Chihuahua History

The Chihuahua received its name from the northern part of Mexico bearing the same name, that borders on the Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico boundary lines.  Through archeological digs and the work of paleontologists, they have pieced together a history that goes back at least to 5th century A.D.

The Mayan Indians of South America made clay sculptures of small dogs that resemble a Chihuahua "type". These sculptures are dated back to the 5th century A.D. Were they the first to develop a relationship with one of the Chihuahua's ancestors?

One theory about the beginnings of the Chihuahua places it with the Spanish conquerors who invaded Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.  It is believed that they had with them a small, black and tan, terrier type dog.  A native people of Mexico, known as Toltecs, (the people that conquered the Mayans) were known to have conquered the southern and central parts of Mexico by 1100 A.D.  They possessed a dog of small stature, but at the same time it was heavy-boned and long-coated.  This dog was known as a Techichi.  These Spanish dogs were bred with the native Techichi and the Chihuahua resulted. 

When people in the United States were introduced to this tiny dog with a great personality, they were referred to as "Texas Dogs" or "Arizona Dogs" probably because that is the border that was used to bring the dogs from Mexico to the U.S.  Americans fell in love with the little critters and ever since the Chihuahua has been a favorite.  Chihuahuas have undergone a great deal of change since the 1950's.  Breeders have made great strides in improving their temperament.