Where Do Chihuahuas Come From? The Techichi, History & Why They Shiver 🐾
Breedpedia Ep.03 — the little dog people once believed could take away pain, and why its descendants shiver so much.
Quick answer: The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog breed, and it comes from Mexico. Its ancestor is usually traced to the Techichi, a small, quiet companion dog kept by ancient peoples of Mexico, including the Toltecs and later the Aztecs. The modern name comes from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where American travellers bought these tiny dogs in the mid-1800s. The AKC first registered the breed in 1904. Today's Chihuahuas weigh up to 6 lb (about 2.7 kg) under the AKC standard and often live 14–16 years.
The Techichi: a dog believed to take away pain 🕯️
Long before anyone called it a Chihuahua, a small dog called the Techichi lived in ancient Mexico. Most breed histories, including the AKC's, link the Chihuahua back to this dog.
Here's what the old accounts say about it:
- It was a companion, not a worker. The Techichi was kept close to people and their homes.
- It was a little bigger and heavier than today's Chihuahua.
- It's said to have been silent. Old descriptions call it a dog that didn't bark. (Anyone who lives with a modern Chihuahua will tell you that part didn't survive.)
- It had a spiritual role. Some people believed the dog could ease illness by drawing pain away from a sick person, and Aztec belief linked dogs to guiding souls after death.
A fair note: much of this comes from legend, art and later retellings rather than written records from the time. Historians agree the Techichi existed and mattered to the people who kept it. The exact family tree between the Techichi and today's Chihuahua, and how much other small dogs added along the way, is still debated.
After the Toltecs, the Aztec civilization took over the region and kept the little dog, which is how it reached the period when Europeans arrived.
Why is it called a Chihuahua? 🌵
The name is a place. Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico, in the far north on the border with Texas and New Mexico.
In the mid-1800s, Americans visiting the border region started buying the tiny dogs they found there and bringing them home. At first nobody agreed on a name. People called them "Arizona Dogs" or "Texas Dogs," after where they ended up. Eventually the name of the Mexican state they came from stuck.
In 1904, the American Kennel Club registered its first Chihuahua, and the breed has been on the AKC books ever since. The international federation, the FCI, lists Mexico as the country of origin.
Why do Chihuahuas shiver so much? 🥶
This is the question almost every new owner asks, and it's the second half of our video. The short version: a tiny body loses heat fast.
- More surface, less body. Small animals have a lot of skin compared to their body mass, so warmth escapes quickly.
- Little insulation. Chihuahuas carry very little body fat, and smooth-coat dogs have a short, thin coat.
- Shivering makes heat. When muscles tremble, they produce warmth. It's a normal way for a small body to stay warm.
- Warm-climate roots. The breed comes from Mexico, so it was never built for cold winters.
Chihuahuas also shake when they're excited, nervous or wanting attention, so a bit of trembling is often nothing to worry about. Call your vet if the shaking comes with weakness, vomiting, wobbliness, loss of appetite or seems to come from nowhere. In very small puppies, trembling can be a sign of low blood sugar, which needs quick attention.
Keeping them warm: a soft bed away from drafts, a sweater for winter walks, short outings when it's cold, and a warm room at home. They will almost always pick the sunny spot or your lap.
How big do Chihuahuas get? Teacup, toy and standard 📏
The AKC standard says a Chihuahua should weigh no more than 6 lb (about 2.7 kg). The FCI standard gives an ideal weight of 1.5–3 kg and allows 500 g to 3 kg. Most Chihuahuas stand roughly 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) at the shoulder.
You'll also see names like teacup, micro or toy Chihuahua. These aren't separate breeds or official sizes. They're nicknames people use for the smallest dogs of the breed.
| What you'll hear | Typical adult weight | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Teacup / micro | Under about 4 lb (≈1.8 kg) | A nickname for the smallest Chihuahuas, not an official size |
| Standard Chihuahua | 3–6 lb (≈1.5–2.7 kg) | Within the AKC and FCI breed standards |
| "Large" Chihuahua | Over 6 lb (≈2.7 kg) | Common in pets, but over the AKC show limit |
Adult size mostly follows the parents. If size matters to you, ask the breeder how much both parents weigh as adults.
Smooth coat or long coat? 🐕
Chihuahuas come in two coat types, and both are the same breed.
- Smooth coat: short, glossy and close to the body. Very easy to groom, but it gets cold faster.
- Long coat: soft, flat or slightly wavy hair with feathering on the ears, legs and tail. It looks fluffier but still needs only a brush once or twice a week.
Almost any color or pattern is allowed: fawn, cream, chocolate, black, white, black and tan, and many mixes of these.
A rounded "apple head" is what the breed standard describes. "Deer head" is an informal name for Chihuahuas with a longer muzzle and flatter skull. Many puppies also have a molera, a small soft spot on top of the skull, which is accepted in the AKC standard. It often closes as the puppy grows, but handle the head gently.
What is a Chihuahua like? Personality 💛
- Loyal. Many Chihuahuas pick one favorite person and follow them everywhere.
- Alert. They notice everything and will tell you about it. Unlike the Techichi, they do bark.
- Confident. A big personality in a very small body. Early socialization helps them stay friendly with new people and other dogs.
- Apartment-friendly. Short walks and indoor play usually cover their exercise needs.
- Better with gentle kids. A Chihuahua is tiny, so it does best with older children who know how to handle a small dog.
Chihuahua lifespan and health 🩺
Chihuahuas are one of the longer-lived breeds. 14–16 years is common, and many live longer with good care. Things to watch for:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): small puppies should eat small, frequent meals.
- Kneecap problems (patellar luxation): limit jumping from sofas and beds, and use non-slip rugs.
- Dental disease: small mouths crowd teeth, so brush often and keep up with dental checks.
- Trachea and heart: use a harness instead of a collar, and ask your vet to listen to the heart at checkups.
- Cold and injury: keep them warm, and watch out for falls and being stepped on.
Meet our Chihuahua puppies 🏠
Chihuahuas are a familiar sight in Korea: tucked into jackets on winter walks, napping in café corners, riding along in bags. Kim's Pups raises and places Chihuahua puppies from Korea with families around the world, in both smooth and long coats. Every puppy is handled from the first weeks, and vaccinations and health checks are done before travel. We handle the export paperwork on our side. Each country has its own minimum age and entry rules, so read our guide to what age a puppy can fly from Korea, or just ask us about yours.
See available Chihuahua puppies →
Chihuahua FAQ ❓
Where do Chihuahuas come from?
Mexico. The breed is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, and its ancestor is usually traced to the Techichi, a small companion dog of ancient Mexico.
What is a Techichi?
The Techichi was a small, quiet dog kept by ancient peoples of Mexico, including the Toltecs and Aztecs. It was a bit bigger than today's Chihuahua and is considered its main ancestor.
Why do Chihuahuas shake so much?
Mostly to stay warm. Their tiny bodies lose heat quickly and have little fat or coat for insulation. They also shake when excited or nervous. See a vet if shaking comes with other symptoms.
How big does a teacup Chihuahua get?
"Teacup" is a nickname, not an official size. It usually means an adult Chihuahua under about 4 lb (1.8 kg). The AKC standard allows up to 6 lb (2.7 kg).
How long do Chihuahuas live?
Usually 14–16 years, and often longer with good food, dental care and regular vet visits.
When was the Chihuahua recognized by the AKC?
The American Kennel Club registered its first Chihuahua in 1904.
Are Chihuahuas good apartment dogs?
Yes. They need little space and modest exercise. Plan for early socialization so their alert, barky side stays manageable.
🇹🇭 ชิวาวาเป็นสุนัขพันธุ์อะไร มาจากไหน?
ชิวาวาคือสุนัขพันธุ์ที่เล็กที่สุดในโลก มีต้นกำเนิดจากเม็กซิโก บรรพบุรุษคือ "เทชิชิ" (Techichi) สุนัขตัวเล็กของชาวเม็กซิกันโบราณ ซึ่งเชื่อกันว่าช่วยดึงความเจ็บปวดออกจากคนป่วยได้ ชื่อ "ชิวาวา" มาจากรัฐชิวาวาทางตอนเหนือของเม็กซิโก และได้รับการจดทะเบียนกับ AKC ครั้งแรกในปี 1904 ตามมาตรฐาน AKC น้ำหนักไม่เกิน 2.7 กิโลกรัม อายุเฉลี่ย 14–16 ปี
ชิวาวาตัวสั่นบ่อยเพราะตัวเล็ก เสียความร้อนเร็ว และมีไขมันน้อย ช่วงหน้าหนาวจึงควรดูแลให้อบอุ่น Kim's Pups ส่งลูกชิวาวาจากเกาหลีไปยังประเทศไทย โดยเราดูแลเรื่องวัคซีน ใบรับรองสุขภาพ และเอกสารส่งออกให้ทั้งหมด ติดต่อเราเพื่อดูลูกชิวาวาที่พร้อมย้ายบ้านได้เลย 🐾
🇮🇩 Chihuahua itu anjing seperti apa dan berasal dari mana?
Chihuahua adalah ras anjing terkecil di dunia dan berasal dari Meksiko. Leluhurnya adalah Techichi, anjing kecil Meksiko kuno yang dipercaya bisa "mengambil" rasa sakit dari orang yang sedang sakit. Nama Chihuahua diambil dari negara bagian Chihuahua di Meksiko utara, dan ras ini pertama kali terdaftar di AKC pada tahun 1904. Menurut standar AKC, beratnya tidak lebih dari 2,7 kg dan umurnya rata-rata 14–16 tahun.
Chihuahua sering gemetar karena tubuhnya kecil, cepat kehilangan panas, dan lemaknya sedikit. Kim's Pups rutin mengirim anak Chihuahua dari Korea ke Indonesia. Vaksin, surat keterangan sehat, dan dokumen ekspor kami urus semuanya. Hubungi kami untuk melihat anak Chihuahua yang tersedia 🐾
🇭🇰 芝娃娃（Chihuahua）係咩品種？由邊度嚟？
芝娃娃係全世界最細嘅狗品種，原產地係墨西哥。佢嘅祖先叫「Techichi」，係古代墨西哥人養嘅細型狗，傳說可以幫病人帶走痛楚。「Chihuahua」呢個名嚟自墨西哥北部嘅奇瓦瓦州，1904 年首次喺 AKC 登記。根據 AKC 標準，體重唔超過 2.7 公斤，平均壽命 14 至 16 年。
芝娃娃成日震係因為身型細、散熱快、脂肪少，冬天要特別注意保暖。Kim's Pups 經常由韓國送芝娃娃 BB 去香港，疫苗、健康證明同出口文件全部由我哋處理。想睇下而家有邊隻芝娃娃 BB，歡迎聯絡我哋 🐾
