Chihuahuas are synonymous with Mexico -- and Denver. So, it's only fitting that they participated in Cinco de Mayo Denver this weekend.
The 12th Annual Chihuahua Races, hosted by JAMMIN' 101.5 radio station, has been a staple during the two-day festival. Afternoon drive host Senen "SliM" Rodriguez has seen it grow from the beginning.
"It all started with just a small event," said Rodriguez. "I think we had two lanes and maybe 10 dogs in it. And it was just, 'Hey, let's try out chihuahua races at the Cinco de Mayo Festival.' And, it's just grown."
The breed, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, is one of the oldest in North America. The American Kennel Club says chihuahuas were sacred in Aztec culture. The dogs became popular in the U.S. in the mid-1800s when Americans began acquiring them in Mexico.
This year's event had 80 entries. Like any race competition, the winner of each heat moved on to the next round.
Jeff Purcell and his son Levi entered Hazel in this year's race. The four-year-old is actually a chiweenie, a mix between a chihuahua and a dachshund. Purcell said she hangs out with other pets at home and at the dog park. But, she was a little overwhelmed before the race.
"She's never been down here for this," Purcell said. "We came down last year and had a great time. So, we said we're gonna bring her next year."
Another chiweenie entering the race for the first time was Douglas. His owners Troy Weatherford and Trina Griego adopted him from the Dumb Friends League Animal Shelter last year. The one-year-old, also known as Doug-E-Fresh, loves eating cheese and little tacos.
"He's just the biggest sweetheart in the world. He pretty much loves everyone and every dog and he's very empathetic," Griego said. "It has just been such a blessing in our lives."
There have been some memorable moments throughout the race's history. Rodriguez said there have been repeat champions. But, he remembers one dog in particular named Yoda.
"We had a dog named Yoda who was the slowest participant ever in the chihuahua races. It took him well over a minute to complete the 30-foot course," Rodriguez said. "And, I believe he stopped for a restroom break in the middle. That is a violation, but yet at the same time, kind of cute and smelly."
There were no bathroom breaks in the middle of the races this year. Some of the participants were fast. Some of them were loud. Some even steered off course. When it was all said and done, Douglas emerged as the winner.
It was so much fun. I feel amazing. I am so proud of my boy," Weatherford said after the event. "It doesn't matter if he won, but I'm still proud of him. But, I'm even more proud because he won."
Doug-E Fresh took home $500, a huge trophy, and a gift basket full of toys and treats. Weatherford said he'll be treated like a champion at home for a while.
"I'd say he's earned himself quite a few pepperoni sticks," Weatherford said.
