Although there is disagreement concerning where the breed came from, most accounts have them as household pets for the Aztecs. These dogs were sacrificed when someone died, with the intention that the dog act as spirit guide. Others believe they may have originated in China in ancient times.
These dogs will pick out one person and one person only to be theirs. No one else gets a real chance to win this dog over, although other people may be tolerated. They range quite a bit in personality from bold to timid. They are very often yippers. Most individuals of this breed will have an aggresive streak.