International Chihuahua Appreciation Day Date in the current year: May 14, 2024

The Chihuahua is a Mexican breed of toy dog; it is the smallest dog breed recognized by some kennel clubs. The breed is believed to have derived from the Techichi, an extinct dog breed that was bred by the Toltec culture as early as the 9th century BC. Techichis were small, but larger and heavier than modern Chihuahuas.

Mentions of small, almost hairless dogs bred by the Aztecs can be found in letters written by sixteenth-century Spanish conquistadors, such as Hernan Cortés and Francisco Hernandez, who wrote that the natives ate these dogs as commonly as they ate rabbits. Due to food shortage, the Spanish ate Techichis on their expeditions as well.

By the early 19th century, Techichis had almost disappeared and could only be found in remote villages. Several decades later, Americans took interest in the breed and found many of its modern descendants in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The first Chihuahuas were imported to the United States in the late 1880s. In 1904, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed and registered the first Chihuahua, Midget, owned by H. Raynor from Texas.

Chihuahuas are small but sturdy dogs with a compact body, rounded head, prominent eyes, and large erect ears. Their average height ranges between 15 and 23 cm (6 and 9 in), and the weight can range from 0.5 to 3 kg (1 to 6 pounds). Their coats may be either short (smooth) or long and come in many colors and patterns.

The American Kennel Club describes the Chihuahua as “a tiny dog with a huge personality”. They are loyal, charming, playful, affectionate, and energetic dogs who prefer the company of their family members. Despite their small size, most Chihuahuas are confident and feisty, and therefore require training. Chihuahuas are widely regarded as ideal city pets because they can thrive even in a small apartment.

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day was created by Nadia Alterio, fitness and women’s health advocate, digital marketing specialist, and former professional athlete and Miss British Columbia. A devoted fan of the breed, Alterio created the holiday in 2011 to commemorate the birthday of her Chihuahua Teaka and celebrate Chihuahuas and their owners around the globe. In addition to founding a holiday dedicated to Chihuahuas, Alterio wrote and published a book on Chihuahua care titled Caring for Chihuahuas Made Easy: Breed Information, Health Care and Nutrition and started the blog Famous Chihuahua.

There are many ways to celebrate International Chihuahua Appreciation Day. If you have a Chihuahua, buy your pet a new toy or a delicious treat, and share some photos on social media with the hashtag #InternationalChihuahuaAppreciationDay. Other ways to celebrate include throwing a Chihuahua-themed party, donating to or volunteering at a Chihuahua rescue, and adopting a Chihuahua from a shelter.