When it comes to portability, there is little better than a Chihuahua. Image Credit By; HG-Fotografie, Pixabay The Chihuahua is believed by many to be descended from the Techichi, which was a small canine known in Mayan times. You would notice they really look like a giant rat. Parents of children with asthma add these pups to their homes in hopes this is true. What makes a dog a hound? - Mi Dog Guide Dogs such as your Chihuahua come from the lineage of wolves. Dogs can improve childrens mood. Going hand in hand with this, the Aztecs and Toltecs believed that the dogs guided them into the underworld. We must always fact-check and look for reliable sources. If you have been considering adding a pet to your home, Chihuahuas are an absolutely great option. What did Chihuahuas originally hunt? [FAQ!] Or, it may have been a cousin to the Chihuahua or the ancestor of the modern Chihuahuas. There is evidence to suggest that Chis lived good lives up until the point they were sto be sacrificed. Older adults can struggle with mental functions. Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. They're friendly, social, and eager to please, making them trainable dogs and good with kids. They were bred specifically to eliminate common farm pests . We dont know much about where the Chihuahua came from or how they ended up as the dogs they are now. They only adopted dogs that were useful on the farm and could work (by herding sheep for example). ancient dog of Mexicos Toltec Empire or indigenous. Despite the satirical news reports and common jokes about which camp Chihuahuas fall, it's confirmed: Chihuahuas are dogs. Chihuahuas were also popular candidates for ratting because of their natural scavenging instincts and their propensity to be aggressive toward other animals. We have evidence of these dogs through artifacts and pictures, so we do know that they resemble the modern Chihuahua in size and many other physical traits. They were actually bred for their ability to bond with humans. To make the relationship work between your Chihuahua, youll need to be patient with them. They are nervous. 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! Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they are known for their loyalty and love of attention. However, there is research to support food shortages led to these practices. That said, lets look into the Chihuahuas complex origins and discover the true reasons why these dogs were bred. Whether were talking about your mental or physical health, a Chihuahua will benefit you greatly. A Chihuahuas weight averages from 2 to 6 pounds (1 to 3 kg). They also lead to better fitness (read on to find out more about it). While most ancient breeds are larger because they were bred for hunting or herding, the Chihuahua is extremely tiny. Essentially, they used these sacrifices to please their gods and help with healing. Reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or via Twitter at @peterslaura. People went nuts. Chihuahuas were bred to be small companions, and they are known for their affectionate nature. The people bred the dogs that they liked best, and then the dogs developed in this manner. If you look at it, the Chihuahuas size and weight compared to other dogs is a far stretch. "It goes against our belief system. By doing so, you will ensure theyre not stressed out and wont bark or whine. However, it was more of a surprise to find that some breeds are not even dogs. Rat-Cha is a mix of a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. Instead, wait a bit. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Heres some of them: There are two kinds of Chihuahua heads: the apple head and the deer head. For the past 12 years this dog has done just about everything. They are also very intelligent and can be easily potty trained. For this reason, the Techichi dogs were often buried with deceased family members and owners. Theres the rumor. While this may be a funny concept, there is no proof or facts behind this claim. While your lounging Chihuahua may not look like a rat killer, they often retain strong hunting instincts. They thought of it as a joke. As soon as the Chi hears the sound, they touch their owner and will take them to where the noise is coming from. Furthermore, not everyone agrees with this study. And Chihuahuas love to do this with their family members. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. These small, intelligent dogs are a great way to provide comfort and solace. Chihuahuas are a native breed to northwest Mexico. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? In this way, the breed slowly funneled into the United States and became a companion animal. We have a Chiweenie, a mix of half Chihuahua and half Dashound. 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, they believe that they were bred for hunting purposes by the Toltec people. This meant that Chihuahuas were sacrificed during sacred Toltec practices. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. The rumor stating Chihuahuas are related to rodents was a fake study that was published by The Watley Review for satirical purposes. Children who suffer from disorders like autism, social anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, PTSD, and more can benefit greatly. Pet owners have a lower resting heart rate and better blood pressure. But the Chihuahua still has a place in many familys hearts. Though these Mexican dogs are tiny, they have big and bright personalities. Your Chihuahuas tail? When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs in the 13th century, they brought the Techichi with them. Use the search! They were not hunters, but rather the hunted. They do have very terrier 'like' temperaments though and like a lot of dogs can get excited by sight and scent of small animals. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Are Chihuahuas Actually Dogs? Fact Check. (2023) A Chihuahuas Lifespan is quite varied at between 10 to 18 years Height at the Withers for both Males and females is 15 to 25cm or 6 to 10 inches A Chihuahuas Weight should be 1.8 to 2.7 kg or 4 to 6 lbs Recognised Pedigree Breed Yes in the Toy Group by the KC Average Price in the UK Just over 700 for KC Registered Dogs But you already know that. If youre asking yourself what Chihuahuas were bred for, youve come to the right place. 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. As was often the case with small dogs, these canines may have also been used as alert dogs. If you have seen a similar-looking Chinese Crested pup, these links may not be surprising. Both of them have short limbs and small feet. Prague Ratter - Complete Breed Guide for 2023 - The Dogs Journal The Aztecs, in particular, sacrificed various animals, including dogs. 2. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Yorkies were initially bred as ratting dogs. Both of these things lead to better blood levels. Because its quite funny how their eyes are very large compared to their size. Plus they have ears bigger than their faces. Dont forget to always secure fresh water and fresh air for your Chihuahua. Are Chihuahuas wild in Mexico? - letshealthify.com Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve game. There are some depictions of Chihuahua-looking dogs in European art. Like the Chihuahuas, Rat Terriers love to hunt smaller pets and rats, thats why they are called as such. Though it may seem like these ancient civilizations treated these dogs poorly, this is not the case. They also serve a variety of purposes from health benefits to service dogs. What dogs were bred to kill rats? Today, we are long gone from these sacrificial times. While there was some trading going on, there is little proof behind this theory. You will want to do your own research into the breed, including some of the cons. These were from the mid-16th century. Bred to hunt foxes, voles, and small rodents in England, the Russell Terrier makes for an excellent rodent hunter. Given the chance, most Chihuahuas will take down a rat - even one that's much larger than they are. Instead, it is more likely that they were originally bred for companionship or as watchdogs. Their high-pitched barks dont intimidate. Let us know in the comment section what you think about these past roles and jobs of these wonderful small dogs. 10 Gentlemanly Facts About the Miniature Schnauzer They were selectively bred for their desert environment, which is likely why they dont have much fur. Chihuahuas were used for food as well as companionship. 24 May 2004 (p. A10). Moreover, said the article, several other breeds of dogs aren't really dogs at all either: Among other findings, the analysis determined that the Chihuahua is actually a type of large rodent, selectively bred for centuries to resemble a canine. It also seems like they look at you like they see through your soul. I've owned a few Chihuahuas and I live in Arizona, and they do kill scorpions with great efficiency. There are of course bigger dog breeds that are used to pull wheelchairs up ramps. So what are Chihuahuas bred for today? We know very little about the ancestor breeds of the Chihuahua. One theory is that chihuahuas were originally bred for sacrificial purposes. This resulted in the development of a strong rat-chasing instinct in Frenchies. The Truth Revealed + 3 Myths, 13 Different Chihuahua Types (With Pics, Videos & Facts). They were actually mute dogs they did not bark. Even now, households in Mexicos rural areas use Chihuahuas to lower the number of rats in their homes. What is high prey drive dog? From being my horse back riding companion to my personal guard dog.I am not sure if I will own another Chihuahua or even a Chihuahua mix, I do know I am glad I have my little Chloe. Most, if not all dogs have a breeding purpose. Do you want to know who brought the Chihuahuas to England? Humans didnt snap their fingers to change wolves into Chihuahuas or any other breeds. Designer Yorkies, like all crossbreeds, may have traits . While some are in color white or grey. The article also claimed that other dog breeds are not descendants of wolves. Nowadays, Chihuahuas are still considered to be very intelligent dogs. They are also slightly hesitant of strangers, ensuring they let you know if someone new is around. Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. These dogs all have small bodies and a surprising amount of energy. Europeans regularly misinterpreted the actions of natives, so we cant take everything we say at face value. Required fields are marked *. My Chihuahua sits on my moms lap pretty much endlessly. She is an established authority in the pet blogging community, and her blog, "Paws and Claws," has been featured in numerous publications. What were Chihuahuas Bred for? - PatchPuppy.com They may not be the national dog of Mexico (rather, the Xoloitzcuintli is), though they might as well be. Unfortunately, there isnt much information on these ancient Mexican dogs. They were bred to exterminate rats and other vermin from German stables in the 1600s. They are very noisy, after all! The genetic evolution of wolves to dogs took thousands of years. They are extremely fond of digging and are farmyard dogs at heart, often helping farmers to get rid of rodents on their properties and farmland. Back then, the breed was larger and more equipped to hunt rats. Kidding! Similarly to how we treat the Chihuahuas today, they were great for families even back then. However, research has shown that other pros of these pups are: When children grow up with pets in the home, they show more empathy. As soon as they spot anything that looks out of order, youll hear from them (literally). Truly, dogs can help keep your heart strong. These dogs were originally bred in Mexico, and they were named after the state of Chihuahua. Now that you know more about the history of the breed, lets jump into their purpose. And the way they pitter-patter around when walking can be quite funny. But with their petite size, owners may wonder what they were originally bred for. There is going to be disbelief.". And lets not forget physical and mental stimulation. Those who travel often avoid getting pets. Nearly every single dog breed we know today have been purposely bred for a job in society. The Chihuahuas history is convoluted, and many theories surround the origin of the breed. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day! Chihuahuas were used in Mexico to hunt and kill scorpions. Chihuahuas make poor ratters because of their small size and lack of aggression. The Chihuahua is not my favorite dog breed. One owner said, mine follows me everywhere, hangs out in the bathroom when Im getting dressed, wants to sit at least beside me when Im sitting, and sleeps next to me anytime Im sleeping., If you check out the Chihuahua Subreddit forum, there are literally hundreds and hundreds of owners telling you the same thing. We dont know what these dogs looked like and have not found any remains that may have given us DNA to compare to modern breeds. They can kill a variety of vermin, including squirrels and other small prey. So, keeping a small mute dog like the Techichi was a perfect fit. Such areas include: Lets look at these areas a bit more in-depth: A Chihuahua thats been trained to be a hearing dog can alert their owner in a variety of situations. This could also be related to the occasional wheezing sounds the breed often makes. What makes a hound dog a hound dog? The Miniature Pinscher dog breed was originally bred in Germany to hunt vermin, primarily rats, in homes and stables. But because of that, they were also used as sacrifices for ceremonies. 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. Thatbreed of dog does not weigh more than 6 pounds. Chihuahuas aren't terriers and were not originally used as ratters (not to my knowledge and I haven't found any info saying they were). These pets eventually made their way back into the United States. They inhabited the area that is now known as present-day Mexico. Dog Breeds That Hunt Mice and Pests - Martha Stewart This theory could date back to the ancient days when this was a common thought. Chihuahuas are descendants of an ancient dog from the Toltec Empire, called the Techichi dog. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. Chihuahua puppies are born with their eyes closed and their ears drooping. Not only that. In fact, Chihuahuas are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world, and they are known for being loyal, loving, and protective companions. While many would never consider this, for ancient civilizations, they were a food source. Everyone was scrambling about. Why Is My Dog Acting Weird? It was a day when the fate of Chihuahuas all over the world lies unknown. These pups can be there to provide comfort. Watch our first training session with my dog Izzy A long-haired Chihuahua as she learns how to hunt birds. They can quickly dig up a hole to catch their prey. This is actually one of the biggest reasons why people adopt the breed for these reasons is to warn them of any sketchy activity. The most intelligent dogs were the ones that were able to learn how to kill rats the quickest, and so they were the ones that were bred. The same genetic makeup found in dogs like Rottweilers and Labrador Retrievers is also, surprisingly, found in Chihuahuas. They were not hunters, but rather the hunted. However, it is also possible that they had some other purpose, such as alerting their owners to enemies. Oops, dont get your hopes up! After the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521 and Montezumas death, the Spanish conquistadors took over Mexico and began to scurry back to Europe with their precious cargoes of gold and silver as well as some indigenous dogs! However, pictures can date back from as far as 300 BCE. Top 10 Dog Breeds Ideal for Catching Rats - PetHelpful Especially since we went together over their unique history and the many benefits they bring. Therefore, there are some people that believe the Chinese Crested somehow contributed to the Chihuahuas lineage. Chihuahuas Were Bred to be Food Most of the western world have banned the consumption of dogs today. What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? Learn Their Surprising Ancient History Best dog breeds to catch and kill rats? | Survivalist Forum Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. Since [] Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. This can be annoying for many owners. Also, caring for a pet can benefit the ability of performing daily tasks. Are the El Paso Chihuahuas a Triple-A team? When they died, dog guides would take their soul into the underworld. The instinct of rat chasing and hunting has been diluted from their genetics. Were saying they can be greatwatch dogs, and notguard dogs. As a result, theyre some of the most popular lap dogs today. And to be specific, roots from China. These tiny dogs are even ideal for very small homes. (And if you live in an area with a rat problem, that might not be such a bad thing!) Are Chihuahuas related to rodents? Were Chihuahuas Bred To Hunt Bears. Around the time of colonialization, pocket dogs were all the rage in Europe, especially amongst the royals. You come home to your house. So what exactly is a "ratter?" They're dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats. Chihuahuas have also served the purpose of ridding homes of unwanted vermin. Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. Thats what the American Kennel Club believes. 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. This is funny considering Chihuahuas can be very vocal pups compared to their ancestors. At least until I tell them that no one is afraid of them. Don't expect any disturbances to get past them: They can hear frequencies twice as high as humans. The truth uncovered Chihuahuas are dogs! So what exactly is a ratter? Theyre dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats. What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? Chihuahua History Explained Your Chihuahuas does. But because these dogs are fairly territorial and yappy, expect them to bark like a mad-dog when intruders come onto your property. However, we do know that Chihuahuas were not a very popular breed until the 1900s. Similarly to how Chihuahuas are now some of the best apartment dogs, the Techichi dogs were ideal for those living in that time period. For us to know the truth, we must go back to square one. Polly is definitely the watchdog of the two, which can be a bit annoying at 2am when the wind is blowing. Jokes aside, the Chihuahuas were registered with AKC for the first time in the year 1904. But they can also be trained for a variety of mental disorders. The breed itself remains one of the most popular in the world. And unlike some dogs, its not as obvious as black and white. False. If you expect a Chihuahua to attack an intruder and defend the house, youll probably be out of luck. "Doggone! ). That purpose has something to do with hunting, farming, or protection in most cases. The ancestors of the Chihuahua were originally bred for various purposes, such as companionship, religious ceremonies & rituals and food. With that said, it is also possible that they were eaten in a ritualistic manner. The Techichi dogs are extinct today and everything scientists have learned about them have come from old artifacts. Those with a coat colored in black or gray. 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 . Not really. They were able to identify each dog's breed by its genes with 99 percent accuracy. While this may be a funny concept, there is no proof or facts behind this claim. However, because Techichi and Chihuahua are separated by hundreds of years, they do differ a bit. Youll clear your head before and after work. Whether you want to train the dog to be an official emotional support dog or not, Chihuahuas are great at keeping you company. Its a big part of what makes the Chihuahua smarter than people think. The first Chihuahua was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904. Your Chi needs proper shelter, food, water, and regular vet care. In fact, many dogs were bred specifically for pest control. 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.
