About Salinacruz
From a single Chihuahua in Hamilton to New Zealand’s most decorated long and smooth coat kennel — the Salinacruz story spans more than 35 years of passion, dedication, and an uncompromising love of the breed.
One Chihuahua from a Neighbour
It started simply — a Chihuahua acquired from a neighbour in Hamilton. That one little dog set in motion a lifelong journey that would make Yvonne Tester one of New Zealand’s most respected Chihuahua breeders.
Yvonne established Salinacruz Kennels in 1989, eventually settling in Tauranga where the kennel has been based ever since. What began as a personal fascination with the long and smooth coat Chihuahua grew into a dedicated breeding programme built on careful study of the standard, selective use of bloodlines, and an uncompromising commitment to producing the best dogs possible.
The early years involved learning the breed from the ground up — studying pedigrees, travelling to shows, seeking out the right dogs to build the foundation of the kennel. That foundation would prove exceptional.
“You have to love the breed first and the winning second. If you get the dog right, the winning takes care of itself.”
Yvonne Tester — Salinacruz KennelsOver three and a half decades, Salinacruz has produced more than 35 New Zealand champions. Dogs bred here have gone on to win in Australia, America, and South Africa. And in the greatest achievement in New Zealand Chihuahua history, Salinacruz bred Jacko — New Zealand’s first and only Grand Champion Chihuahua.
Breeding Philosophy
Every decision at Salinacruz is guided by the same principles that have shaped the kennel since 1989.
Type Above All
Correct Chihuahua type is non-negotiable. Every breeding decision begins with the standard — the apple dome, the characteristic expression, the proud carriage. Pretty wins in the short term; correct type builds a legacy.
Selective Breeding
Salinacruz produces a small number of litters each year. This is deliberate. Fewer litters mean more attention to each one, more careful selection of breeding pairs, and more time to properly evaluate and place every puppy.
The Best Bloodlines
When the right dog doesn’t exist locally, Salinacruz looks further afield. Imports from Italy and the United States have brought fresh genetics and new dimensions of quality to the breeding programme — complementing, never replacing, the kennel’s own proven lines.
Movement & Structure
A Chihuahua should move as well as it stands. Sound structure, correct angulation, and effortless movement are evaluated in every breeding animal and every potential keeper. A dog that moves well is a healthy dog.
Temperament Matters
The Chihuahua is a big personality in a small package. Salinacruz dogs are confident, alert, and affectionate — the qualities that make them exceptional show dogs and even better companions. Temperament is never an afterthought.
Raised With Care
Every Salinacruz puppy is raised in the home, handled from birth, and socialised to be confident in the world. Puppies are placed only with families who have been carefully considered and who share our commitment to the breed.
35+ Years of History
The Record Speaks
Meet Yvonne Tester
Yvonne Tester has devoted more than 35 years to the long and smooth coat Chihuahua. Based in Tauranga, she is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most knowledgeable and accomplished Chihuahua breeders — a reputation built not on self-promotion but on the quality of dogs that carry the Salinacruz name.
An experienced championship show judge, Yvonne brings a deep understanding of the breed standard to every evaluation she makes — whether in the ring as a judge, or at home when deciding which puppies to keep. That same critical eye has guided every breeding decision at Salinacruz for over three decades.
Yvonne is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the breed and is always happy to talk Chihuahuas with people who share her love of these remarkable little dogs.
Salinacruz Around the World
Dogs bearing the Salinacruz name have become champions on four continents. A kennel’s true legacy is measured by where its dogs go and what they achieve.
New Zealand
Home base. 35+ homebred NZ champions and the breed’s only Grand Champion.
Australia
Salinacruz exports have achieved championship titles across the Tasman.
United States
American champions bearing Salinacruz breeding, including dual AM Ch & NZ Ch Otto.
South Africa
Salinacruz dogs have travelled to South Africa and earned their titles there too.
Current Show Team
Nine dogs currently competing at championship shows across New Zealand. Meet each one.
View Show TeamPuppy Enquiries
Salinacruz puppies are occasionally available to the right homes. We’d love to hear from you.
Contact Yvonne