Arizona Dog Names

The Chihuahua, a small Terrier type whose origins are shrouded in mystery, is said to be the unofficial dog of Arizona though most agree the dog officially developed in Mexico.  It is no surprise that Arizona loves its Chihuahuas considering the infusional of Mexican culture and tradition found throughout the state.  Chihuahuas are excellent companions and appear as docile pocket pooches on both the silver screen and among the masses.  Names such as Bella and Tink fit perfectly for these Arizona dogs, but one Chihuahua stands out among the rest.  In the 1990's and early 2000's, Taco Bell ran several television commercials featuring a taco-loving Chihuahua.  Though the Chihuahua was unnamed, most people referred to the Chihuahua as the Taco Bell Dog.  However, one of the featured Chihuahua's real names was Taco, though he was only a stand-in for the real star, Gidget.

The Chihuahua got a lot of attention during these years, and its breed popularity soared as a result, especially in Arizona.  Arizona is home to several Chihuahua inspired dog events.  In Tuscon in southern Arizona, country music station KIIM 99.5 holds an annual Chihuahua race while the Arizona Taco Festival at Salt River in the Phoenix Metro area holds an annual Chihuahua beauty pageant where all the proceeds go to local Chihuahua rescue groups.  The mid to late 2000's saw the much-needed decrease in unwanted Chihuahua populations and a decrease in euthanizations as a result of the rising popularity and increasing education on the importance of spaying and neutering pets.  The national attention of the Taco Bello Dog with its Mexican stylized Spanish dialect and signature catchphrase, "yo quiero, Taco Bell,"  may have played a large role in identifying the Chihuahua as an Arizona dog.  

While Chihuahuas inspire Arizona dogs names, other people recognize the unique beauty Arizona offers for the outdoorsy types.  Many people living in the state enjoy the outdoors and bring their dogs on vacation or day trips while traveling the state, so Arizona has a dog-loving culture.  Many restaurants, hotels, and lodges are dog-friendly and encourage you to play and spend time with your four-legged companions.  One does not have to look far to find dog-friendly establishments all over the state.  Almost all tourist attractions are dog-friendly in Arizona and can be used as inspiration for your dog's name.  Tombstone, for example, is a popular historical boom town turned tourist attraction that allows your dog in to see the sights, including the face Bird Cage Theater.  Arizona dogs live the good life with all the outdoor possibilities and a state culture geared towards fun and active lifestyles.