International Chihuahua Appreciation Day: How to Celebrate the World’s Smallest Big Personality

Did you know there’s a whole day devoted to celebrating the world’s sassiest small dog? On May 14th, Chihuahua lovers around the globe honour this feisty breed with flair. Whether you’re a proud Chi paw-rent or just an admirer of pint-sized pups with oversized attitudes, here’s how to make the most of International Chihuahua Appreciation Day.

1. What Is International Chihuahua Appreciation Day?

Named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, this is the smallest breed of dog in the whole world, the tiny Chihuahua is between 15 – 23 cms in height and weighs around 1.5 – 3 kgs. Famous Chihuahuas include Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbell and Moonie from the movie Legally Blonde.

2. How did the International Chihuahua Appreciation Day start?

There are a few different theories but the one we like best is that it was started on Canadian Nadia Alterio’s website on 14th May 2010, when she declared it to be International Chihuahua Appreciation Day in honour of her dog, Teaka. The 14th of May was her dog’s birthday. Nadia is a former Miss British Columbia and women’s fitness advocate, she has even written a book on the breed.

Now in its eighth year, the day is celebrated worldwide.

3. Why Chihuahuas Deserve Their Own Day

What they lack in size, Chihuahuas make up for in personality. Fiercely loyal, often opinionated, and endlessly photogenic, these tiny dynamos have earned a loyal global fanbase.

Known for their alertness, intelligence, and a Napoleon-like confidence, Chihuahuas are more than purse accessories—they are full of life and deeply devoted companions.

“They’re like little shadows—always with you, watching, thinking,” says Journalist and Chihuahuas owner Grant Hodgson, orginally based in Sydney but little Poco has relocated and now padding the boardwalks in LA. “But they can also be stubborn and quirky, so they’re not for everyone.”

As a former Bondi local, Poco the Chihuahua used to pad Bondi’s Promenade but swapped his native Australia to live in LA LA Land, where he is now rubbing shoulders with celebrities and their pooches, and also sampling the different cuisines, beaches and culture on offer, this capable canine is showing the locals, “what’s up Down Under.” I got to meet the adorable and well-travelled Poco, who flew over 12,000kms when I visited LA last year. You can read more about his story here.

4. Top 5 Ways to Celebrate with Your Chi

• Host a Chihuahua Tea Party
  Invite fellow Chi lovers to a dog-friendly picnic in the park. Don’t forget tiny hats!

• Create a ‘Chi-Gram’ Tribute
  Share your favourite photos or videos using #ChiAppreciationDay and tag @petfriendlyaustralia.

• Visit a Pet-Friendly Café
  Treat your little pal to a doggy cappuccino at your local pet-welcoming venue.

• Spoil Them with Gifts
  Think: custom harnesses, orthopedic beds, or a new squeaky toy that won’t drive you (completely) mad.

• Support a Chihuahua Rescue
  Donate or volunteer with local rescue groups dedicated to rehoming Chis in need.

5. Fascinating Chihuahua Facts

• 🐶 Small but mighty: Chihuahuas are among the longest-living breeds, with some living over 20 years.

• 🎬 Hollywood icons: Stars like Paris Hilton and Reese Witherspoon have helped catapult Chihuahuas into pop culture fame.

• 🐕 Breed confusion: There are two types—apple head and deer head—though only the apple head meets breed standards for dog shows.

• 📏 World’s smallest dog: A Chihuahua named Miracle Milly holds the Guinness World Record at just 9.65 cm tall!

6. Caring for a Chihuahua: Vet Tips

Chihuahuas may be small, but their care isn’t. Due to their size and temperament, they have unique health and lifestyle needs.

“The Chihuahua is a generally healthy breed, although health problems that can occur include patellar luxation, dental issues, hypoglycaemia, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and heart problems [1].”

Quick Tips:

• Regular dental cleanings are a must

• Use a harness, not a collar, to protect their trachea

• Keep them mentally stimulated with puzzles or training games

• Provide warm bedding, especially in winter

Quick Tips:

• Regular dental cleanings are a must

• Use a harness, not a collar, to protect their trachea

• Keep them mentally stimulated with puzzles or training games

• Provide warm bedding, especially in winter

Have a Chihuahua story to share? Tag us on Instagram @petfriendlyaustralia and use #ChiAppreciationDay.

Author Bio:

Carla Francis is the founder of Pet-Friendly Accommodation and author of “Travelling with Pets.” With over a decade of experience in pet travel, she champions the bond between people and their animals—no matter the size.

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