With that said, Chihuahuas were also bred to be food. However, trying to prove that a Chinese dog ended up in South America in great enough numbers for this to be true is difficult. Ratting is a process of training dogs to kill rats for sport or for pest control. As a descendent of the Techihi dog, the Chihuahua was often used in religious ceremonies. There is evidence to suggest that Chis lived good lives up until the point they were sto be sacrificed. Some claim that trading ventures between China and the Americas are to blame. For this reason, the Techichi dogs were often buried with deceased family members and owners. Upon review, the claim and article posted on the site is satirical in nature. You will want to do your own research into the breed, including some of the cons. For hundreds of years, experts believed Chihuahuas started in Mexico. However, we also have evidence that Chihuahuas had some sort of religious significance. Therefore, while this theory may have some truth behind it, there isnt actually any proof. 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.". "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 Chihuahua 'Mexican Pet') which involves a hapless tourists mistaking a large rat for that breed of small dog. Clearly Chihuahua was what stuck and is the name by which the dog is called in America today. Wherever I am that's where you will find Chloe. Pet Keen is reader-supported. While the statement is proven to be false, the post went viral and many people believed it to be true. Were Chihuahuas Bred to Kill Rats? To cover all the original roles of the Chihuahua, we must first look at the Techichi in ancient Mexico. 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. This is during one of the most extreme cold events that happened thousands of years ago. The Aztecs believed that these sacrificial dogs joined owners in the afterlife. They were not hunters, but rather the hunted. This meant that Chihuahuas were sacrificed during sacred Toltec practices. Chihuahuas are quite fearless hunters and can take down smaller prey. These dogs have a history of helping people in catching and killing rats. Thank you for supporting our journalism. Whether you want to train the dog to be an official emotional support dog or not, Chihuahuas are great at keeping you company. The breed is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, though these dogs are believed to be descendants of the Techichi dog.1 Many Chihuahua owners may wonder what their unique dog was originally bred to do. While being in the car, they can easily overheat. It was a day when the fate of Chihuahuas all over the world lies unknown. Also, dont get it confused. Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. They were actually bred for their ability to bond with humans. Chihuahua comes from a breed known as the Techichi. Heres some of them: There are two kinds of Chihuahua heads: the apple head and the deer head. But did you know that Chihuahuas were actually bred to kill rats? They were selectively bred for their desert environment, which is likely why they dont have much fur. This can be a good or bad thing. Who can blame them? First, they were bred with other breeds to the point that they became extinct. And this is a big part of the reason why they are abundant in households throughout Mexico. There are two main reasons why people thought Chihuahuas are rats. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. 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. However, they still have a unique appearance and spunky personality many love. The chihuahuas were used for more than just food. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? A Pitbulls? While there is no evidence to back this idea up, some believe Chihuahuas are rats. They are also very intelligent and can be easily potty trained. Chihuahuas make poor ratters because of their small size and lack of aggression. However, before these deaths and rituals, there is evidence that they were well treated. Researchers do not know a great deal about the Techichi itself. If you live a slightly unhealthy lifestyle or are older, they can be a great choice. Thats what the American Kennel Club believes. For companionship to ancient civilizations. These dogs all have small bodies and a surprising amount of energy. A screen grab of a Google search appeared June 17 on Facebook that wonders about Chihuahuas. All contents are intended as parody and should be construed as such. Then the humans thought, Wow, they sure look like good cuddle buddies during cold nights!. But dont expect them to end all the vermins in your house overnight. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. Though this is all true, past researchers have claimed that the ancestors of the Chihuahua may have originated from Asia. We dont have exact information on much of the Chihuahuas history, as it was so long ago before people wrote things like this down. Are Chihuahuas rats? Also long and skinny. There is going to be disbelief.". Dog ( domestic dog) The Chihuahua [a] or Spanish: Chihuahueo is a Mexican breed of toy dog. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. The people treated these dogs as sacred animals because of their connections to the sacred religious ceremonies. Youre likely looking for a companion, which these dogs were literally bred to do. I know its contradictory, especially I mentioned that dogs were thought of as sacred. This is a great way to get the support that you need. Although it is not a popular dog breed, its resemblance with a Min Pin Chihuahua dog has been noticed and appreciated. Feel it. Children who suffer from disorders like autism, social anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, PTSD, and more can benefit greatly. Tammy Slater is a pet blogger with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and extensive experience as a veterinary technician. They dont require as much physical activity as other dogs. Nearly every single dog breed we know today have been purposely bred for a job in society. Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. Chihuahuas are little bundles of joy and sass. The Chihuahua is believed by many to be descended from the Techichi, which was a small canine known in Mayan times. They were bred specifically to eliminate common farm pests . The Rat Terrier is considered the all-American working class dog. They're popular pets because of their size and appearance. And then theres the urban legend in Mexico where tourists mistook Chihuahuas for giant rats. They can hunt rodents easily and chase them out of town. While your lounging Chihuahua may not look like a rat killer, they often retain strong hunting instincts. They are also popular as therapy dogs because of their ability to bond with humans. However, not all dogs were bred for a specific working job, including the Chihuahua. Your Chihuahuas does. Long ago, there was a land bridge that connected North-East Asia and North America. Or, it may have been a cousin to the Chihuahua or the ancestor of the modern Chihuahuas. All dogs come from the gray wolf. They started in Spain, then decided to take over Europe. They also often believed that diseases could transfer from humans to dogs. However, this perception was not always the case around the world. Its a bit sad, but true. Chihuahuas were used for food as well as companionship. Furthermore, not everyone agrees with this study. That purpose has something to do with hunting, farming, or protection in most cases. 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. Though they are not overly aggressive, they can defend themselves when they have to. This further supports the idea that the dogs were used as companions (despite the dark uses as well). In fact, about 10% of meat consumption of the ancient Mayans came from their beloved dogs. While its true that Chihuahuas are descended from dogs that inhabited Mexico, there is no evidence to support the claim that they were specifically bred to kill rats. The first Chihuahua was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904. However, many still believe this method is true and swear by it. As was often the case with small dogs, these canines may have also been used as alert dogs. There are some depictions of Chihuahua-looking dogs in European art. 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. In the early 1800s, French Bulldogs were cross-bred between Terrier Ratter Dogs and Toy Bulldogs. The gray wolf is the ancestor of Chihuahuas. One thing to keep in mind though, is that its critical to teach your child how to handle these tiny pups. And lets not forget physical and mental stimulation. They are a great addition to almost any household. Today, Chihuahuas still exist for their many health benefits and companionship. How do I Remove Thompsons Water Seal from Wood? . Theres rarely a dull moment when youre with a Chihuahua. Not only that. 24 May 2004 (p. A10). Pets can warn of blood sugar issues. The people of the Toltec civilization lived in small homes around the crowded ancient city. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Their legs are not that strong as other dogs as well. Also, caring for a pet can benefit the ability of performing daily tasks. Ferrets were bred to kill rats. Why Is My Dog Acting Weird? Chihuahuas are loyal and loving, but they can also be protective of their owners. ", According to the American Kennel Club, the Chihuahua is recognized as a breed that is "a graceful, alert, swift-moving compact little dog with saucy expression, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.". One simple fact that most people are unaware of is that the Chihuahua natural enemy is the Scorpion. Chihuahuas became popular in Mexico. One of them could be because of the many similarities Chihuahuas have with rats. They were bred to exterminate rats and other vermin from German stables in the 1600s. They're friendly, social, and eager to please, making them trainable dogs and good with kids. Puppy Price + Daily Expenses, 17 Tips To Take Care Of An Elderly / Senior Chihuahua. The rumor stating Chihuahuas are related to rodents was a fake study that was published by The Watley Review for satirical purposes. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. Their incredibly loose, wrinkled skin is the main identifiable trait of the breed, and these rather mysterious and reserved dogs are often thought of as being . For example, if you have a gated front yard and pedestrians walk by, a Chihuahua will go investigate and bark as theyre passing. 25 May 2004. The ancestors of the Chihuahua were originally bred for various purposes, such as companionship, religious ceremonies, rituals, and even for food. The Techichi dog is a very interesting breed. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Still, some people believe in it. The Terrier also has a thick tail, which the owner could use to pull out the dog from the hole if needed. Pet owners have a lower resting heart rate and better blood pressure. However, some researchers believed that the civilization faced major food shortages and had to resort to consumption of their dogs. And its uncertain if they actually knew how to bark. Who is the Chihuahuas major league team? They are also slightly hesitant of strangers, ensuring they let you know if someone new is around. If you have a pure breed the eyes are little und their skin is one of the softest i have ever felt. However, this perception was not always the case around the world. Chihuahuas were used in Mexico to hunt and kill scorpions. In this article, we'll teach you all about the history of Yorkie, starting from their roots as rat killers in England. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they are known for their loyalty and love of attention. The people bred the dogs that they liked best, and then the dogs developed in this manner. Rumors say that they were walking the Earth in the same period as the dinosaurs were. This tribe ruled the area during the Mesoamerican period. Their instinctual intellect is this set of inborn abilities. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Aside from being sacrificed and eaten, Chihuahuas were also popular companions for the families of the Toltec. Chihuahuas have a very extensive history. However, there is no evidence that they were ever bred to kill rats. This resulted in the development of a strong rat-chasing instinct in Frenchies. While Chihuahuas are not the most active pets, they can still help. When it comes to their size, Chihuahuas are more identical to large rodents than wolves. 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 . Originating from America, Rat Terriers were named by President Theodore Roosevelt and are regarded as one of the best dog breeds for rat-catching and hunting in the world. Instead, they are descended from an ancient breed of dog that once existed in Central and South America. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they are known for their loyalty and love of attention. Given the chance, most Chihuahuas will take down a rat - even one that's much larger than they are. Chihuahuas were originally bred for their ability to be trained. This ancient breed dates back as far as the 9th century AD and is an ancestor of the modern day Chihuahua. And since the Toltec people lived in small homes in crowded ancient cities, the tiny Chihuahuas were a great fit (literally). Now, lets take a look at the publisher of the article claiming this rumor. Therefore, there are some people that believe the Chinese Crested somehow contributed to the Chihuahuas lineage. Part of the Chihuahuas charm is that they make such excellent and affectionate lapdogs. If you suffer from issues like rheumatoid arthritis, pets may help. But with their petite size, owners may wonder what they were originally bred for. When debating about a dog breed, make sure that you pick a breed because their temperament and personality fits yours. Health Benefits, Side Effects & Tips, German Shepherds in Apartments? Celebrities like Paris Hilton carry Chihuahuas around inside their bag. Designer Yorkies, like all crossbreeds, may have traits . Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. Though it may seem like these ancient civilizations treated these dogs poorly, this is not the case. There are two suggestions why the Techichis disappeared. But they can also be trained for a variety of mental disorders. We do know that the Chihuahua likely had some religious meaning for the ancient Mayans, which may have been the dogs main purpose. In fact, people believed they were sacred animals. Chihuahuas are great for elderly individuals and can be trained as diabetic alert pets. Wouldn't it be a hoot if it turned out that Chihuahuas actually were a type of rat? We know very little about the ancestor breeds of the Chihuahua. Most hounds were bred and trained to track by scent or sight. The Truth Revealed + 3 Myths, 13 Different Chihuahua Types (With Pics, Videos & Facts). hound, Classification of hunting dogs that is more general than setter, retriever, pointer, or other sporting dog categories. Other small dogs are usually bred for that purpose unless they're solely companion . It is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua and is among the smallest of all dog breeds. Theyre round and full of expression. With the above 19 facts, you should now know more about these tiny pups. When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs in the 13th century, they brought the Techichi with them. They can kill a variety of vermin, including squirrels and other small prey. standard. Researchers have recently found that the ancestors of Chihuahuas were actually from Asia. These dogs were sent into coal mines or mills, where they would skillfully track and hunt down annoying vermin pests. In addition to the Toltec, Mayan and Mesoamerican cultures did these sacrifices. A rats tail doesnt wag when they see you. When and why Chihuahuas were used as sacrificial dogs. Whether were talking about your mental or physical health, a Chihuahua will benefit you greatly. In addition, theyre spirited and lively little dogs. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog, and they have a reputation for being fierce and predatory. A lower price of your new pet simply isn't worth the potential health/psychological risks which might ensue. Thats right, these tiny dogs were once used for pest control in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. Europeans regularly misinterpreted the actions of natives, so we cant take everything we say at face value. Plus, theyre more intelligent than people give them credit for. However, research has shown that other pros of these pups are: When children grow up with pets in the home, they show more empathy. They also work well for practically any home size, working for even those in apartments or assisted living homes. Cass. I love my little Chloe, from what I can tell she is mixed with some type of terrier. They may have even been some of the most popular pets during the time. 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. In this sculpture, the dog greatly resembles a Chihuahua. Are Chihuahuas related to rodents? Parents of children with asthma add these pups to their homes in hopes this is true. People will lose their minds.. In Mexico, they are prized as top ratters. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Now that you know more about the history of the breed, lets jump into their purpose. Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. If you have a rat problem in your home, then a Chihuahua may be your best weapon! Chihuahuas Were Bred to be Food Most of the western world have banned the consumption of dogs today. Names, places and events are generally fictitious, except for public figures about which we may have heard something down at the pub. These small, intelligent dogs are a great way to provide comfort and solace. Laura Petersis a trending topics reporter for the News Leader. While most ancient breeds are larger because they were bred for hunting or herding, the Chihuahua is extremely tiny. Fdration Cynologique Internationale. Heck, they were even believed to be living in Mexico even before the rise of the Mayans and Aztecs! They were believed to be sacred animals with healing powers. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Officially, it is the world's smallest dog breed in terms of height. They also lead to better fitness (read on to find out more about it). Chihuahuas dont look like wolves. Unfortunately, during this time, sacrificing dogs was a common sacred practice for the Toltec people. While this may sound crazy, owning a dog boosts your health. But they will protect you just the same. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Watch our first training session with my dog Izzy A long-haired Chihuahua as she learns how to hunt birds. And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats!). It is thought that Chihuahuas were bred for two purposes: To hunt rats and other small animals; . They perk up as they get older. Many do not like to hear this fact. 03 of 11 Dachshund Vsevolod Vlasenko / Getty Images Theres a dead rat on the floor. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! However, modern Chihuahuas are bred solely for companionship today. While most of the modern Western world has banned the consumption of food, this was not the case long ago. However, Chihuahuas can be trained to feel the seizure in advance. Owners of the Chihuahua dog breed started crying. If you own one of these dogs, you may notice their strong prey drive and desire to chase after small animals. These small but mighty terriers were. To this day domestic Chihuahuas still possess those innate hunting instincts. 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! They do have very terrier 'like' temperaments though and like a lot of dogs can get excited by sight and scent of small animals. This characteristic is similar to many rodents. Today, we are long gone from these sacrificial times. Even if their heritage can be truly thanked to Asia, the dogs are still highly loved in Mexico. They say that if they publish real content, their readers wouldnt read their articles. The same genetic makeup found in dogs like Rottweilers and Labrador Retrievers is also, surprisingly, found in Chihuahuas. Youll clear your head before and after work. Schnauzers were bred to hunt rats, so they rely on their keen sense of hearing to locate the vermin. The truth is theyre great at catching and killing rodents. The Watley Review. Its ancestor was initially bred as far back as the 9th century, and it was held for numerous purposes. While they are highly accredited to Mexico, they may have originated in Asia. They also serve a variety of purposes from health benefits to service dogs. One study found that the Chihuahua only has 4% pre-colonial DNA, which is obviously different from the previous study. Dogs Chase Bears Away Karelian Bear Dog Bear Hunting Dog Dogs . Goldfish Aquaponics 101: Feeding, Stocking, & Care Guide, How Do Cats Show Affection? However, pictures can date back from as far as 300 BCE. For instance, they might have been used for food, as a few reports say. If that's you, then yes, you can use dogs to get rid of them. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? It isnt too surprising that people would think that Chihuahuas look more like rodents. They can be high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and attention, but they can also be loving, loyal companions. Since these dogs lived so long ago, the information on them is limited. But as mentioned before, they were long here before we even knew about them. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. So when the rumor spread that they are rats, many believed it to be true. Required fields are marked *. It is believed that Chihuahuas were bred to get rid of rats in Mexico. But you already know that. Small, energetic, and feisty, this breed is often used by exterminators to rid farms and other large homestead properties of rats. Chihuahuas are still not rats. Only animals within the same genus can be interbred, and rats aren't even close to dogs. Therefore, we dont exactly know why they were bred, to begin with. However, it takes more than one report to make something for certain. Chihuahua puppies are born with their eyes closed and their ears drooping. What dogs were bred to kill rats? Scent hounds (e.g., bloodhound, dachshund) are trained to scent in the air or on the ground. Don't expect any disturbances to get past them: They can hear frequencies twice as high as humans. Of course, this is more so an old wifes tale. At least until I tell them that no one is afraid of them. Humans didnt snap their fingers to change wolves into Chihuahuas or any other breeds. Your Chi needs proper shelter, food, water, and regular vet care. Also, cuddling a warm pet can help soothe pain associated with several disorders. The drawings found in the Yucatan Peninsula were their oldest record. Pets like Chihuahuas can help children navigate through rough days. 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. #1: The evolution of Chihuahuas dates back to over 100,000 years ago, #2: Humans genetically changed wolves to become Chihuahuas, Bonus: Theres a Chihuahua breed called Rat-Cha, Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix: 13 Rat-Cha Facts, Pics & Videos, 101 Fun Chihuahua Facts That You Need To Know (#6 = Weird), 13 Different Chihuahua Types (With Pics, Videos & Facts), 29 Fun Apple Head Chihuahua Facts (+Pictures And Tips). You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. They are not like other big dogs like the Golden Retriever or German Shepherd. And the way they pitter-patter around when walking can be quite funny. The Chihuahua was slow to gain popularity in the early 1900s. You can also tell their emotions based on how their ears appear. Chihuahuas pack plenty of personality into tiny, adorable packages. Yes. However, because Techichi and Chihuahua are separated by hundreds of years, they do differ a bit. 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. Miniature Pinscher. During this time, finding food was much more difficult and consuming dogs could have been a survival need. 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. 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. What MLB team is the Chicago Dogs affiliated with? Going hand in hand with this, the Aztecs and Toltecs believed that the dogs guided them into the underworld.
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