The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican State of Chihuahua, where they originate. The breed was first mentioned in the 19th century by conquistadors. Though the breed has likely been around for centuries, some dog historians have theorized that the modern Chihuahua is a result of
crossbreeding small, hairless dogs (
Xoloitzcuintli ) from the Toltec Mexican tribe and the Aztec “
Techichi ” breed. Others hypothesize that early versions of this breed came to the Americas with the Spanish in the 16th century or even earlier from China.