The Heart of AmigoReal

Fluffy dog among yellow flowers in sunlight.

AmigoReal is a Dogs New Zealand registered Chihuahua kennel based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Meaning "Royal Friend" in Spanish, the name AmigoReal was chosen in 2016 in honour of our foundation bitch, Harriet. From the moment she arrived, Harriet stood out for her regal presence, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. She embodied everything we valued in the Chihuahua, making the name a natural reflection of the elegance, companionship, and enduring bond that define the breed.

Today, AmigoReal is guided by a commitment to health, sound structure, temperament, and the responsible preservation of the Chihuahua. Every planned mating is carefully considered with the long term preservation and integrity of the breed in mind. Health testing, puppy development, and lifelong owner support all reflect that same thoughtful approach.

Built on heart. Led by dogs.

I'm Belinda, the breeder behind AmigoReal.

I grew up with German Shepherds and developed a deep respect for dogs from an early age. At 18, I welcomed my first Chihuahua and was immediately captivated by the breed. Everything changed, however, when Harriet came into my life.

Harriet is more than AmigoReal's foundation bitch. She is my heart dog. Her intelligence, steadiness, and deep emotional connection showed me just how extraordinary a Chihuahua could be and inspired everything AmigoReal would become.

Although Harriet is now retired, she continues to rule our home with love. The values she inspired are woven throughout our breeding programme, and her influence remains central to the decisions we make today.

Our dogs share our home and our everyday lives. Time is devoted to their health, training, grooming, conditioning, enrichment, and individual development. Whether young or retired, a show prospect or a much loved companion, every dog receives the care and attention suited to their individual needs.

Much of my time is spent where it matters most, caring for, training, and working with the dogs. As a result, AmigoReal may sometimes be quiet on social media, and I may not always respond to messages immediately, particularly during whelping, puppy rearing, veterinary appointments, or show preparation. Every genuine enquiry is valued and will receive a thoughtful response as soon as time allows, while urgent matters involving existing AmigoReal dogs and their families are always prioritised.

Harriet, an AmigoRea'ls foundation Chihuahua, confidently enjoying hydrotherapy.

Our Approach

AmigoReal is built on ethics, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the Chihuahua.

Our breeding dogs are carefully selected, and every prospective pairing is assessed on its individual merits. Health, structure, temperament, pedigree, and the qualities each dog may contribute are all considered to ensure every litter is bred with purpose and the long term preservation of the breed in mind.

Dogs entering our breeding programme undergo DNA testing and comprehensive veterinary screening relevant to the Chihuahua. This includes examination of the eyes, heart, and patellas, together with hip and Legg Calvé Perthes assessment and thyroid testing.

Where appropriate, hip and Legg Calvé Perthes radiographs are completed under anaesthetic during another planned procedure, such as a dental, to minimise unnecessary stress. Health results are published throughout our website, and puppy families receive copies of the relevant parental results in their puppy information pack.

Physical health is only part of the picture. Equal importance is placed on confidence, resilience, temperament, and adaptability.

Our puppies are raised in our home and are gradually introduced to different sounds, surfaces, handling experiences, and the normal activity of everyday life. We follow Puppy Culture principles throughout key developmental stages, helping each puppy build the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in a wide variety of environments.

Whether destined for the show ring, a carefully planned breeding programme, or life as a cherished family companion, our goal remains the same: to produce healthy, sound, and well adjusted Chihuahuas that bring lasting joy to the homes they join.

What is Puppy Culture?

Those Who Helped Shape AmigoReal

Breeding is never undertaken in isolation. AmigoReal has been shaped by shared knowledge, trusted friendships, and the generosity of breeders who have entrusted us with their dogs and bloodlines.

We particularly honour the late Junell Moss of MadraChi, whose friendship, knowledge, and dedication to the Chihuahua left a lasting mark on both our hearts and our kennel.

Junell and I began our breeding journeys around the same time, learning together, developing our respective programmes, and sharing a genuine passion for the breed. She made thoughtful and forward thinking decisions, including importing dogs to strengthen her foundation, and I have been privileged to incorporate some of those lines into AmigoReal.

Most meaningful of all is Mini, MadraChi Elegance of Mini, who was bred by Junell and remains a cherished member of our family. She is a living reminder of Junell's generosity, eye for quality, and the friendship we shared. Wherever Junell's breeding has contributed to an AmigoReal dog, the MadraChi name is proudly preserved within that dog's registered name and heritage.

We are equally grateful to the breeders behind El-Toro, Kapowai, Payco's, and Salinacruz, whose dogs and bloodlines have helped shape the AmigoReal breeding programme. Their contribution remains an important part of the pedigrees behind our dogs today.

Special thanks also go to Han Keum-Dong of Neo Fabulous in South Korea for entrusting us with KOR Ch & NZ Ch Neo Fabulous King of Hearts, "Leo". His arrival marked an important milestone for AmigoReal, and his influence can now be seen across multiple generations of our breeding.

Neo Fabulous is internationally respected, with achievements including Best of Breed at Westminster and the European Dog Show. We remain incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue a small part of that legacy here in New Zealand.

What We Stand For

Dogs Come First

The health, comfort, and emotional wellbeing of our dogs guide every decision. Their needs come before appearances, trends, or external expectations.

Transparency

We openly document our health testing, pedigrees, breeding dogs, and past litters. We believe puppy buyers should be able to explore the dogs and generations behind an AmigoReal Chihuahua, allowing them to make informed decisions based on accessible information.

Considered Breeding

Every dog considered for breeding must meet the standards of our breeding programme, and every pairing must have a clear and carefully assessed place within our long term plans. We breed with purpose, always striving to preserve and strengthen the health, structure, temperament, and future of the Chihuahua.

Support for Life

Our relationship with an AmigoReal family does not end when their puppy leaves. We respect the independence of our owners while remaining available for advice, reassurance, and support throughout their dog's life. If an AmigoReal dog ever needs us, we will be here.

Purpose and Compassion

Clear breeding goals guide our decisions, but never at the expense of the dogs as individuals. Purpose and compassion must exist together, because responsible breeding is measured not only by what a dog may contribute, but also by the quality of life they are given.

AmigoReal has been shaped by the dogs, breeders, and relationships behind it, beginning with a little tri colour Chihuahua named Harriet. Her influence remains at the heart of the values we uphold and the dogs we breed today.

Each AmigoReal Chihuahua is exactly what the name promises:

Your Royal Friend for life.

The Heart of AmigoReal

Our Approach

Those Who Helped Shape AmigoReal

What We Stand For

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