Episodes > 105 > Top Dogs/Top Cats

Who's that Dog in the Mexican Food Commercials?

This ad campaign made millions and made the little long eared “perro lindo” (cute doggie) internationally famous. But there’s more to the Chihuahua than being an advertising icon!

Betty Crocker…Tony the Tiger…Mr. Whipple and the Energizer Bunny all are famous advertising trademarks but none are as interesting as the Taco Bell Chihuahua…

Who is the Taco Bell Chihuahua? Her name is Gidget and she got her big break in showbiz when advertising executives saw her cruising down the boardwalk in Venice, California like she owned the place. From that moment they knew she was destined to become a star. Along with her putting her paws in front of Mr. Grauman’s theatre she created a new interest and excitement for Chihuahua’s.

Chihuahua’s have a bit of mystery about their origin. According to the legend, they were brought to Spain from China by the Spanish sea merchants and from there made their way to Mexico. China you ask? It is well known that the Chinese were masters of “dwarfing” both plants and animals. Hum!

Although tiny in stature they are monsters when it comes to bravery and loyalty. They come in two varieties…long and short haired and their colors sound like paint you would buy in your neighborhood paint store…fawn, chestnut, sand, silver and blue.

They are the oldest breed on the American Continent and the smallest breed in the world. Oh, and don’t worry about all the shivering…it’s just because they have a small frame and fast metabolism and their little bodies can’t keep up.

Unfortunately, Gidget got the boot from Taco Bell. And according to eyewitnesses their last words to Gidget were…”consiga a lo largo de pequeno perritto!” Which translated means “get along little doggie!”