The Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds and like most ancient breeds, it was bred for a purpose. It is likely that they were still around in South Americathey just didnt reach Western civilization in great numbers until later. Chihuahuas are not dogs, they are rodents!. I've owned a few Chihuahuas and I live in Arizona, and they do kill scorpions with great efficiency. I love my little Chloe, from what I can tell she is mixed with some type of terrier. Names, places and events are generally fictitious, except for public figures about which we may have heard something down at the pub. Nearly every single dog breed we know today have been purposely bred for a job in society. Then the humans thought, Wow, they sure look like good cuddle buddies during cold nights!. To make their travels easier, you can use a dog carrier. While they are highly accredited to Mexico, they may have originated in Asia. After that, they developed into dogs with two purposes, as ratters and devoted companions. If you expect a Chihuahua to attack an intruder and defend the house, youll probably be out of luck. This theory could date back to the ancient days when this was a common thought. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Caution: Keep in mind that if you have kids, you better not get a Chihuahua yet, as these tiny dogs can be snappy. Names, places and events are generally fictitious, except for public figures about which we may have heard something down at the pub. Learn more. Others have theirs long. So what are Chihuahuas bred for today? However, not all dogs were bred for a specific working job, including the Chihuahua. Required fields are marked *. These dogs are normal shedders. When debating about a dog breed, make sure that you pick a breed because their temperament and personality fits yours. ", More:Wisconsin officer saves dog from burning house, But according to Snopes, the claim was just a "bit of satirical fun.". Chihuahuas are derived from the Techichi dog and were first used as sacrificial dogs. The truth is theyre great at catching and killing rodents. The drawings found in the Yucatan Peninsula were their oldest record. The Techichi is now extinct, but they were believed to be domesticated as far back as the Toltec civilizations. Plus, theyre more intelligent than people give them credit for. These small, intelligent dogs are a great way to provide comfort and solace. They're popular pets because of their size and appearance. Chihuahuas are proven to be descendants of wolves, and not rats. Therefore, it is possible that these dogs contributed. Pet Keen is reader-supported. 24 May 2004 (p. A10). 1. These pups can be there to provide comfort. But it was a major part of the breeding of the dog. 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. Aside from being sacrificed and eaten, Chihuahuas were also popular companions for the families of the Toltec. Even while they make wonderful family pets, some individuals say Chihuahuas are even better at hunting tiny animals (like rats or similar vermin). 2. We've determined that she inherited the best qualities of breeds. There are still some who are curious. Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. The people treated these dogs as sacred animals because of their connections to the sacred religious ceremonies. Use the search! It also seems like they look at you like they see through your soul. While this may sound crazy, owning a dog boosts your health. Its been long believed that Chihuahuas were developed from the ancient dog of Mexicos Toltec Empire or indigenous tribe, called the Techichi dog. While your lounging Chihuahua may not look like a rat killer, they often retain strong hunting instincts. that breed of small dog. There are quite a few theories out there. Whether this be through spiritual guidance or to help cure their people. 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. ). While there was some trading going on, there is little proof behind this theory. For example, the Australian Shepherds were bred to herd livestock. Book Now and Save at Priceline. What Age Can Miniature Schnauzers Be Groomed? Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve game. These dogs can be traced back as far back as 9th century AD! Therefore, we dont exactly know why they were bred, to begin with. They may have even been some of the most popular pets during the time. Regardless, their ancestry has been dated back to the Techichi, an ancient dog breed. Theres much more to the Chihuahuas history than most people know. Or press certain type of buttons. When these dogs arent being sacrificed or buried, they were very well cared for. What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? They are very noisy, after all! There are people who believe that Chis wheeze, because theyve taken the symptoms of a persons asthma. Therefore, all that we can for sure take from this account is that some sort of small dog was being exchanged at the market. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Cass. As of yet, there is no DNA evidence that the Chinese Crested contributed to the Chihuahua at all. But many believe that they are. A viral claim that a chihuahua is a rodent, not a breed of dog , is based on a satirical news article. Their legs are not that strong as other dogs as well. Kidding! 88 Hollow Pine Dr Debary Florida(FL) 32713, 2023 Arew - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Both of these things lead to better blood levels. The Techichi dogs are extinct today and everything scientists have learned about them have come from old artifacts. Polly is definitely the watchdog of the two, which can be a bit annoying at 2am when the wind is blowing. No, Chihuahuas were not bred to kill rats. Based on research, the wolves were tamed to make companions for humans. While its true that Chihuahuas were originally bred in Mexico to kill rats, they were actually selected for their intelligence. It was venerated by the Toltecs and thought to be magical. The wolves also helped the humans in agriculture and hunting. The Terrier also has a thick tail, which the owner could use to pull out the dog from the hole if needed. Because your Chihuahua is sitting beside it with a proud look on their face! That's so interesting, thanks for sharing! What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? A piece of news broke out and destroyed the internet. With a strong bond and loving relationship, theres nothing they enjoy more than cuddling up with their owner. A common misconception about Chihuahuas is that they are descendants of rats due to certain similarities they have such as their physical characteristics. There are two main reasons why people thought Chihuahuas are rats. Reports of nearly hairless dogs did not begin popping up until the 19th century. The rumor appears to stem from the urban legend of the "Mexican Pet"and an onlinesatirical piece dating back to 2004. People are pretty passionate about their dogs. Like the Chihuahuas, Rat Terriers love to hunt smaller pets and rats, thats why they are called as such. According to a fake study, the DNA of Chihuahuas are ancestors of a large rodent. Thats why the Mexicans bred them in the first place. 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. The Chihuahua was truly a multi-purpose dog. They are not truly the national dog of Mexico. Theres the rumor. However, just because your breed of dog wasn't named doesn't mean Fido won't be able to keep the mice . Chihuahuas were originally bred for their small size, which made them good candidates for ratting. They also can help learn responsibilities, scheduling, burn off energy, and more. What they produce isnt based on facts and is for entertainment purposes only. How do I Remove Thompsons Water Seal from Wood? Some common disorders are anxiety, PTSD, autism, and depression. About 10% of the meat that was consumed by ancient Mayans came from these dogs. One of them could be because of the many similarities Chihuahuas have with rats. They were not hunters, but rather the hunted. Italian Greyhuahua (Italian Greyhound & Chihuahua Mix), Taco Terrier (Chihuahua & Toy Fox Terrier Mix), Chi-Spaniel (Chihuahua & Cocker Spaniel Mix). However, modern Chihuahuas are bred solely for companionship today. This gave an idea to the editors of The Watley Review. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. The Chihuahuas history is convoluted, and many theories surround the origin of the breed. So after the Chihuahuas won over the people of Mexicos hearts, theyve decided to make their way around the world. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! 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. They are small, agil and very fast. Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. Terriers were purposefully bred to hunt and kill small predators and rodents (such as rats and mice), and terrier owners often . With the above 19 facts, you should now know more about these tiny pups. They are the smallest breed of dog, and they are also one of the most popular. During this time, finding food was much more difficult and consuming dogs could have been a survival need. Today, Chihuahuas are known as mans best friend. They also serve a variety of purposes from health benefits to service dogs. Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. While some are in color white or grey. Of course, while that does cover much of where the Chihuahua came from, the remaining 30% of the DNA is much debated. Their instinctual intellect is this set of inborn abilities. Owners of the Chihuahua dog breed started crying. It is a common belief that all small dogs were originally bred for hunting rodents. Chihuahuas were bred as ratters in Mexico, and they retain their strong prey drive to this day. With that said, it is also possible that they were eaten in a ritualistic manner. In fact, about 10% of meat consumption of the ancient Mayans came from their beloved dogs. #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? Essentially, they used these sacrifices to please their gods and help with healing. However, we also have evidence that Chihuahuas had some sort of religious significance. That said, lets look into the Chihuahuas complex origins and discover the true reasons why these dogs were bred. For they were able to produce more than 150 living dog breeds today! Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? You want to avoid that at all costs. Therefore, there are some people that believe the Chinese Crested somehow contributed to the Chihuahuas lineage. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world, and they are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. But during the ancient Aztec times, it was simply a way of life. Chihuahuas were bred for their loyalty, not for their ability to kill rats. Rats make good pets, if you find some baby rats and raise them as pets, they will chase the other rats away. In their disclaimer, The Watley Review states that all the content they produce is a parody. There are different kinds of Chihuahuas. 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. But even so, these dogs served many purposes early on. Alas, she also seems to have inherited some of the bad traits from each breed as well. The Chihuahua ancestors or Techichi dogs, were often bred for food. As was often the case with small dogs, these canines may have also been used as alert dogs. Heck, they were even believed to be living in Mexico even before the rise of the Mayans and Aztecs! In fact, many dogs were bred specifically for pest control. Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. Although it is not a popular dog breed, its resemblance with a Min Pin Chihuahua dog has been noticed and appreciated. Is your Chihuahua a small dog or a large rodent? . They have something in common with other pet owning peers. On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. At least until I tell them that no one is afraid of them. In this sculpture, the dog greatly resembles a Chihuahua. Bred to hunt foxes, voles, and small rodents in England, the Russell Terrier makes for an excellent rodent hunter. If youre thinking of adding a Chihuahua to your family, be sure to do your research to make sure this is the right breed for you. And to be specific, roots from China. 19 interesting and fun facts about Chihuahuas. "It goes against our belief system. North America was first inhabited by domesticated dogs 4,500 years ago, as Siberia was a cold and barren land. These were from the mid-16th century. For those who may be suffering from deeper emotional issues, they can even be trained pups. The ancestors of the Chihuahua were originally bred for various purposes, such as companionship, religious ceremonies, rituals, and even for food. As descendants of the Techichi dog, Chihuahuas were popular among religious ceremonies and rites. (And if you live in an area with a rat problem, that might not be such a bad thing!) Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. [3] It is usually kept as a companion animal or for showing . One of the cutest features of Chihuahuas is their eyes. And lets not forget physical and mental stimulation. The Toltec people themselves were a powerful civilization. The Aztecs continued to revere this small dog, and it became even more important when Montezuma II, who ruled from 1502 to 1520, made it his royal companion. Its ancestor was initially bred as far back as the 9th century, and it was held for numerous purposes. However, before these deaths and rituals, there is evidence that they were well treated. And since the Toltec people lived in small homes in crowded ancient cities, the tiny Chihuahuas were a great fit (literally). However, their actual lineage gets a lot of debate since we have no proof as to how or when these dogs developed exactly. She is my shadow and goes everywhere with me. Give the Chihuahua a try and you wont regret it! We dont have exact information on much of the Chihuahuas history, as it was so long ago before people wrote things like this down. Well, its because they are not rats. Upon review, the claim and article posted on the site is satirical in nature. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they are known for their loyalty and love of attention. Small, energetic, and feisty, this breed is often used by exterminators to rid farms and other large homestead properties of rats. However, when you actually have an unwanted intruder invade your property, youll be happy that your little Chihuahua was able to alert the family. Chihuahuas are intelligent. It's likely that the Chihuahua's ancestors hunted small animals that lived in small holes. Pets like Chihuahuas can help children navigate through rough days. There are so many reasons to keep a Chihuahua. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Nowadays, Chihuahuas are still considered to be very intelligent dogs. This site is owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC. As soon as they spot anything that looks out of order, youll hear from them (literally). The chihuahuas were used for more than just food. And as you may have guessed, they were some of the most popular companion pets back then too at least in ancient Mexico. 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 However, this is absolutely untrue. Regardless of the timeline, they have always proven time and time again. Thank you for supporting our journalism. In this way, the breed slowly funneled into the United States and became a companion animal. Your Chihuahuas tail? This leads to why the dogs may have been bred for sacrificial purposes (more about that later in the article). The consumption of dogs was not banned until the early 1900s. 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. They are a great choice for a variety of home sizes. This dog was called the Techichi. Clearly Chihuahua was what stuck and is the name by which the dog is called in America today. Chihuahuas are still not rats. Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Thatbreed of dog does not weigh more than 6 pounds. Turn the air conditioner on or open a window or two. However, they believe that they were bred for hunting purposes by the Toltec people. The Mexicans possibly adore their little pitter-patter steps. Oops, dont get your hopes up! "This is clearly going to raise some eyebrows in the Chihuahua world," said Peggy Wilson, president of the Chihuahua Club of America. 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. They were also used as guard dogs. Similarly, to breeding the pups for companionship, the breed stays popular for their emotional support. When it comes to their size, Chihuahuas are more identical to large rodents than wolves. Still, they are excellent at hunting and killing these little furry things. Other small dogs are usually bred for that purpose unless they're solely companion animals. Though they are not overly aggressive, they can defend themselves when they have to. Are the El Paso Chihuahuas a Triple-A team? When you have a dog, you must take them on short walks. One theory is that chihuahuas were originally bred for sacrificial purposes. But depending on the individual persons needs and immobility, Chihuahuas can too be useful as mobility service dogs. A screen grab of a Google search appeared June 17 on Facebook that wonders about Chihuahuas. However, Chihuahuas can be trained to feel the seizure in advance. These dogs all have small bodies and a surprising amount of energy. Even after domestication, these instincts to hunt still live within the Chihuahua. But they will protect you just the same. Reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or via Twitter at @peterslaura. It continued that they were genetically bred to look like dogs instead of rats. Feel it. 7 Best Outdoor Door Mats That Drain Water. And the sooner you get them used to it, the better. This resulted in the development of a strong rat-chasing instinct in Frenchies. You would notice they really look like a giant rat. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. But dont expect them to end all the vermins in your house overnight. How owning a Chihuahua can benefit the development of a child. Chihuahuas make poor ratters because of their small size and lack of aggression. But did you know that Chihuahuas were actually bred to kill rats? Youll clear your head before and after work. Again. The Rat Terrier is considered the all-American working class dog. And according to Purina, Chihuahuas are one of the top 11 best companion dogs in the canine kingdom. Highly Skilled Ratters So what exactly is a "matter?" But oh boy, can they bark! They must have thought that Chihuahuas, like them, are great dancers. Both of them have short limbs and small feet. You should also have your pup spayed or neutered. One of the most persistent is that Chihuahuas were bred to kill rats in Mexico. The first Chihuahua was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904. They were selectively bred for their desert environment, which is likely why they dont have much fur. On top of being a running joke, there are also a few misconceptions running around that the Chihuahua is actually some sort of rat (or some strange rat-dog hybrid). Chihuahua puppies are born with their eyes closed and their ears drooping. There is actually an old Mayan figure of a woman holding a child in one hand and a small dog in another. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they are known for their loyalty and love of attention. If you have a pure breed the eyes are little und their skin is one of the softest i have ever felt. They do have very terrier 'like' temperaments though and like a lot of dogs can get excited by sight and scent of small animals. With their always-alert erect ears, they seem to always pick up on the slightest of sounds. If Chihuahuas are rats, then how come yours love to hunt them? So what exactly is a "ratter?" They're dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats! Similarly to their early years, they are great companion pets for families. Or, it may have been a cousin to the Chihuahua or the ancestor of the modern Chihuahuas. For a Chihuahua Terrier mix puppy, you can expect a price range of $400 to $800. However, their small size does make them effective ratters! In fact, these dogs are fearless ratters that take down squirrels, rats and other rodents in their native country of Mexico. You cannot have a dog that isnt descended from wolves. She is an established authority in the pet blogging community, and her blog, "Paws and Claws," has been featured in numerous publications. Even now, households in Mexicos rural areas use Chihuahuas to lower the number of rats in their homes. Scientists have always studied the relationship between humans and dogs. For us to know the truth, we must go back to square one. What do Chihuahuas suffer from? When we have one of his dog park friends over, there is always competition for for the available lap. They can kill a variety of vermin, including squirrels and other small 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. Eventually, owners brought them indoors to catch mice and pests in the kitchen. A Pitbulls? They were bred to exterminate rats and other vermin from German stables in the 1600s. When they died, dog guides would take their soul into the underworld. Image Credit By; HG-Fotografie, Pixabay While Chihuahuas do not need an excessive amount of exercise, they do need regular walk. Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. In return, the Chihuahua will be one of the most loyal and entertaining companions youll ever own. All contents are intended as parody and should be construed as such. That's the premise put forth in a 2004 Watley Review article which reported that cancer researchers had analyzed DNA collected from 85 different breeds of dogs and "determined that the Chihuahua is actually a type of large rodent, selectively bred for centuries to resemble a canine." While Chihuahuas need very little walking, this is great for certain lifestyles. The gray wolf is the ancestor of Chihuahuas. This was for ancient sacred practices. But they can also be trained for a variety of mental disorders. Other Reddit users chimed in, saying thats pretty typical for a Chihuahua. Many people believe that small dogs were originally bred for hunting rodents. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? It started as early as when humans were still nomads. They are also popular as therapy dogs because of their ability to bond with humans. Pet owners have a lower resting heart rate and better blood pressure. There is going to be disbelief.". Schnauzers were bred to hunt rats, so they rely on their keen sense of hearing to locate the vermin. Not really. Considering how Chihuahuas are notorious barkers, its a bit hard to imagine they came from these bark-less dogs. And certainly, the news article made everyone mad. Also, consider your schedule, as some dogs cant spend too much time alone. In addition, evidence suggests that the ancient Aztecs and Toltecs believed these small dogs guided the soul to the underworld after death. However, if you are an avid traveler, these pups are a great choice for you. 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 how to send pictures to inmates through snapfish, how to contest a speeding camera ticket chicago, unofficial royal news every 5 minutes,