The ancestors of the Chihuahua were originally bred for various purposes, such as companionship, religious ceremonies & rituals and food However, modern Chihuahuas are bred solely for companionship today. They must have thought that Chihuahuas, like them, are great dancers. Part of the Chihuahuas charm is that they make such excellent and affectionate lapdogs. These dogs were sent into coal mines or mills, where they would skillfully track and hunt down annoying vermin pests. The first Chihuahua was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904. 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. They also work well for practically any home size, working for even those in apartments or assisted living homes. They can be used to teach responsibility and increase emotional intelligence. While Chihuahuas were bred for their size and hunting ability, they are not considered to be particularly good at killing rats. While most of the modern Western world has banned the consumption of food, this was not the case long ago. As a descendent of the Techihi dog, the Chihuahua was often used in religious ceremonies. And since the Toltec people lived in small homes in crowded ancient cities, the tiny Chihuahuas were a great fit (literally). There are so many reasons to keep a Chihuahua. Cass. The Chihuahua today has come a long way from the Techichi ancestors. Chihuahuas are great for elderly individuals and can be trained as diabetic alert pets. The [] In fact, many dogs were bred specifically for pest control. So what exactly is a "ratter?" They're dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats. You open the door. What were Chihuahuas originally bred for? 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." The people of the Toltec civilization lived in small homes around the crowded ancient city. The people bred the dogs that they liked best, and then the dogs developed in this manner. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they are known for their loyalty and love of attention. However, it was more of a surprise to find that some breeds are not even dogs. Were Chihuahuas Bred to Kill Rats? Is your Chihuahua a small dog or a large rodent? Scent hounds (e.g., bloodhound, dachshund) are trained to scent in the air or on the ground. They were also used as guard dogs. 1. The Techichi was a small, mute dog that was either hairless or had short fur. And it definitely takes a while to get used to. However, just because your breed of dog wasn't named doesn't mean Fido won't be able to keep the mice . However, their small size does make them effective ratters! 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 subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. They perk up as they get older. Theres much more to the Chihuahuas history than most people know. So after the Chihuahuas won over the people of Mexicos hearts, theyve decided to make their way around the world. They were bred to exterminate rats and other vermin from German stables in the 1600s. The Chihuahua really is a born hunter just like every other dog breed out there; as such, Chihuahuas definitely are not fond of other dogs besides their own breed. 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. Regardless, their ancestry has been dated back to the Techichi, an ancient dog breed. Chihuahuas are quite fearless hunters and can take down smaller prey. Quite a difference between expectation and reality isnt it? Your email address will not be published. There are many questions in your head. I know its contradictory, especially I mentioned that dogs were thought of as sacred. There are people who believe that Chis wheeze, because theyve taken the symptoms of a persons asthma. No, Chihuahuas were not bred to kill rats. Because your Chihuahua is sitting beside it with a proud look on their face! Chihuahuas are great family pets. Because of their small size (about 12 - 18 inches/ 30 - 45 cm), the Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix can live in an apartment. These dogs are normal shedders. A common misconception about Chihuahuas is that they are descendants of rats due to certain similarities they have such as their physical characteristics. They inhabited the area that is now known as present-day Mexico. The Techichi is now extinct, but they were believed to be domesticated as far back as the Toltec civilizations. They are a great choice for a variety of home sizes. [3] It is usually kept as a companion animal or for showing . Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? While they are highly accredited to Mexico, they may have originated in Asia. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! We do know that the Chihuahua likely had some religious meaning for the ancient Mayans, which may have been the dogs main purpose. Theyre round and full of expression. How do I Remove Thompsons Water Seal from Wood? They also often believed that diseases could transfer from humans to dogs. Many studies prove that this dog breed is a descendant of the mighty wolves. Chihuahuas make poor ratters because of their small size and lack of aggression. There are some depictions of Chihuahua-looking dogs in European art. Chihuahuas are descendants of an ancient dog from the Toltec Empire, called the Techichi dog. A rats tail doesnt wag when they see you. However, they believe that they were bred for hunting purposes by the Toltec people. Officially, it is the world's smallest dog breed in terms of height. Gene Research Leads to Surprises for Dog Lovers." PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. However, in rural areas, there are still Chihuahuas that serve as skilled ratting dogs. Book Now and Save at Priceline. Chihuahuas were bred to be small companions, and they are known for their affectionate nature. It is thought that Chihuahuas were bred for two purposes: To hunt rats and other small animals; . There are different kinds of Chihuahuas. They say that if they publish real content, their readers wouldnt read their articles. 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. When we have one of his dog park friends over, there is always competition for for the available lap. However, modern Chihuahuas are bred solely for companionship today. Youll quickly learn this when obedience training starts, as theyre stubborn little dogs. Puppy Price + Daily Expenses, 17 Tips To Take Care Of An Elderly / Senior Chihuahua. 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). What makes a hound dog a hound dog? One of the cutest features of Chihuahuas is their eyes. For example, the Australian Shepherds were bred to herd livestock. What is high prey drive dog? Chihuahuas were used for food as well as companionship. However, this is where things start getting a little fuzzy. It's likely that the Chihuahua's ancestors hunted small animals that lived in small holes. And Chihuahuas love to do this with their family members. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Ah, but it was all just a bit of satirical fun involving dog breeders and several types of small dogs that some people typically associate with the stereotype of overly pampered, annoyingly yappy little pets, all suggested by a 2004 scientific study that found several breeds of dogs which "aficionados have long believed dated back thousands of years are actually much more modern animals re-creations that were probably produced by breeders.". Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve game. . Let us know in the comment section what you think about these past roles and jobs of these wonderful small dogs. 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 . Despite this unique look, they originate from the gray wolf. They do have very terrier 'like' temperaments though and like a lot of dogs can get excited by sight and scent of small animals. There is evidence to suggest that Chis lived good lives up until the point they were sto be sacrificed. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? According to the Watley Review "About the review" section of the site, "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. However, owning a dog can help improve cognition and memory. This makes them ideal for long-term commitments and lifetime companionship. F FoxyWench Salty Sea Dog Joined Feb 14, 2006 Messages 7,308 Likes 0 Points 0 However, those who live with pets from a younger age are less likely to develop the allergy later on in life. So what exactly is a ratter? Theyre dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats. Instead, it is more likely that they were originally bred for companionship or as watchdogs. The Chihuahuas small size and big personality have made it a popular breed, but there are many myths and misconceptions about the origins of this feisty little dog. You also want to weigh your ability to care for the dog. Chihuahuas are dogs, and, just like every other dog, they are related to wolves and all other types of dogs. While we know today that this is not likely, there is still the idea that the dogscantake on disease. It continued that they were genetically bred to look like dogs instead of rats. In this case, the dogs may have been bred solely for this purpose. The Chihuahua is not my favorite dog breed. And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats! Chihuahuas were bred for their ability to be trained Chihuahuas were originally bred for their ability to be trained. They are also slightly hesitant of strangers, ensuring they let you know if someone new is around. They were bred specifically to eliminate common farm pests . These two floppy things have a life on their own. This tribe ruled the area during the Mesoamerican period. Chihuahuas are small, but they sure have big ears like Mickey Mouse! You will want to do your own research into the breed, including some of the cons. They help the body release the hormone serotonin. So, keeping a small mute dog like the Techichi was a perfect fit. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. However, because Techichi and Chihuahua are separated by hundreds of years, they do differ a bit. You should not believe everything you see on social media.. It is important that no matter why you chose your Chihuahua, you give them proper love and care. Many do not like to hear this fact. TheSmartCanine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pets like Chihuahuas can help children navigate through rough days. This leads to why the dogs may have been bred for sacrificial purposes (more about that later in the article). It's likely that the Chihuahua's ancestors hunted small animals that lived in small holes. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world, and they are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. Whether you have a family or for older individuals, this is a great choice. Yes. 33 to 59 pounds (15 to 27 kg). What team is the El Paso Chihuahuas affiliated with? Rather than rodents, Chihuahuas are descendants of wolves, just as the case with other dogs. These dogs have a history of helping people in catching and killing rats. Long ago, there was a land bridge that connected North-East Asia and North America. Chihuahuas were bred for their small size, Chihuahuas were bred for their intelligence, Chihuahuas were bred for their ability to bond with humans, Chihuahuas were bred for their ability to be trained, Chihuahuas were bred for their playful nature, Chihuahuas were bred for their affectionate nature. They can alert to bad blood sugar spells, giving medication reminders to those who may be more forgetful. We've determined that she inherited the best qualities of breeds. When it comes to their size, Chihuahuas are more identical to large rodents than wolves. With the above 19 facts, you should now know more about these tiny pups. Scientists have always studied the relationship between humans and dogs. Chihuahua used for hunting These dogs were originally bred in Mexico, and they were named after the state of Chihuahua. Schnauzers were bred to hunt rats, so they rely on their keen sense of hearing to locate the vermin. Alas, she also seems to have inherited some of the bad traits from each breed as well. That breed of dog does not weigh more than 6 pounds. But the Chihuahua still has a place in many familys hearts. And certainly, the news article made everyone mad. Kidding! This was for ancient sacred practices. These small but mighty terriers were. Europeans regularly misinterpreted the actions of natives, so we cant take everything we say at face value. Their yapping bark is not as scary as big dogs. Itsname is derived from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found, the American Kennel Club site states. Using 96 distinct patterns in the genes called "microsatellites," the researchers compared dogs within breeds, and breeds with one another. The Truth Revealed + 3 Myths, 13 Different Chihuahua Types (With Pics, Videos & Facts). What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? Not really. Sufferers of epilepsy know this can happen anywhere and at any time. (Chihuahua-Yorkie) or "Morkie" (Maltese-Yorkie). Whether were talking about your mental or physical health, a Chihuahua will benefit you greatly. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? They were actually bred for their ability to bond with humans. They thought of it as a joke. Their high-pitched barks dont intimidate. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? That's so interesting, thanks for sharing! They are a great addition to almost any household. But take a look at the short-haired Chihuahuas. However, modern Chihuahuas are bred solely for companionship today. That said, lets look into the Chihuahuas complex origins and discover the true reasons why these dogs were bred. 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! How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? Other small dogs are usually bred for that purpose unless they're solely companion . Its the great Christopher Columbus himself! But they do. Owning a Chihuahua can help boost cognition in seniors. They may have even been some of the most popular pets during the time. It was from the Toltec indigenous tribe in Mexico. Furthermore, not everyone agrees with this study. As was often the case with small dogs, these canines may have also been used as alert dogs. 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. Use the search! Chihuahuas are the smallest breed in the world. Humans didnt snap their fingers to change wolves into Chihuahuas or any other breeds. They are quick learners and are often used in police and military work. There are two main reasons why people thought Chihuahuas are rats. Tammy Slater is a pet blogger with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and extensive experience as a veterinary technician. Since [] 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. As soon as the Chi hears the sound, they touch their owner and will take them to where the noise is coming from. The dog at this time had no official name. 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. Thatbreed of dog does not weigh more than 6 pounds. To this day domestic Chihuahuas still possess those innate hunting instincts. Photo credit: 272447, Pixabay. There could be many reasons why they question it. Another myth that many deeply believe is that Chihuahuas relieve asthma. Caution: Keep in mind that if you have kids, you better not get a Chihuahua yet, as these tiny dogs can be snappy. Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. In fact, people believed they were sacred animals. When these dogs arent being sacrificed or buried, they were very well cared for. The Watley Review. In fact, these dogs are fearless ratters that take down squirrels, rats and other rodents in their native country of Mexico. But with their petite size, owners may wonder what they were originally bred for. Given the chance, most Chihuahuas will take down a rat - even one that's much larger than they are. Compared to other dogs, Chihuahuas have shorter limbs. Especially since we went together over their unique history and the many benefits they bring. Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. While there is no evidence to back this idea up, some believe Chihuahuas are rats. And according to Purina, Chihuahuas are among the top 11 best companion dogs in the canine kingdom. For many this is extremely taboo. These can be whenever they hear an alarm go off, or when a baby is crying, after the kitchen timer goes off or someone is at the doorbell. And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats!). Chihuahuas have a very extensive history. Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. If you will compare a Chihuahuas feet to a rats, you could see the similarities. The instinct of rat chasing and hunting has been diluted from their genetics. Perhaps as unique as the history of the breed is how the dogs got to North America. While some are in color white or grey. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? The ability to rid owners of illnesses. Its ancestor was initially bred as far back as the 9th century, and it was held for numerous purposes. Your Chihuahuas does. But despite these recent claims of the breed, we can (most likely) safely say that the modern iteration of he Chihuahua was developed in Mexico. Jokes aside, the Chihuahuas were registered with AKC for the first time in the year 1904. Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Throughout history, they were eventually given roles as hunters for rats. All contents are intended as parody and should be construed as such. As of yet, there is no DNA evidence that the Chinese Crested contributed to the Chihuahua at all. However, pictures can date back from as far as 300 BCE. These small, intelligent dogs are a great way to provide comfort and solace. Are Chihuahuas related to rodents? There are of course bigger dog breeds that are used to pull wheelchairs up ramps. Chihuahuas are derived from the Techichi dog and were first used as sacrificial dogs. Snopes debunked this in a post from March 18, 2007. standard. Though it may seem like these ancient civilizations treated these dogs poorly, this is not the case. If you have a rat problem in your home, then a Chihuahua may be your best weapon! Therefore, while this theory may have some truth behind it, there isnt actually any proof. They are nervous. Heres some of them: There are two kinds of Chihuahua heads: the apple head and the deer head. Nearly every single dog breed we know today have been purposely bred for a job in society. Whether you want to train the dog to be an official emotional support dog or not, Chihuahuas are great at keeping you company. It is unclear whether Chihuahuas were taught to hunt rats or the ability was passed down through their ancestry. The Chihuahua originated around the 19th century from the Techichi, a breed of dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico. When and why Chihuahuas were used as sacrificial dogs. What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? If you own one of these dogs, you may notice their strong prey drive and desire to chase after small animals. Image Via Jean Beaufort / CC0 Public Domain. While this may be a funny concept, there is no proof or facts behind this claim. Its also a big reason why elderly owners love these pups. As soon as they spot anything that looks out of order, youll hear from them (literally). Though these Mexican dogs are tiny, they have big and bright personalities. There is one report that 16th century Aztecs bred some sort of small dog for food. While your lounging Chihuahua may not look like a rat killer, they often retain strong hunting instincts. Most of the western world have banned the consumption of dogs today. We know very little about the ancestor breeds of the Chihuahua. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. The most common theory is that Chihuahuas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favored by the ancient Toltec civilization in Mexico. Are the El Paso Chihuahuas a Triple-A team? A Pitbulls? Hence, some people consider Chihuahuas to be much more than family companions. For instance, they might have been used for food, as a few reports say. However, this perception was not always the case around the world. It is a common belief that all small dogs were originally bred for hunting rodents. They were able to identify each dog's breed by its genes with 99 percent accuracy. However, we do know that Chihuahuas were not a very popular breed until the 1900s. The original purpose of the Yorkshire Terrier was for ratting. And even Pit Bulls were bred for bull-baiting. Do you want to know who brought the Chihuahuas to England? While there was some trading going on, there is little proof behind this theory. 03 of 11 Dachshund Vsevolod Vlasenko / Getty Images Parents of children with asthma add these pups to their homes in hopes this is true. Lets take a look at their physical characteristics. In addition, evidence suggests that the ancient Aztecs and Toltecs believed these small dogs guided the soul to the underworld after death. This could also be related to the occasional wheezing sounds the breed often makes. When it comes to portability, there is little better than a Chihuahua. However, research has shown that other pros of these pups are: When children grow up with pets in the home, they show more empathy. Give the Chihuahua a try and you wont regret it! For instance, there is no need to feed them raw meat just because thousands of years ago they were wolves. Why Chihuahuas are not good? They can help assist owners when symptoms become evident. Did McDonald's own the Padres? hound, Classification of hunting dogs that is more general than setter, retriever, pointer, or other sporting dog categories. The same goes for owners with limited mobility. Since they believed the dogs guided their souls upon death, they lived good lives. Health Benefits, Side Effects & Tips, German Shepherds in Apartments? While being in the car, they can easily overheat. With a strong bond and loving relationship, theres nothing they enjoy more than cuddling up with their owner. Their primary activities are to hunt and kill vermin such as squirrels and other small animals, such as rats and other rodents. Heres 5 Things They Need First. Most, if not all dogs have a breeding purpose. Even if their heritage can be truly thanked to Asia, the dogs are still highly loved in Mexico. However, their actual lineage gets a lot of debate since we have no proof as to how or when these dogs developed exactly. Most breeds came on boats with travelers. There are still some who are curious. However, it takes more than one report to make something for certain. They started in Spain, then decided to take over Europe. Chihuahuas are more domesticated in the present. Your Chihuahuas tail? But dont expect them to end all the vermins in your house overnight. They are very noisy, after all! Dogs bred to kill rats are known as rat-hunting dogs. Chihuahuas are a very old breed. In their native land (Mexico), Chihuahuas are brave ratters that hunt down squirrels, rats, and other rodents. Originally, the Prague Ratters were bred to hunt rats but with time, they have been domesticated and now make one of the best indoor dogs. 7 Best Outdoor Door Mats That Drain Water. The gray wolf is the ancestor of Chihuahuas. The Terrier also has a thick tail, which the owner could use to pull out the dog from the hole if needed. But it was a major part of the breeding of the dog. Chihuahuas are proven to be descendants of wolves, and not rats. 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. If yours has a round-shaped skull, then yours has an apple head. But as years go by, these ridiculous ideas have been proven to be wrong time and time again. If you have seen a similar-looking Chinese Crested pup, these links may not be surprising. Also, dont get it confused. They can also help relieve mental stress in young children and even adults. When they died, dog guides would take their soul into the underworld. Who owns the Chihuahuas baseball team? They can kill a variety of vermin, including squirrels and other small prey. Of course, while that does cover much of where the Chihuahua came from, the remaining 30% of the DNA is much debated. It has actually become a top well-loved breed in the country . Again. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. If you expect a Chihuahua to attack an intruder and defend the house, youll probably be out of luck. Imagine Chihuahuas as rats. Chihuahuas are little bundles of joy and sass. They Used to Be Wildly Popular With Farmers. Despite the satirical news reports and common jokes about which camp Chihuahuas fall, it's confirmed: Chihuahuas are dogs. In fact, the past Chihuahuas arguably had the most unusual roles in their society. As descendants of the Techichi dog, Chihuahuas were popular among religious ceremonies and rites. For a Chihuahua Terrier mix puppy, you can expect a price range of $400 to $800. Image Credit By; HG-Fotografie, Pixabay Both of them have short limbs and small feet. While Mexico is involved in a deep part of their history, China could very well be the root of the ancestry of the dog. Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. Heck, they were even believed to be living in Mexico even before the rise of the Mayans and Aztecs! But these ancient Mexican civilizations may not be to credit for the pups. That being the case, we can rule out herding, guarding, hunting, tracking, and retrieving. There is no one answer to this question as there are many reasons why Chihuahuas are not good pets. One theory is that chihuahuas were originally bred for sacrificial purposes. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Your cholesterol and blood sugar can be greatly affected by owning a pet. The Toy Fox Terrier is an intelligent, loyal and active breed of dog that is sure to bring a lot of joy to your life. Reports of nearly hairless dogs did not begin popping up until the 19th century. Upon review, the claim and article posted on the site is satirical in nature. If you look at it, the Chihuahuas size and weight compared to other dogs is a far stretch. Her momma was a purebred Chihuahua and it was a backyard breeding. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. Reading tip: Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix: 13 Rat-Cha Facts, Pics & Videos. It is a common belief that all small dogs were originally bred for hunting rodents. The wolves must have followed humans around as any regular dogs do. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Other breeds that are considered 'mousers' include terriers, Dachshunds, and Papillon. A piece of news broke out and destroyed the internet.
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