The Chimation is a hybrid of the Dalmatian and the Chihuahua. The mix is a modern designer dog intended as a companion dog and does not have a long and well-known history. As such, owners must look at the history of the breed parents to understand the history of this hybrid. The Chihuahua is a New World breed, having possibly crossed the Bering Strait more than 30,000 years ago and finding its way to Mesoamerica and modern-day Mexico. The Aztec and Toltec people kept and bred the Chihuahua for vermin control by for centuries before the Chihuahua made its way north again through importation in the 1800s. Originally short coated, the long-haired varieties of Chihuahua may have been cross bred with Silky Terriers. The Dalmatian's origins are unknown, and the dog may have traveled with nomadic bands of Romanies, also known as gypsies. However, the Dalmatian gained its name from the province of Dalmatia on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea in modern-day Croatia. The Dalmatian is a versatile breed capable of hunting all means of game, guarding and protecting, and coaching. This breed's high endurance made it a perfect dog for coaching and the Dalmatian ran alongside and in front of horse-drawn carriages to clear a path and protect the coach from highwaymen. The Dalmatian's coaching abilities were further developed in the United States as the breed came to be known as a firehouse dog who ran alongside the horses, protected equipment on scene, and rescued victims. Today, the Chimation is recognized by American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dog Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, and the International Designer Canine Registry. Faithful to both parents, this mix is bred for companionship and is ideally suited to small space living.
