Chihuahua Parade at Mission San Luis May 2, 2009

Mission San Luis invites all Chihuahuas, Chihuahua wannabes, their companions, and their fans to join the fun at the first annual “paseo” around the plaza. The event is a good opportunity to showcase your dogs and to introduce them to their cultural heritage at the same time.

There is no charge. Costumes are optional. All dogs must be on leashes. Unlike the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, this event doesn’t require a pedigree. If it looks like a Chihuahua, walks like a Chihuahua, or thinks it is a Chihuahua, it is welcome at Mission San Luis. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day and the chance to meet others who share your enthusiasm for this small but mighty breed.

It is believed that the Chihuahua breed originated in Pre-Columbian Mexico and was the first breed of dog in the Americas. The modern Chihuahuas may be the result of breeding the Toltec companion animal, the Techici, with Spanish-introduced small dogs.

Mission San Luis hopes to make this an annual event with a future “Running of the Chihuahuas” race. For more information, please contact Visitor Services at the Mission, 850.487-3711 or visit www.missionsanluis.org.

Official Website: http://www.missionsanluis.org/_docs/2009Chihuahuaflyer.pdf