Built on heart. Led by dogs.

About AmigoReal

Dogs New Zealand–registered Chihuahua kennel based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The name AmigoReal, meaning “Royal Friend” in Spanish, was chosen in 2016 in honour of our foundation bitch, Harriet. From the moment she arrived, Harriet stood out with her regal presence and unshakable loyalty. She embodied everything we love about the breed—dignity, intelligence, and devotion. It felt only right that our kennel name reflect both the elegance and companionship that define the Chihuahua.

At AmigoReal, we prioritise health, structure, and temperament above all else. Every Chihuahua in our home is deeply cherished, and every aspect of their care is thoughtfully considered—from health testing and socialisation to emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and confidence-building. Whether destined for the show ring or the sofa, our dogs are raised to thrive.

We don’t believe in shortcuts. We take a long-term view—investing in strong foundations, making thoughtful decisions, and giving each dog the best possible start in life.

At the Heart of AmigoReal

I’m Belinda, and while you may not see constant updates on social media, that’s simply because my time is spent where it matters most: with the dogs.

I’m not driven by trends or algorithms—I’m driven by the quiet, consistent work of raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted Chihuahuas. Whether it’s early mornings feeding puppies, late nights preparing for the ring, or quiet moments of bonding and trust-building, this is where my energy goes. I’ve built a life around being present for my dogs, not performing for the internet—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My life revolves around them. Whether it’s training, grooming, conditioning, or simply spending time together, they shape every part of my day. Their wellbeing and development always come first, and everything I do is built around giving them the best life possible.

I grew up with German Shepherds and always had a deep respect for dogs. At 18, I brought home my first Chihuahua—and I was instantly hooked. But everything truly changed when I met Harriet. She’s more than just my foundation bitch—she’s my heart dog. Her regal presence, intelligence, and deep emotional connection sparked something profound in me. She showed me just how magical a Chihuahua could be, and she inspired everything AmigoReal would become.

Harriet is now retired, but she continues to rule our home with love. Her influence is woven through every part of our programme, and her legacy is one I will always honour.

Our Philosophy

AmigoReal is built on a foundation of ethics, transparency, and genuine devotion to the breed. Our dogs are not raised in kennels or confined runs—they live in our home, underfoot, and are part of our daily life. We’ve grown over the years, but we remain hands-on with every dog. Whether young or retired, show prospect or beloved pet, each dog receives the individual care, training, and attention they deserve.

Health testing is non-negotiable. All of our dogs undergo DNA testing and comprehensive veterinary screening for eyes, heart, patellas, hips (including Legg-Calvé-Perthes), and thyroid (T4). Hip and LCP x-rays are performed under anaesthetic during routine procedures such as dentals, ensuring comfort and minimising stress. We are proud to have introduced some of the most thorough health testing protocols for Chihuahuas in New Zealand. These results are not hidden—we display them openly on our website, and every puppy family receives a copy in their pack.

But we also focus on what can’t be measured on paper: confidence, resilience, and adaptability. Puppies are raised in a rich, hands-on environment that fosters curiosity and stability. We expose them to a variety of sounds, surfaces, handling styles, and daily life experiences. We follow the principles of Puppy Culture, supporting their development at every critical stage and setting them up for a lifetime of confidence.

Whether a puppy is destined for the show ring, a breeding programme, or a beloved family home, our goal is always the same: to raise sound, secure, and loving companions who bring lasting joy to the lives they join.

What is Puppy Culture?

Our Extended Family

AmigoReal would not be what it is today without the support, generosity, and vision of those who shared the journey with us from the beginning.

In particular, we honour the late Junell Moss of MadraChi, whose friendship, insight, and dedication to the breed left a lasting mark on our hearts and our kennel. Junell and I began this path around the same time—learning, growing, and sharing a deep passion for Chihuahuas. Though she was early in her breeding journey, she made bold, thoughtful decisions, including importing exceptional dogs to strengthen her foundation. I’ve been incredibly privileged to incorporate some of those imports into my programme, and her influence can be seen throughout my dogs.

Most meaningfully, I have Mini, a beautiful girl bred by Junell, who carries her name and spirit forward. Mini is not only a cherished part of our home, but also a living reminder of Junell’s generosity, eye for quality, and the friendship we shared. In every pairing where Junell’s guidance played a role, you’ll find the MadraChi name proudly acknowledged in our dogs’ heritage.

We are also deeply grateful to the breeders behind El-Toro, Kapowai, Payco’s, and Salinacruz, who have supported our journey and entrusted us with their lines. Their dogs have contributed structure, movement, and elegance to our programme, and we’re proud to carry their work forward.

A special thank you goes to Han Keum-Dong of Neo Fabulous in South Korea for allowing us to bring KOR CH & NZ CH Neo Fabulous King of Hearts (“Leo”) into our family. Leo’s presence has enriched our kennel in every way. Neo Fabulous is a world-class kennel, with accolades including Best of Breed at Westminster and the European Dog Show.

What We Stand For

At AmigoReal, we believe in doing things properly—even if that means doing them slowly.

Dogs Come First: Our lives revolve around them. Their wellbeing always comes before appearances, trends, or timelines.

Transparency: We proudly share our health testing, pedigrees, and breeding history—openly and honestly. We have nothing to hide, and everything to celebrate.

Support for Life: We don’t intrude, but we’re always here. Whether it’s for advice, reassurance, or a safe place to return, our commitment to every AmigoReal dog is lifelong.

Purpose with Heart: Whether you're seeking a future champion or a lifelong companion, every AmigoReal Chihuahua is raised with care, intention, and love.

At AmigoReal, we don’t just raise Chihuahuas—we live alongside them, learn from them, and love them deeply. This is more than a kennel. It’s a way of life, shaped by a little tri-colour named Harriet and guided every day by the dogs who share our hearts.

Each AmigoReal Chihuahua is exactly what the name promises:
Your Royal Friend for life.