If you are like me, your typical vacation involves booking a budget hotel that smells faintly of old carpets, squeezing your legs into an economy class seat between two people who are having a very loud argument about insurance, and eating a soggy sandwich that cost fourteen dollars at an airport gate. It is a glamorous life, but somebody has to live it.
Tag @ChihuahuaCorner or use #TinyButLegendary if you want us to consider your story for an upcoming piece.
favoriteMeanwhile, a two-year-old Chihuahua named Bao is currently living a life that makes the average billionaire look like a person who searches for loose quarters in the cushions of a bus station bench. Bao, who resides in Toronto with his owner, Xa Thi Ngoc Tran, spends his time jet-setting across the globe, staying in five-star hotels, and wearing custom designer clothing that costs more than my entire wardrobe combined.
I am not making this up. Bao has a passport that has been stamped in more countries than I have even visited in my dreams. His global adventures began in 2022 during the quietest days of the pandemic, when Tran, a finance professional, decided that her tiny dog needed to experience the cultural wonders of the world. Their first trip was a four-hour flight from Toronto to Lake Louise in Alberta, a place known for its pristine waters and massive mountains. While most dogs are content to sniff the fire hydrant at the corner of the street, Bao was busy admiring the Canadian Rockies from a luxury resort.

Parisian adventures
But Alberta was just the beginning. Soon, Bao was packing his tiny suitcases for Paris. In the French capital, he stayed at the Hotel Louvre Saint-Honore, a place where the lobby probably smells of gold leaf and high-end lavender. He dined at Cafe de Flore, a famous establishment historically frequented by writers and philosophers who, I am certain, would have been deeply honored to share their outdoor tables with a four-pound dog wearing a Chanel silk scarf.
Let's talk about the wardrobe. Bao possesses seventy-five distinct outfits worth a total of two thousand five hundred dollars. This is a STAGGERING collection of fashion that includes glittery jackets, cozy turtleneck sweaters, Hawaiian shirts, and the aforementioned Chanel scarf (which is probably worth more than my car). When Tran goes shopping, she coordinates their outfits so they match perfectly while walking down the cobbled streets of European capitals.
Winston, my own Chihuahua, has exactly one outfit. It is a knitted sweater that my aunt made for him in 2021. It has a large, off-center hole near the shoulder, and Winston looks less like a high-fashion icon and more like a tiny, disgruntled pirate who has fallen on very hard times. He hates it. If I try to put it on him, he stands completely frozen, staring at the wall with an expression of profound existential despair until I take it off.
Influencer routine

At home in Toronto, Bao does not lower his standards. His daily routine includes a specialized raw food diet complete with homemade bone broth to support his joint health. Tran credits adopting Bao as one of the best decisions of her life, noting that their connection is incredibly deep. This is the beauty of the breed; they form intense, unbreakable bonds with their humans, even if they occasionally demand to be treated like royalty.
Bao's high-end lifestyle has earned him a massive following on social media. His Instagram account currently boasts over one hundred and sixty-six thousand followers who tune in daily to see his latest outfits and travel itineraries. He is a legitimate influencer, proving that you do not need to be tall or possess a college degree to succeed in the digital economy; you just need a very cute face and a high tolerance for wearing tiny sunglasses.
Looking ahead, Tran and Bao have ambitious plans for future travels. They intend to visit Beverly Hills to recreate a classic movie experience, explore the beaches of Mexico, and tour the historic cities of Italy.
Pet ownership realities
While most of us can only dream of such luxury, it is important to remember that caring for a toy breed involves significant responsibilities regardless of their travel schedules. Before embarking on a similar lifestyle, prospective owners should review a before you adopt chihuahua honest primer to fully understand the financial and emotional commitment required to raise a healthy dog.
Furthermore, because of their small size, they require careful monitoring to ensure they reach their full potential. Understanding the chihuahua lifespan how long do chihuahuas live is essential for planning their long-term health, diet, and joint care routines.
As for me, I am preparing for my next trip, which will involve driving thirty miles in a car that makes a clicking noise when I turn left, to stay at a motel that features a black-and-white television. Winston will be coming with me, wearing his pirate sweater, and I am certain he will spend the entire weekend growling at the air conditioner. We cannot all be Bao, but we can all dream of a world where our dogs wear silk scarves while we eat soggy sandwiches.
Community Insights favorite
We asked our readers: Has your Chihuahua done something bold? Here's what you shared.
“My chihuahua chased a raccoon out of our garage. We are still not sure who was more surprised.”
“Tiny but mighty. These dogs have no idea how small they are.”
“Not just a story. The chihuahua spirit, in three pounds.”
Tag @ChihuahuaCorner or use #TinyButLegendary if you want us to consider your chihuahua story for an upcoming piece.
Know a Chihuahua with a legendary story? If you have a chihuahua story we should look into, tell us where it happened.
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