As we celebrate International Dog Day today, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the rich history of our beloved pets. Though modern celebrations owe much to Colleen Paige, a pet expert who popularized dog-related observances in the United States, the significance of dogs spans centuries and continents. Among the 400 domestic dog breeds that exist today, the Chihuahua stands out not only as a favorite but also as one of the oldest breeds in existence.
This tiny dog may trace its roots back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, playing a role in ancient cultures such as the Aztecs, and possibly even originating from wolves that crossed from Asia via the Bering Strait.
From Wolves to Man’s Best Friend
As it is well-known, all domestic dogs are descendants of Canis lupus—the gray wolf. Early human hunter-gatherers forged a symbiotic relationship with certain wolves, likely those that wandered into camps in search of food scraps. Over time, these wolves became more than mere visitors; they became companions, protectors, and helpers.
Archaeological studies suggest that these early dogs followed humans across the Beringia land bridge, which connected Siberia to Alaska during the last Ice Age. Once in the Americas, these “first American dogs” spread throughout the continent, serving roles as varied as pets, work animals, and even sources of food.
Dogs in Aztec Civilization
In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, dogs played significant roles in religion and culture. In the Aztec Empire, dogs were part of various rituals, and it was believed that a human soul required a dog to ride across a river in the underworld. Among the Aztecs, dogs such as the Xoloitzcuintli—the Mexican hairless dog—were considered sacred, associated with the god Xolotl, the guide to the afterlife.
Another breed, the Tlalchichi, described in Spanish colonial texts, was bred for consumption. This short, bulky dog may be a distant ancestor of the modern Chihuahua. Despite the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the introduction of European dog breeds, the Chihuahua survived, preserving its ancient lineage.
The Chihuahua: A Link to the Past
Recent genetic research confirms the Chihuahua’s connection to its ancient roots. Studies such as the 2013 paper, “Pre-Columbian Origins of Native American Dog Breeds,” provide evidence that the Chihuahua’s ancestry is indeed tied to dogs that crossed the Bering Strait with early humans. Despite the influx of European breeds during colonization, the Chihuahua maintains a genetic link to these pre-Columbian dogs.
So, as we celebrate International Dog Day, take a moment to appreciate not just the Chihuahua’s adorable demeanor, but its long and storied history—a history that stretches back thousands of years, from the Aztecs to the present day.
