Chihuahua Dogs

The Chihuahua dog is named after the state of the same name in Mexico. This is where their history is thought to have originated from. The city of Chihuahua, Mexico is about 150 miles southwest Texas in the United States. The origin of this little dog are still a subject of some speculation and debate. However, artifacts and artwork dated as early as 1500 AD depict a small dog resembling the modern day version have been unearthed in Mexico and Central America.  Another discovery depicting a chiwawa- like dog was found at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza which dates as far back as the 5th century A.D. Pottery resembling the taller deer type Chihuahua was found that dates from 1100 to 1300 A.D.

A common theory is that the Chihuahua (often spelled Chiwawa or Chuwawa in much of the world) descended from a small native dog called “the Techihi“. This small dog  is believed to have been domesticated by either the Toltecs or the Mayans.  It is believed these little dogs were sacrificed in Toltec religious rituals.  It is said that every Aztec family owned a Techichi because they were helpful in guiding the soul to the underworld. The Aztec families would sacrifice their dogs and bury them with a recently passed family member to help guide them to the afterlife. There is also some evidence that these Techichi were eaten.

The Techichi was not as tiny as the modern day Chihuahua dog.  They were more stout and taller. Some believe that the Techichi and the Chihuahua are not separate species at all, but are actually the same dog but with different names.

The other theory regarding the Techichi is that it is in fact a separate species from the Chiwawa, but was crossed with a smaller hairless Mexican dog and the result was the Chihuahua.

Whatever their origin, it is clear that these little dogs have been popular for centuries and continue to charm us with their delightful spirit and infectious energy.

Chiwawa Dogs

Let’s face it, naming a new puppy can be as hard as naming a new baby. And due to their cuteness and tiny little body, finding unique Chihuahua names for your new Chi can be tough.  You want to find just the perfect one. You’ve been running different choices of possible chiwawa names through your mind but nothing sounds good enough? Well, perhaps you might want to think about picking a name in a different way.

It seems the most popular naming notion comes from the fact that the Chiwawa is a tiny dog. Obviously. As a result, a lot of people try to find a name based on its size.  You’ve likely met a few “Lady Bug”, “Tinker Bell” and “Minnies” yourself.  If you like this idea, finding a size-oriented name might be as easy as looking at a dictionary of synonyms for “tiny”.   “Micro”, “Nano”, “Tiny”  are just a few. The opposite is also true. Many chiwawa dogs are named “Big” names that denote strength, such as ‘Hercules’, ‘Hulk’, ‘Killer’, ‘Jaws’, ‘He-Man’, ‘Ninja’, or “Thor”.

And of course, many people seem to name their chiwawa puppies after celebrities, so you will see many little dogs named “Paris”, “Rambo”, “Spock” (for their giant poiny ears), “Jagger”, etc.

As it’s been done a million times before, I like to stay away from naming my dogs in reference to their color, so for me, no: “Coco”, “Snoball”, “Blondey” or “Midnight”.  However, that’s just a personal preference.

After all is said and done, our chiwawa puppies usually got named by the kids so we had: “Rockie”, “Rambo”, “JJ”, “Boomer” and “Frisco”.

If you take your time while naming your new Chiwawa puppy the perfect name will come to you. If you get really stumped consider looking through books or lists of “Baby Names”.  Most importantly have fun with it. Pick a name you and your new dog will be happy with for many years to come! Chihuahua names aren’t that hard after all.

Chiwawa Dogs