While many historians believe the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi, others believe it's a cross between the Techichi and a small hairless dog known as the Chinese Crested. If you look at it, the Chihuahuas size and weight compared to other dogs is a far stretch. So what exactly is a "ratter?" They're dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats. They are not like other big dogs like the Golden Retriever or German Shepherd. Their yapping bark is not as scary as big dogs. And some Toltec families benifited from the Chis companionship. Researchers have recently found that the ancestors of Chihuahuas were actually from Asia. In Mexico, they are prized as top ratters. Turn the air conditioner on or open a window or two. The Chihuahua was truly a multi-purpose dog. 03 of 11 Dachshund Vsevolod Vlasenko / Getty Images It gained lots of views, shares, and comments on social media. Puppy Price + Daily Expenses, 17 Tips To Take Care Of An Elderly / Senior Chihuahua. Also, dont get it confused. Research is uncertain why, but chronic pain sufferers benefit from owning pets. 2. Essentially, they used these sacrifices to please their gods and help with healing. The people bred the dogs that they liked best, and then the dogs developed in this manner. It continued that they were genetically bred to look like dogs instead of rats. "Doggone! As was often the case with small dogs, these canines may have also been used as alert dogs. If either of us are sitting down, Brinkley (Chihuahua) is in one of our laps. Clearly Chihuahua was what stuck and is the name by which the dog is called in America today. The Techichi dogs are extinct today and everything scientists have learned about them have come from old artifacts. And they are the perfect size for hunting smaller prey. It is believed that Chihuahuas were bred to get rid of rats in Mexico. By doing so, you will ensure theyre not stressed out and wont bark or whine. Glen Churchfield has hunted with Jack Russell and border terriers since the early 1990s and was Chairman of the Board for the Jack Russell Terrier . However, before these deaths and rituals, there is evidence that they were well treated. Watch our first training session with my dog Izzy A long-haired Chihuahua as she learns how to hunt birds. We know very little about the ancestor breeds of the Chihuahua. ancient dog of Mexicos Toltec Empire or indigenous. With proper training, they can easily become travel-friendly dogs. 1. There is actually an old Mayan figure of a woman holding a child in one hand and a small dog in another. Their instinctual intellect is this set of inborn abilities. What Were Chihuahuas Bred for: History of Mexican Pup - All About Your Dog Did McDonald's own the Padres? Similarly, to breeding the pups for companionship, the breed stays popular for their emotional support. There are so many reasons to keep a Chihuahua. She cries like a baby when I am not home. Ferrets were bred to kill rats. What they produce isnt based on facts and is for entertainment purposes only. They were able to identify each dog's breed by its genes with 99 percent accuracy. Its a big part of what makes the Chihuahua smarter than people think. Some of them might have been eaten. These dogs were originally bred in Mexico, and they were named after the state of Chihuahua. Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. They also serve a variety of purposes from health benefits to service dogs. And according to Purina, Chihuahuas are one of the top 11 best companion dogs in the canine kingdom. Unfortunately, there isnt much information on these ancient Mexican dogs. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. A screen grab of a Google search appeared June 17 on Facebook that wonders about Chihuahuas. Also, cuddling a warm pet can help soothe pain associated with several disorders. If you have a pure breed the eyes are little und their skin is one of the softest i have ever felt. These tiny dogs take up little space and can easily be placed in a car. The domestication of wolves is also known as taming. On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. The dogs are very vocal and are sure to warn you if they see anything through barks or growls. A Pitbulls? And youll be more mobile. If you suffer from issues like rheumatoid arthritis, pets may help. Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. Therefore, the fact that they are descended from wolves shouldnt have much bearing on how you treat them. Despite the satirical news reports and common jokes about which camp Chihuahuas fall, it's confirmed: Chihuahuas are dogs. In their native land (Mexico), Chihuahuas are brave ratters that hunt down squirrels, rats, and other rodents. Other Reddit users chimed in, saying thats pretty typical for a Chihuahua. Many people believe that small dogs were originally bred for hunting rodents. The Aztecs, in particular, sacrificed various animals, including dogs. That purpose has something to do with hunting, farming, or protection in most cases. They may have even been some of the most popular pets during the time. However, that does not mean that Chihuahuas (or any other dog) is extremely similar to wolves or anything of that sortthese dogs have not been wolves for a very long time! The Chihuahuas history is convoluted, and many theories surround the origin of the breed. When Chihuahuas were sacrificed, they thought that diseases could go into the pup. Such dogs can be of major help to people with limited hearing abilities. Therefore, it is possible that these dogs contributed. All dogs come from the gray wolf. Despite this unique look, they originate from the gray wolf. There are still some who are curious. They were not hunters, but rather the hunted. Regardless, their ancestry has been dated back to the Techichi, an ancient dog breed. If you have seen a similar-looking Chinese Crested pup, these links may not be surprising. Were Chihuahuas Bred To Hunt Bears. Other small dogs are usually bred for that purpose unless they're solely companion animals. Dont forget to always secure fresh water and fresh air for your Chihuahua. Today, thousands of dog parents take care of Chihuahuas. If youre like most people, you probably think of Chihuahuas as cute, little dogs that are great for cuddling. Sacrificial reasons for the Toltec people in Ancient Mexico. Considering how Chihuahuas are notorious barkers, its a bit hard to imagine they came from these bark-less dogs. Lets take a look at their physical characteristics. They are usually highly represented in Mexican culture, filmography, and advertising. On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. While most of the modern Western world has banned the consumption of food, this was not the case long ago. In their disclaimer, The Watley Review states that all the content they produce is a parody. 10 Gentlemanly Facts About the Miniature Schnauzer When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Based on research, the wolves were tamed to make companions for humans. Most, if not all dogs have a breeding purpose. The Truth Revealed + 3 Myths, 13 Different Chihuahua Types (With Pics, Videos & Facts). Plus, there are lots of different small dogs that may have existed in the region next to the Chihuahua. There is going to be disbelief.". Prague Ratter - Complete Breed Guide for 2023 - The Dogs Journal Chihuahuas fit better in households with children. Your Chihuahuas tail? They can provide friendship and are a relatively easy breed to care for. Can Dogs Help with Mice? - Wag! - WagWalking Some of the reasons include:-They are not well-adapted to life in a human environment.-They are not very social and may not be . PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. In return, the Chihuahua will be one of the most loyal and entertaining companions youll ever own. Stein, Rob. They say that if they publish real content, their readers wouldnt read their articles. "Chihuahuas Are NOT Dogs, They Are Rodents!" (5 Facts) Most, if not all dogs have a breeding purpose. Chihuahua used for hunting Now that you know more about the history of the breed, lets jump into their purpose. The Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds and like most ancient breeds, it was bred for a purpose. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. They can help assist owners when symptoms become evident. While the statement is proven to be false, the post went viral and many people believed it to be true. The Chinese Shar-pei is thought to be one of the world's most ancient dog breeds, although they have only relatively recently gained international recognition. While most ancient breeds are larger because they were bred for hunting or herding, the Chihuahua is extremely tiny. This gave an idea to the editors of The Watley Review. Going underground: Varmint hunting with Jack Russell Terriers Dogs bred to kill rats are known as rat-hunting dogs. Chihuahuas are descendants of an ancient dog from the Toltec Empire, called the Techichi dog. It has actually become a top well-loved breed in the country . The wolves must have followed humans around as any regular dogs do. The Techichi dog is a very interesting breed. Plus, theyre more intelligent than people give them credit for. These small but mighty terriers were. Rumors say that they were walking the Earth in the same period as the dinosaurs were. (Chihuahua-Yorkie) or "Morkie" (Maltese-Yorkie). What did Chihuahuas originally hunt? [FAQ!] Are Chihuahuas rats? Actually, in their native Mexico, these canines are known as fearless ratters who hunt down squirrels, mice, and other rodents. Since these dogs lived so long ago, the information on them is limited. Because Chihuahuas are companion dogs, they cant stand being alone all day long. Image Credit By; HG-Fotografie, Pixabay DNA Study Finds Chihuahuas Aren't Dogs - The Watley Review As soon as they spot anything that looks out of order, youll hear from them (literally). Chihuahuas are intelligent. But you already know that. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. But as years go by, these ridiculous ideas have been proven to be wrong time and time again. A common misconception about Chihuahuas is that they are descendants of rats due to certain similarities they have such as their physical characteristics. Its certainly a controversial claim, considering how iconic and significant the Chihuahua is to the culture of Mexico. All contents are intended as parody and should be construed as such. They were selectively bred for their desert environment, which is likely why they dont have much fur. Some colonists claimed that the Aztecs raised small dogs for food, but we do not have much more information on this.1. Just some of the many health benefits of Chihuahuas include: Those who have had heart attacks have actually had a better chance of survival if they owned a pet. #1: Chihuahuas may have originated in Asia, #2: Chihuahuas are derived from the Ancient Techichi, #3: Some actually believe the Chihuahua is part rat, #4: Chihuahuas are still highly loved in Mexico, #5: Chihuahuas made it to North America on a land bridge, #6: Chihuahuas are now very popular in the United States, #12: They make great emotional support dogs, #16: Chihuahuas can increase your fitness levels, 101 Fun Chihuahua Facts That You Need To Know (#6 = Weird), 29 Fun Apple Head Chihuahua Facts (+Pictures And Tips), Are Chihuahuas From Mexico? What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? - Top Lap Dogs However, not all dogs were bred for a specific working job, including the Chihuahua. They do have very terrier 'like' temperaments though and like a lot of dogs can get excited by sight and scent of small animals. If you will compare a Chihuahuas feet to a rats, you could see the similarities. They can also stay with the owner during these episodes. The Watley Review. Heres 5 Things They Need First. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Learn more. If you own one of these dogs, you may notice their strong prey drive and desire to chase after small animals. Tammy is passionate about educating pet owners and sharing her expertise, which is why she joined Arew.org, Your email address will not be published. Though they are not overly aggressive, they can defend themselves when they have to. Chihuahuas were bred to be small companions, and they are known for their affectionate nature. The Chihuahua is not my favorite dog breed. Reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or via Twitter at @peterslaura. European bloodlines have mixed in with the Chihuahuas original bloodline, which makes them very different from their ancestors. ", More:Wisconsin officer saves dog from burning house, But according to Snopes, the claim was just a "bit of satirical fun.". Like the Chihuahuas, Rat Terriers love to hunt smaller pets and rats, thats why they are called as such. But as mentioned before, they were long here before we even knew about them. 24 May 2004 (p. A10). The genetic evolution of wolves to dogs took thousands of years. If youre asking yourself what Chihuahuas were bred for, youve come to the right place. Pets can trigger asthma in some children. However, trying to prove that a Chinese dog ended up in South America in great enough numbers for this to be true is difficult. Why Does My Dog Not Want To Sleep With Me All Of A Sudden? However, it is safe to say that Chihuahuas have a funny, rodent-like appearance. Among other findings the analysis determined that Chihuahua is actually a type of large rodent, selectively bred for centuries to resemble a canine.". Chihuahuas were originally bred for their ability to be trained. There are two suggestions why the Techichis disappeared. We do know that the Chihuahua likely had some religious meaning for the ancient Mayans, which may have been the dogs main purpose. Jokes aside, the Chihuahuas were registered with AKC for the first time in the year 1904. They are small, agil and very fast. There are quite a few theories out there. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Best dog breeds to catch and kill rats? | Survivalist Forum What dogs were bred to kill rats? Overall though, she's highly intelligent and very loving so we have few complaints. Today, Chihuahuas still exist for their many health benefits and companionship. It is unclear whether Chihuahuas were taught to hunt rats or the ability was passed down through their ancestry. The Institute of Technology in Stockholm recently did a study into the Chihuahuas DNA and found that about 70% of it originated from the Techichi. And the sooner you get them used to it, the better. Fact check: Chihuahuas are dogs, not large rats - USA Today The Chinese Crested is quite similar to the Chihuahua. While they are a great seller for breeders, beyond this they are a great pet for owners. Other breeds that are considered 'mousers' include terriers, Dachshunds, and Papillon. It started as early as when humans were still nomads. No. You would notice they really look like a giant rat. Is the Chihuahua Terrier mix aggressive or a good family dog? In fact, the people of Toltec loved and respected these dogs! They inhabited the area that is now known as present-day Mexico. Europeans regularly misinterpreted the actions of natives, so we cant take everything we say at face value. Chihuahuas are more domesticated in the present. And as you may have guessed, they were some of the most popular companion pets back then too at least in ancient Mexico. You can also tell their emotions based on how their ears appear. Give the Chihuahua a try and you wont regret it! Most of the western world did not ban the consumption of eating dog meat until the early 1900s. There was a satirical piece written years ago that released this fact online. Instead, wait a bit. What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? Origins of These Little Dogs Therefore, all that we can for sure take from this account is that some sort of small dog was being exchanged at the market. Whether you have a family or for older individuals, this is a great choice. They also make for a wonderful family dogpersonality-wise, they are playful and charming although they can be headstrong and get into trouble if ignored for too long. Others have theirs long. Whether this be through spiritual guidance or to help cure their people. A common misconception about Chihuahuas is that they are descendants of rats due to certain similarities they have such as their physical characteristics. However, this is where things start getting a little fuzzy. Again. However, when you actually have an unwanted intruder invade your property, youll be happy that your little Chihuahua was able to alert the family. Many do not like to hear this fact. If you expect a Chihuahua to attack an intruder and defend the house, youll probably be out of luck. This meant that Chihuahuas were sacrificed during sacred Toltec practices. Are Chihuahuas Actually Dogs? Fact Check. (2023) A lower price of your new pet simply isn't worth the potential health/psychological risks which might ensue. This makes them ideal for long-term commitments and lifetime companionship. For many this is extremely taboo. They have something in common with other pet owning peers. All contents are intended as parody and should be construed as such. Chihuahuas are a native breed to northwest Mexico. In fact, these dogs are fearless ratters that take down squirrels, rats and other rodents in their native country of Mexico. Though these Mexican dogs are tiny, they have big and bright personalities. In other words, they did not bark. As the Watley Review's disclaimer explains: The Watley Review is dedicated to the production of articles completely without journalistic merit or factual basis, as this would entail leaving our chairs or actually working. Your Chihuahuas ears are not just good for hearing. We must always fact-check and look for reliable sources. We rate the claim that Chihuahuas are not dogs but a large breed of rodent as FALSE because it is not supported by our research. Some are so small that they dont grow bigger than your hand. While there was some trading going on, there is little proof behind this theory. Humans didnt snap their fingers to change wolves into Chihuahuas or any other breeds. Even after domestication, these instincts to hunt still live within the Chihuahua. When a human died, his or her soul passed into the body of a Techichi, and thus these animals were mummified and buried with their owners. There are people who believe that Chis wheeze, because theyve taken the symptoms of a persons asthma. The people of the Toltec civilization lived in small homes around the crowded ancient city. (It wouldnt be the first time.). However, it is also possible that they had some other purpose, such as alerting their owners to enemies. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Snopes debunked this in a post from March 18, 2007. For those who may be suffering from deeper emotional issues, they can even be trained pups. But depending on the individual persons needs and immobility, Chihuahuas can too be useful as mobility service dogs. You should not believe everything you see on social media.. However, it is equally possible that people mistakenly believed that these dogs came from that region and named them as such. We dont know much about where the Chihuahua came from or how they ended up as the dogs they are now. Most hounds were bred and trained to track by scent or sight. Terriers were purposefully bred to hunt and kill small predators and rodents (such as rats and mice), and terrier owners often . Pets like Chihuahuas can help children navigate through rough days. Its ancestor was initially bred as far back as the 9th century, and it was held for numerous purposes. In fact, many dogs were bred specifically for pest control. To this day domestic Chihuahuas still possess those innate hunting instincts. Then Penny just gives me a really annoyed look. Chihuahuas are loyal and loving, but they can also be protective of their owners. Furthermore, it is equally as likely that the 16th-century European report mistakenly thought that the dogs were being sold for food when they were actually being sold for other purposes. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Another myth that many deeply believe is that Chihuahuas relieve asthma. This leads to the question: why do we still have Chihuahuas today? What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? History of the Chihuahua While some are in color white or grey. Why Is My Dog Acting Weird? . More than a few people have noted similarities in appearance between chihuahuas and rats, so much so that the Chihuahua is frequently mentioned in a well-traveled urban legend (familiarly known as the "Mexican Pet") which involves a hapless tourist's mistaking a large rat for Its the great Christopher Columbus himself! 18 Surprising Reasons + 5 Tips. So what are Chihuahuas bred for today? In addition, evidence suggests that the ancient Aztecs and Toltecs believed these small dogs guided the soul to the underworld after death. The rumor stating Chihuahuas are related to rodents was a fake study that was published by The Watley Review for satirical purposes. Therefore, we dont exactly know why they were bred, to begin with. The chihuahuas were used for more than just food. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Reading tip: Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix: 13 Rat-Cha Facts, Pics & Videos. They were believed to be sacred animals with healing powers. Although it is not a popular dog breed, its resemblance with a Min Pin Chihuahua dog has been noticed and appreciated. What Were Yorkies Bred For? - Past Jobs, Roles & History - The Smart Canine I have been snapped at by several Chihuahuas. This leads to why the dogs may have been bred for sacrificial purposes (more about that later in the article). Similarly to how Chihuahuas are now some of the best apartment dogs, the Techichi dogs were ideal for those living in that time period. Kidding! However, they were originally bred to hunt vermin such as rats, badgers, and foxes, and there are still terrier enthusiasts who promote these dogs' working heritage and hunt with terriers today. Thank you for supporting our journalism. Some have short hair. What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? Let's Find Out - My Beagle Buddy Using 96 distinct patterns in the genes called "microsatellites," the researchers compared dogs within breeds, and breeds with one another. What Were Yorkies Bred For? History Of The Yorkie | Pet Keen Nearly every single dog breed we know today have been purposely bred for a job in society. And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats! The Different Purposes Of Breeding Chihuahuas - Fight For Rhinos Caution: Keep in mind that if you have kids, you better not get a Chihuahua yet, as these tiny dogs can be snappy. Or press certain type of buttons. Required fields are marked *. They were bred to hunt rodents and other tiny animals that live underground. F FoxyWench Salty Sea Dog Joined Feb 14, 2006 Messages 7,308 Likes 0 Points 0 Images of the Techichi have been seen on burial pots in Mexico. What dog was bred to hunt lions? Updated April 2023 | Wikidoggia While Mexico is involved in a deep part of their history, China could very well be the root of the ancestry of the dog. Why Were Chihuahuas Bred? - The Halo Pets They started in Spain, then decided to take over Europe. Chihuahuas have a very extensive history. Back then, the breed was larger and more equipped to hunt rats. However, there is no evidence that they were ever bred to kill rats. People went nuts. One of these claims says that these small dogs came from a region known as Chihuahua, which may be where these dogs originally came from. Also long and skinny. For years, it has been believed that Chihuahuas were developed from an ancient dog from Mexico. So they make hundreds of steps before they could reach you. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. They are a great choice for a variety of home sizes. North America was first inhabited by domesticated dogs 4,500 years ago, as Siberia was a cold and barren land. Chihuahuas are dogs, and, just like every other dog, they are related to wolves and all other types of dogs. There is no one answer to this question as there are many reasons why Chihuahuas are not good pets.

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