Famous Chihuahuas

Today, Chihuahuas are one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. Families from all over are choosing Chihuahuas for their pets and for good reason; they're loving, smart, have few health issues, and are undeniably cute. However, their popularity didn't happen overnight. It took some famous Chihuahuas to really make this breed boom with popularity.

Gidget, The First Famous Chihuahua

Yo quiero Taco Bell", which means "I want Taco Bell" in English. Some other famous quotes done by her are "Viva gorditas" and "Drop the chelupa". The commercials, which started in 1997, were an instant hit throughout the entire country, bringing the Chihuahua to the television screens in front of millions of Americans.

The female Chihuahua featured in the commercials was originally named "Dinky" but later renamed to "Gidget". Gidget continued to star in several Taco Bell commercials up until 2001 . Some people believed that the cause of the commercials ending was a result of Gidgets death, but this was not the case. Unfortunately Gidget died from a stroke in 2005 at the age of 15, but she will remain in the hearts of millions.

Another Famous Chihuahua, Bruiser

While the Taco Bell commercials may have introduced the breed to millions of Americans to start the craze, Chihuahuas soon began popping up in new movies. One particular blockbuster hollywood movie released in 2001, "Legally Blonde", featured a now famous Chihuahua named "Bruiser". This movie became a huge hit, allowing viewers to get a more personal look at the Chihuahua and just how much fun they are. In the movie, Bruiser is a spoiled Chihuahua that's goes everywhere with her owner, Elle Woods.

A sequel to this movie came to theatres in 2003 in which Bruiser returned with her owner, Elle. Once again, this put the Chihuahua back in the spotlight and on the screens on movie theaters everywhere.

Following the sequel, a musical play launched starring two different Chihuahuas to play as Bruiser. The Chihuahuas in the musical, Frankie and Roxxie, have interesting stories of their own. Frankie was actually found as a stray in Meriden, Connecticut and Roxxie was found in Louisiana with a life-threatening case of heartworms. Overcoming adversities of their own, these two Chihuahuas have made their way into the fame.

Celebrities and Their Famous Chihuahuas

Bruiser and Gidget were two of the most famous Chihuahuas that sparked the craze that made people everywhere in America want Chihuahuas. Shortly after, their popularity boomed and not only were everyday families getting Chihuahuas, but celebrities were too. One of the most well-known is Paris Hilton with her Chihuahua, "Tinkerbell", and whether you like her or not, Tinkerbell is now considered a famous Chihuahua.

Some Chihuahuas get their fame from being owned by famous celebrities. Madonna has been the owner of three Chihuahuas, named "Evita", "Rosita", and "Chiquita". The famous singer and actress Hillary Duff  also has a Chihuahua named "Chiquita". Other famous celebrities who own or have owned Chihuahuas are the all-too-famous Britney Spears with her companion, "Bit-Bit", Sharon Osbourne with "Mimi", and the list could go on.

If you've ever watched the television show, "The Soup", you may notice a Chihuahua on there. "Lou" is a co-star in many episodes, even taking a star role for short videos. He's became an all too familiar face for millions of Americans and has even been seen doing interviews with the host of the show.

Chihuahuas, once a widely unknown dog breed, have come a long ways over the years. Now they are in movies, on television shows, and in the magazines we read everyday. However, with this popularity comes a responsibility - the responsibility to commit and take care of any Chihuahua we want to own. It is up to us to protect them and keep them safe.