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.
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:
FAQs About the History of Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas have been around since about the 9th century. They are the oldest dog breed on the American continent.
Chihuahuas got their name from the region of Mexico they came from, which is the state called Chihuahua, Mexico.
Chihuahuas are from the country of Mexico.
No one knows for sure what Chihuahuas were originally bred for but historians believe it may have been for several things such as food, companionship, and for religious reasons.
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
My sweetie, ittybitty got her nails done.
Aww, such pretty nails on a pretty little girl!
Jesus loves you ITTY BITTY 🙂
ADORABLE
Yes they are Lori. Thanks for visiting!
Wow! My Booker is half child half dauchhound, but he could be ittybitty’s twin! He even has nails like hers! *as Booker looks at me insulted, snorting* well, unpainted, of course! *Booker looks at photo, sniffs screen, ears in up forward “Hey, what’s this?” Position.* great photo, really shows those beautiful eyes and caramel color…Thanks!
My Little Sweetpea
Adorable little pup!
I had my chihuahua over a year now and she’s really special to me
I’m sure she is Blanca. They are such special little dogs!
Loved the article but “spicy little tamales”? Really? Cecenca ahmo nictlazohtla in mocamalihtoh. That’s Nahuatl for I don’t like your joke.
-indigenous Mexicana
Not my joke Lucia, that’s just the research I found. I personally would never call them that.
its a cute name for a cute bread. love my dogs. love the page.
Glad you love the page Lala!
I love the joke and I have 3 of those “spicy little tamales”. I have Rosa, William and Pinto and they are all very spicy little tamales and I love them with all my heart spicy and all!!
Rosa is only 2-3 pounds and I think she is the spiciest of all. She is the Alpha dog.
It always seems the smallest dog is the alpha. Rosa is so pretty.
My little Mindy was definitely an alpha. She made sure our Great Dane knew this when she was a couple of months old. Talk about “spicy little tamale “!
I just imagine when she saw herself in the mirror, she saw a Doberman. LOL
LOL. I’m sure she did see a doberman. What a cutie!
@Lucia, yawn get over it
This is my ChiChi, he’s 2 1/2 yrs and 5.7 lbs. He came to the Humane Society in CT after being picked up in N.C. by a rescue. I’ve had him a year now. He has brought so much happiness in my life, I love him#
He has an adorable face Wendy!
Thank you!
This is our baby she is 2 yrs old little over three pounds.
What an adorable little baby doll Ellen!
Mine is adorable
@Ellen Jones,
@Hazel, i cant see the picture of your Chi Ellen
Readers used to be able to upload photos in the comments but the plugin I used to do that no longer works and I haven’t found anything to replace it. That’s why you can’t see the photo.
My Lena Bina
What a cutie! Love her coloring and eyes.
Such an amazing breed. I love them. Each one of them has their own different personality.
I agree Amy!
We adopted our Chi a couple of years ago, we’re not positive how old he is , we think around 5 . He was abandoned in a house and found by Animal Control workers. He is the smartest little dog we’ve ever had his name is Spike and he’s 7 lbs and he loves his blanket
Chis do love their blankies don’t they? I’m so glad you gave this sweet little guy a home Yvonne.
I have a larger Chi (12 lb at 4 yrs old) named Rico. He has been a Godsend as a companion, and quite entertaining. Smartest dog I have known, and having had Springers and Labradors, that makes a statement, in my opinion.
He will chase anything that is running away from him (-:), but will run away from anything chasing him (flight or fight) but I have seen him stand up to and interact with dogs 10 times his size. He is a self-appointed neighborhood watch dog, and chases the kids around (but not with nefarious intentions).
He sounds like a great dog Robert!
Yes, chis are known to have a Napoleon complex and not realize their size. They will often stand up to dogs much bigger than they are.
Yes absolutely, my little guy is named Max, I rescued him on his way to the pound. But, I always wanted him but I wasn’t going to steal him. Now he is 4 and very sassy, and spunky. We love him, hehas brough meso much joy
I’m glad you rescued Max Jane!
I love everything about this site. Thank you so much for all the work you do on it. Btw, I’ve been wanting to post my beautiful boys picture but have not been successful. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks, Coopers mama
I’m glad yo like it Karen.Where are you trying to post your photo? In the comments? If it’s not working, it could be because the photo is too large. Do you know how to make them smaller? If not email me the photo at cathy@ilovemychi.com and I’ll reduce the photo for you.
I didn’t see any photos of any of the sweet chi babies. None of them came thru:-(
Cathy, I think I see a bit of terrier in Lucas’ sweet face. In a small way he resembles my sweet rescue BO who is terrier mix. Take a look at BO’s face and see if you can see a tad of terrier.
Lucy is so pretty, she is just beautiful!
Yeah Bo does look like he has some Schnauzer and/or terrier in him. Both boys are cuties!
When you said you couldn’t see the photos are you talking about the photos I had in the newsletter that was sent out this morning?
If so just look to the top of that email and you should see where it says “Display Images Below”. It may say something alittle different depending on which email provider you use but I believe you use Gmail and that’s what it says there. Just click on that and all the images will show up.
Yes, Cathy, the pics from today’s send will not come thru. I do have gmail but I do not see anything above that says click on to see images. This is the first time that has ever happened.
Also, when I open the Newsletter I get a big warning sign that this email may not have been sent by Cathy so it advises me not to click on any of the links????? LOL!! I was afraid to open the newsletter but I find it by just typing in the I LOVE MY CHI NEWSLETTER NUMBER SUCH AND SUCH. I may have inadvertenly clicked on something I should not have and my computer is acting up. I do see the pic at the top of the page of those beautiful white chibabies and I see my post of BO and Pinto.
My son, my tech support hahaha is in Dallas but when he comes home tomorrow I can ask him to see if he can fix it for me.
If you are in any way of the storm, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I sat thru several bad hurricanes in Biloxi, MS and Camille did make a believer of me!! Stay safe!
@Cathy, I will have to try to do it correctly. Maybe I am not clicking on the right thing. I am sure not tech smart!!!
Loved article! Yes, they are the cutest and smartest little guys ever!
Thank you Vivien! And yes they are.
Never had the oppotunity to have a family…human family. I was blessed to have my little Chihuahuas Milly n Molly. They are my kids and I am thiers💓I am secretly the Mama they think just dont know it😉I love my little girls so much.
I do have kids and grabdkids but I feel like I’m the mommy to my 3 dogs too!
That sweet Lucy is more beautiful each time I see her picture!! What a sweetie!!
Sorry for the loss of a special fur baby stated in first page. It is a broken heart, for sure, and I have felt it several times. I still say the love and the years of companionship we get from our Chi babies is more wonderful than the pain of losing them is horrible.
Prayers for all who have been in the path of our hurricane overload!! Sat through Camille in Biloxi, MS and made a believer of me! I have sat through several but Camille hit the MS coast as a category 5 with a 15 ft. surge and she took most of it away with her when she finally left. The noise is so totally unbelievable!! Maybe like 40 freight trains going through your home!
Congrats to our beautiful chi of the week!
Thanks Dixie! Yeah the weather has been crazy this year. I guess like everything else in 2020.
My long coat chihuahua past away Wednesday night. He had an enlarged heart, he finally gave out. He had just turned 14 yrs. old on Sept.4,2020. He was my heart and constant companion. I want to get another long coat male puppy, but I have not had any luck finding anyone near me who breeds and raises them. I have been looking for a while, since before my Spanky boy passed. If you know of someon lete, please let me know.
Sorry Belinda, I don’t know of any but I do have an article that may help: https://ilovemychi.com/how-to-find-a-reputable-chihuahua-dog-breeder/
My little Osha, does not like the rain at all… will stay on the patio until she can not hold wait anymore and only then will she go out in the rain.
It would be okay with me if she did her potty on the patio but she will not.
Love her so much, so glad that we found each other.
Congrats to Ritzi for being chi of the week. Wow, she sure looks like a sweetie and a real blessing! Why do people just drop puppies off in a mail deposit box or someplace? If they need somebody to take them, it is easier to take to a no kill shelter for adoption. It is not a crime to be unable to keep a puppy, but it is a crime to just toss them away like trash! Some people just do not feel anything, I guess.
When you loose your pet someday you don’t know if they can ever be replaced but my chihuahuas Chico and Taco sure made it easier to overcome pets that had to be put down. I could not imagine my life now without my baby boys. I love them so much.
I feel the same way about my 3. They make my life so much better.
I have two Dachshunds besides Ruby my Chihuahua . Kramer and Amber Rose. This is to answer your question above
Doxies are awesome! I love the names you gave all 3 too.
Why do my chi’s always stare at me and me only there are two other persons in the room but only stares at me.
Most likely because you are their favorite human. Dogs stare for 2 reasons: either they love you or are challenging you.
OMG, Butter was such a lovely furbaby and so sorry for your loss, however 20 years gave you and Butter a nice long life together. So sorry for your loss. I feel that pain since I have had 2 loses and it hurts to the quick of our bones and nothing can ease that pain but a lot of time can dim it a bit.
As usual, I see that Miss Lilly is still as beautiful as ever. I have always thought she was a stunning little girl…….!!
Hello Cathy, great to hear that your first treatment went so well and sweet little Lucy putting her little paw up to say all is well. Try to have plenty of rest and pure water to drink. This is a very interesting newsletter and confirms that I always thought the Fennec Fox is in the Chihuahua gene pool. I had also heard that the ancient Chinese bred the Chihuahua as the Fennec fox lives in a desert within China’s reach. The Chinese also bred other toy breeds to comfort the Emperors and the Chinese immigrants brought the chi, to Mexico during the gold rush. We are curious beings and it great to get this article from you, to think about. God Bless you to full recovery.X
Thanks Sandra!
Chihuahuas may be the 37th most popular dogs in America but they second most euthanized dog in America right behind pit breeds. Shows the ignorance of most Americans who treat dogs like they treat everything else they own…as throw aways.
Unfortunately you are correct Roxann.