Pet stores in Mexico have begun selling U.S.-bred Chihuahuas to their more high-brow customers.

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"I think it's probably partly a matter of status, this desire for an American dog," said David Sanchez, assistant manager of the Mas-Kota shop in Mexico City's Perisur Mall.

Sales of the tiny dogs from the United States have even increased in the northern state of Chihuahua, from which the tiny breed originated, USA Today newspaper reported Wednesday.

"A lot of the time these are the same blood lines we sent over the border years ago," said Mayra Rodriguez, owner of the Mascota Pet Shop.