
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed. They’re also one of the oldest, though we don’t know exactly when they were first bred. They can trace their roots back to ancient dogs in Mexico, which have been around since at least the 9th century. Despite its ancient origins, these dogs were relatively rare until the 20th century.
Today, Chihuahuas are one of the more popular dog breeds. They’re smaller, so they work well in apartments. As people moved into the cities and apartments, smaller dogs became more popular, including Chihuahuas. Therefore, it made sense that Chihuahuas eventually get their own celebratory day.
The day originated in 2020 when former Miss British Columbia and fitness advocate Nadia Alterio announced on her blog that May 14 would henceforth be celebrated as International Chihuahua Appreciation Day, coinciding with her own Chihuahua — Teaka’s — birthday. The breed was named after the Mexican State of Chihuahua and usually grows to be between three to six lbs. They are often featured in advertisements during Cinco De Mayo.
