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TueMay 14

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day – May 14, 2024

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day is celebrated across the world on May 14 every year. As the name suggests, International Chihuahua Appreciation Day is meant to appreciate Chihuahuas, the smallest breed of dog in the world. 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.

History of International Chihuahua Appreciation Day

Humans have had pet dogs for thousands of years. In fact, archaeology suggests a period of 12,000 years, and it is an agreed-upon fact that dogs were the first animals to be kept as pets by humans. Ancient Greeks and Romans were known to openly mourn the loss of a dog, inscribing tombstones for their lost companions. Ancient Egyptians kept dogs and baboons as pets, and often named and buried them with their owners.

The modern conception of pet ownership stems from Victorian England. The 17th and 18th centuries bore witness to the gradual rise in the social acceptability of keeping a pet. Pets soon became a sign of elite status as aristocrats began keeping dogs for both hunting and companionship. The rise of the middle-class post during the industrial revolution led to pet ownership becoming a part of the so-called “bourgeois culture.” As the popularity of pets rose, the pet trade became lucrative, and the streets of London soon saw vendors selling different breeds. The pedigree of a dog also grew in importance as the breed of the dog was indicative of its owner’s status within society.

The Chihuahua is the smallest recognized dog breed. It is believed to have originated from the Techichi, a small dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico around the 9th century A.D. Chihuahuas were quite rare until the early 20th century; it was first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1904.

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day timeline

12,000 Years Ago
The First Pets

Humans start keeping pets for the first time.

14,200 Years Ago
The First-known Dog Burial

The first-known dog burial takes place in modern-day Bonn-Oberkassel, Germany.

17th Century
Pets in England

Pets become more acceptable in British society.

1904
Chihuahuas Get Recognized

The American Kennel Society registers a Chihuahua for the first time.

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day FAQs

What do Chihuahuas enjoy the most?

Chihuahuas are mainly indoor dogs and love spending time curled up with their owners.

What is the Chihuahua called in “Legally Blonde?”

The Chihuahua in “Legally Blonde” is named Moonie.

Why do Chihuahuas shake?

Chihuahuas have a really fast metabolism, which makes them shiver when they get nervous or excited.

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day Activities

  1. Have a Chihuahua-themed party

    Do you absolutely love Chihuahuas? There’s no better day than International Chihuahua Appreciation Day to throw a Chihuahua-themed party.

  2. Share photos of your Chihuahua on social media

    If you have a Chihuahua, share your favorite pictures of your beloved canine this International Chihuahua Appreciation Day. Your friends and family will love it.

  3. Donate to a Chihuahua rescue shelter

    If it’s within your means, donate to a Chihuahua rescue shelter. Every cent counts.

5 Fascinating Facts About Chihuahuas

  1. A loving disposition

    Chihuahuas have a very loving disposition.

  2. A mistrust of strangers

    Chihuahuas tend to be mistrustful of strangers, and are constantly alert for any danger.

  3. Quick learners

    Chihuahuas are quick learners, thus making them good at dog sports.

  4. Not cold-friendly

    Chihuahuas don’t fare well in the cold.

  5. Commonly mispronounced

    The word ‘Chihuahua’ is commonly mispronounced — its actual pronunciation is closer to “shee-wa-wa.”

Why We Love International Chihuahua Appreciation Day

  1. It’s an excuse to dote on Chihuahuas

    Chihuahuas are absolutely adorable! We love any excuse to dote on them.

  2. It’s an opportunity to adopt a Chihuahua

    Perhaps you’ve been on the fence about adopting. Today is the perfect excuse to adopt a Chihuahua!

  3. It’s an excuse to spend more time with your pet

    If you are a pet parent of a Chihuahua, today is a perfect opportunity to spend more time with them. We love that for you!

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 14Tuesday
2025May 14Wednesday
2026May 14Thursday
2027May 14Friday
2028May 14Sunday

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