Whitney Veterinary Hospital and
Cat Care Clinic

Ellie is a Chihuahua!

This tiny 6 pound dog has quite a history! It may have originated in China and been taken to South America centuries ago – (think ancient times and Aztecs!) – where it was used as a ceremonial dog. No, they didn’t dress them up fancy and worship them! (That’s us!) The Aztec people thought that the deceased needed a little red dog to lead them to the afterlife, so when a family member died, they sacrificed the dog & buried it with them. Sometimes they even ate them.

When they were conquered by the Spanish, they simply abandoned the dogs to fend for themselves. Fortunately, some survived and were discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico about the time of our Gold Rush.

The Chihuahua is lively, graceful and small. It can have long or short hair. This saucy little dog desperately hates the cold and will seek warmth wherever it can find it. Its exercise needs can easily be met with indoor play. The short coat needs very little care, but the long coat needs frequent brushing. They may have any color of coat.

We are pleased to welcome Ellie to our practice!