Do chihuahuas cure asthma? (Yes, I'm seriously asking)?

OK, I heard this today.

A woman told me an old folk remedy to cure asthma is to get a chihuahua & keep it as a house pet. I know this goes against all modern wisdom but she (& others) swear it works.

What do you guys think? Do you know anyone who has tried this? Did it work? No wisecracks please, I seriously want to know.

Thanks!

in chinese medicine may be true, part of the treatment component ( cook it ). not in western medicine book.

This is entirely false. Chihuahuas produce the same allergens as many other dogs (known as "Can f 1") which is most likely to produce symptoms in people who have dog allergies. The misconception that Chihuahuas can cure asthma seems to stem from studies which show dog ownership can protect against the development of allergies in young children -- the "old folk remedy" is actually a newer concept than made out to be. This is due to endotoxin, a sort of protein released from dogs that stimulates the immune system away from allergies. If an infant lives in a house with indoor dogs, studies support that they're less likely to wheeze compared to infants living in homes without dogs. Specifically, the Chihuahua breed holds no place in any studies thus far for providing any extra sort of immunity. Certainly not for asthmatics, anyway.

No, but they'll cure people of wanting chihuahuas ever again!

Okay, so maybe that's not true - take your down thumbs and stick 'em back in your mouths!