. 

Is it possible that the chihuahua dog history includes breeding with foxes? The argument against it was that a dog and a fox cannot interbreed, but that argument was put to rest in 1980 when a Chihuahua and a Fennec fox were successfully bred.

Characteristics of the Chihuahua

Aside from the interesting Chihuahua origin, these dogs have many wonderful characteristics. 

• Obviously, Chihuahuas are known for their tininess. They make lovable lap dogs.
• Chihuahuas have the longest lifespan of any other dog breed and can live well past the age of 20. 
• Chihuahuas are known for not backing down to other dogs, no matter how big they are.
• Chihuahuas have over-the-top personalities and can become fussy. They have been referred to as “spicy little tamales”. 
• In 2021, Chihuahuas were listed as the 37th most popular dog in America. But in my book, they are the most popular! (I may be biased!)

Related articles you might want to read:

• 55 Facts About Chihuahuas That You May Not Know
• 50 Interesting Facts About Dogs

FAQs About the History of Chihuahuas