The Washington Post. If yours has a round-shaped skull, then yours has an apple head. While its true that Chihuahuas were originally bred in Mexico to kill rats, they were actually selected for their intelligence. They're friendly, social, and eager to please, making them trainable dogs and good with kids. However, mental health is critical. Even after all these years, they have remained some of the best dog companions all around the world. However, there is a chance that both of these dogs are derived from the same ancient breed. 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. This resulted in the development of a strong rat-chasing instinct in Frenchies. She is an established authority in the pet blogging community, and her blog, "Paws and Claws," has been featured in numerous publications. If youre asking yourself what Chihuahuas were bred for, youve come to the right place. Wisconsin officer saves dog from burning house, The Watley Review, "DNA Study Finds Chihuahuas Aren't Dogs.". The truth uncovered Chihuahuas are dogs! They also lead to better fitness (read on to find out more about it). 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. Now, lets take a look at the publisher of the article claiming this rumor. Let us know in the comment section what you think about these past roles and jobs of these wonderful small dogs. Even in other parts of the world where consuming dogs is legal, it's still considered taboo ( such as Korea ). Chihuahuas were used for food as well as companionship. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. Watch our first training session with my dog Izzy A long-haired Chihuahua as she learns how to hunt birds. Everyone was scrambling about. Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? It gained lots of views, shares, and comments on social media. Chihuahua puppies are born with their eyes closed and their ears drooping. Its unlikely that you need a Chihuahua to help hunt vermin. They were a civilization that inhabited Mexico from the early 900s to the mid-1100s. This dog was called the Techichi. While we know today that this is not likely, there is still the idea that the dogscantake on disease. Essentially, they used these sacrifices to please their gods and help with healing. You look at your Chihuahua, wondering . Regardless of the timeline, they have always proven time and time again. Your email address will not be published. Like the Chihuahuas, Rat Terriers love to hunt smaller pets and rats, thats why they are called as such. Fdration Cynologique Internationale. Chihuahuas are dogs, and, just like every other dog, they are related to wolves and all other types of dogs. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? There are people who believe that Chis wheeze, because theyve taken the symptoms of a persons asthma. Rat Terrier. Puppy Price + Daily Expenses, 17 Tips To Take Care Of An Elderly / Senior Chihuahua. "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. Other says theyre not quite lap dogs, but rather great velcro dogs. And by velcro dogs, we mean they stick to you (the owner) or other family members. Actually, in their native Mexico, these canines are known as fearless ratters who hunt down squirrels, mice, and other rodents. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. There is no one answer to this question as there are many reasons why Chihuahuas are not good pets. Though it may seem like these ancient civilizations treated these dogs poorly, this is not the case. While some are in color white or grey. While this may be a funny concept, there is no proof or facts behind this claim. The similarities between Chihuahuas and rats. #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? It is reported that Mexican merchants sold the small dogs to tourists, which were then brought home to the USA as pets. However, research has shown that other pros of these pups are: When children grow up with pets in the home, they show more empathy. Pets like Chihuahuas can help children navigate through rough days. The chihuahuas were used for more than just food. 24 May 2004 (p. A10). That being the case, we can rule out herding, guarding, hunting, tracking, and retrieving. Did McDonald's own the Padres? Thats silly. 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. Sacrificial reasons for the Toltec people in Ancient Mexico. This innate skillset is their instinctive intelligence. Take a look at your Chihuahuas head. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they are known for their loyalty and love of attention. The Terrier also has a thick tail, which the owner could use to pull out the dog from the hole if needed. It is believed that Chihuahuas were bred to get rid of rats in Mexico. They perk up as they get older. Its the great Christopher Columbus himself! Even though theyre not exactly the same dogs, they are their true ancestral breed. During this time, early ancestors of the Chihuahua traveled into the area with nomadic people. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. Scientists have always studied the relationship between humans and dogs. But it was a major part of the breeding of the dog. Or press certain type of buttons. Terriers were purposefully bred to hunt and kill small predators and rodents (such as rats and mice), and terrier owners often . Today, the Chihuahua is very popular in the United States. Unlike other dog breeds, the Chihuahua actually came into North America on a Land Bridge. "It goes against our belief system. Learn more. 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 This alone would make the travel much more enjoyable. Miniature Pinscher. Considering how Chihuahuas are notorious barkers, its a bit hard to imagine they came from these bark-less dogs. While they are highly accredited to Mexico, they may have originated in Asia. People will lose their minds.. However, this is where things start getting a little fuzzy. Humans didnt snap their fingers to change wolves into Chihuahuas or any other breeds. Whether this be through spiritual guidance or to help cure their people. This meant that Chihuahuas were sacrificed during sacred Toltec practices. What are the pieces of evidence that prove the rumor as true or false. North America was first inhabited by domesticated dogs 4,500 years ago, as Siberia was a cold and barren land. For hundreds of years, we believed Chihuahuas originated from an ancient civilization of Mexico. The Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds and like most ancient breeds, it was bred for a purpose. ).Nov 5, 2021. However, in modern times, the French Bulldogs are bred to be a great companion dog. While these dogs are tiny, they can truly pack a punch. If you have been considering adding a pet to your home, Chihuahuas are an absolutely great option. They were able to identify each dog's breed by its genes with 99 percent accuracy. Its also a big reason why elderly owners love these pups. However, this perception was not always the case around the world. Both of these things lead to better blood levels. Imagine Chihuahuas as rats. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. We dont have exact information on much of the Chihuahuas history, as it was so long ago before people wrote things like this down. 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. 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 . Theres the rumor. Another myth that many deeply believe is that Chihuahuas relieve asthma. These dogs were originally bred in Mexico, and they were named after the state of Chihuahua. The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice. It is hard to believe that a Chihuahua has the same ancestry as a Lab, Pit Bull, or Husky. Chihuahuas have also served the purpose of ridding homes of unwanted vermin. Chihuahuas became popular in Mexico. It was an important canine job back then. Goldfish Aquaponics 101: Feeding, Stocking, & Care Guide, How Do Cats Show Affection? But even so, these dogs served many purposes early on. For those who may be suffering from deeper emotional issues, they can even be trained pups. While this is not necessarily true, it could impact why many bought them and bred them early on. Pets help keep these individuals mentally and physically active. Chihuahuas Were Bred to be Food Most of the western world have banned the consumption of dogs today. They take pleasure in hunting and killing vermins like rats, squirrels, and rodents. 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. Whats interesting is that the Techichi was believed to be mute dogs. However, we do know that Chihuahuas were not a very popular breed until the 1900s. And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats!). Its name is derived from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found, the American Kennel Club. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. These pets eventually made their way back into the United States. Upon review, the claim and article posted on the site is satirical in nature. Still, some people believe in it. But the Chihuahua still has a place in many familys hearts. ", More:Wisconsin officer saves dog from burning house, But according to Snopes, the claim was just a "bit of satirical fun.". And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats! 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! So what exactly is a "ratter?" They're dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats. 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. They are small, agil and very fast. Dogs can improve childrens mood. They were bred specifically to eliminate common farm pests . Owners of the Chihuahua dog breed started crying. Chihuahuas are derived from the Techichi dog and were first used as sacrificial dogs. They were searching for answers if the rumor is true. Chihuahuas were originally bred for their ability to be trained. In other words, they may have been used as companions and for sacrifices, which may have been why people were purchasing them in markets. Other small dogs are usually bred for that purpose unless they're solely companion animals. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Then the humans thought, Wow, they sure look like good cuddle buddies during cold nights!. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Therefore, we dont exactly know why they were bred, to begin with. All contents are intended as parody and should be construed as such. Therefore, the fact that they are descended from wolves shouldnt have much bearing on how you treat them. If you expect a Chihuahua to attack an intruder and defend the house, youll probably be out of luck. Researchers do not know a great deal about the Techichi itself. "DNA Study Finds Chihuahuas Aren't Dogs." For all we know, the small dog being used for food may have been a now-extinct breed. While being in the car, they can easily overheat. 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. One of the cutest features of Chihuahuas is their eyes. And some Toltec families benifited from the Chis companionship. "This is clearly going to raise some eyebrows in the Chihuahua world," said Peggy Wilson, president of the Chihuahua Club of America. What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? (Chihuahua-Yorkie) or "Morkie" (Maltese-Yorkie). Around 1884, Mexican merchants began selling the small dog to border tourists. 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). Bred to hunt foxes, voles, and small rodents in England, the Russell Terrier makes for an excellent rodent hunter. And its uncertain if they actually knew how to bark. How do I Remove Thompsons Water Seal from Wood? Chihuahuas are loyal and loving, but they can also be protective of their owners. Theres rarely a dull moment when youre with a Chihuahua. 19 interesting and fun facts about Chihuahuas. With proper training, they can easily become travel-friendly dogs. Some common disorders are anxiety, PTSD, autism, and depression. It started as early as when humans were still nomads. We do know that the Chihuahua likely had some religious meaning for the ancient Mayans, which may have been the dogs main purpose. In addition, theyre spirited and lively little dogs. Even if their heritage can be truly thanked to Asia, the dogs are still highly loved in Mexico. Though this is all true, past researchers have claimed that the ancestors of the Chihuahua may have originated from Asia. In fact, the past Chihuahuas arguably had the most unusual roles in their society. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Chihuahuas are still not rats. Images of the Techichi have been seen on burial pots in Mexico. However dont underestimate their watchdog abilities. Nowadays, Chihuahuas are still considered to be very intelligent dogs. Even though Chihuahuas are a very small breed of dogs, you can rely on them to get rid of the rodents from your backyard. Therefore, while this theory may have some truth behind it, there isnt actually any proof. Those who are 65 and older can benefit from these pups greatly. There are two main reasons why people thought Chihuahuas are rats. Parents of children with asthma add these pups to their homes in hopes this is true. What's the point of hunting mountain lions? And when Chihuahuas are on alert mode, these ears become more noticeable. These small but mighty terriers were. 2. These dogs were (and still are) charming and affectionate, making them perfect family dogs no matter what time period. One of the most persistent is that Chihuahuas were bred to kill rats in Mexico. The article went viral the instant it was published. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Laura Petersis a trending topics reporter for the News Leader. However, they believe that they were bred for hunting purposes by the Toltec people. Because Chihuahuas are companion dogs, they cant stand being alone all day long. They also can help learn responsibilities, scheduling, burn off energy, and more. The rumor appears to stem from the urban legend of the "Mexican Pet"and an onlinesatirical piece dating back to 2004. The Techichi was a small, mute dog that was either hairless or had short fur. This is often why the Techichi dogs were buried with deceased family members, to serve as a spirit guide. This goes hand in hand with emotional support. They were not hunters, but rather the hunted. Scent hounds (e.g., bloodhound, dachshund) are trained to scent in the air or on the ground. These dogs all have small bodies and a surprising amount of energy. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? They may not be the national dog of Mexico (rather, the Xoloitzcuintli is), though they might as well be. Gene Research Leads to Surprises for Dog Lovers." 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. As soon as the Chi hears the sound, they touch their owner and will take them to where the noise is coming from. If you look at it, the Chihuahuas size and weight compared to other dogs is a far stretch. Furthermore, not everyone agrees with this study. They are a great choice for a variety of home sizes. However, because Techichi and Chihuahua are separated by hundreds of years, they do differ a bit. Whether were talking about your mental or physical health, a Chihuahua will benefit you greatly. At least until I tell them that no one is afraid of them. Some claim that trading ventures between China and the Americas are to blame. Not only that. First, they were bred with other breeds to the point that they became extinct. This theory is based on the fact that many ancient cultures, such as the Aztecs and Mayans, believed that sacrificing small animals would please the gods. A piece of news broke out and destroyed the internet. Given the chance, most Chihuahuas will take down a rat - even one that's much larger than they are. Rather than rodents, Chihuahuas are descendants of wolves, just as the case with other dogs. The Chinese Crested is quite similar to the Chihuahua. And Chihuahuas love to do this with their family members. Were saying they can be greatwatch dogs, and notguard dogs. The people bred the dogs that they liked best, and then the dogs developed in this manner. Chihuahuas were bred as ratters in Mexico, and they retain their strong prey drive to this day. 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. It has actually become a top well-loved breed in the country . 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. The Chihuahua is believed by many to be descended from the Techichi, which was a small canine known in Mayan times. Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. But depending on the individual persons needs and immobility, Chihuahuas can too be useful as mobility service dogs. Reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or via Twitter at @peterslaura. When they died, dog guides would take their soul into the underworld. Oops, dont get your hopes up! For a Chihuahua Terrier mix puppy, you can expect a price range of $400 to $800. On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? This ancient breed dates back as far as the 9th century AD and is an ancestor of the modern day Chihuahua. Tammy Slater is a pet blogger with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and extensive experience as a veterinary technician. They thought of it as a joke. 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. Required fields are marked *. However, not all dogs were bred for a specific working job, including the Chihuahua. 7 Best Outdoor Door Mats That Drain Water. Compared to other dogs, Chihuahuas have shorter limbs. Europeans regularly misinterpreted the actions of natives, so we cant take everything we say at face value. Based on research, the wolves were tamed to make companions for humans. The dogs are very vocal and are sure to warn you if they see anything through barks or growls. And then theres the urban legend in Mexico where tourists mistook Chihuahuas for giant rats. Thats because they were bred from the ancient Mexican dog, called the Techichi. You will want to do your own research into the breed, including some of the cons. The breed of Chihuahua (which originated from Mexico) is one of the modern-day dog breeds. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. Unfortunately, during this time, sacrificing dogs was a common sacred practice for the Toltec people. Originally, the dog was called the Arizona dog, Texas dog, Mexico dog, and Chihuahua dog, all after areas where they were sold. Similarly to their early years, they are great companion pets for families. What makes a hound dog a hound dog? Chihuahuas howl is not as loud as wolves. No. 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. Chihuahuas are a native breed to northwest Mexico. Rats make good pets, if you find some baby rats and raise them as pets, they will chase the other rats away. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They were bred to hunt rodents and other tiny animals that live underground. They can alert to bad blood sugar spells, giving medication reminders to those who may be more forgetful. The [] Today, thousands of dog parents take care of Chihuahuas. It is important that no matter why you chose your Chihuahua, you give them proper love and care. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. By doing so, you will ensure theyre not stressed out and wont bark or whine. But as years go by, these ridiculous ideas have been proven to be wrong time and time again. While we dont call breeds pocket dogs today, these early small dogs are likely the ancestor of the modern Maltese and other breeds. Their instinctual intellect is this set of inborn abilities. There are still some who are curious. Instead, wait a bit. hound, Classification of hunting dogs that is more general than setter, retriever, pointer, or other sporting dog categories. They must have thought that Chihuahuas, like them, are great dancers. Lets take a look at their physical characteristics. Wherever I am that's where you will find Chloe. As soon as they spot anything that looks out of order, youll hear from them (literally). A screen grab of a Google search appeared June 17 on Facebook that wonders about Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are solely bred as loving companion dogs today. Health Benefits, Side Effects & Tips, German Shepherds in Apartments? What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? You open the door. Officially, it is the world's smallest dog breed in terms of height. They can also help relieve mental stress in young children and even adults. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. 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 original purpose of the Yorkshire Terrier was for ratting. However, it is safe to say that Chihuahuas have a funny, rodent-like appearance. What team is the El Paso Chihuahuas affiliated with? What is high prey drive dog? Most of the western world did not ban the consumption of eating dog meat until the early 1900s. Chihuahuas are great for elderly individuals and can be trained as diabetic alert pets. There was a satirical piece written years ago that released this fact online. This can be a good or bad thing. 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. However, they were originally bred to hunt vermin such as rats, badgers, and foxes, and there are still terrier enthusiasts who promote these dogs' working heritage and hunt with terriers today. The Techichi is now extinct, but they were believed to be domesticated as far back as the Toltec civilizations. Some have short hair. Feel it. Part of the Chihuahuas charm is that they make such excellent and affectionate lapdogs. Therefore, all that we can for sure take from this account is that some sort of small dog was being exchanged at the market. With a strong bond and loving relationship, theres nothing they enjoy more than cuddling up with their owner. That breed of dog does not weigh more than 6 pounds. A rats tail doesnt wag when they see you. The Chihuahua was slow to gain popularity in the early 1900s. What they produce isnt based on facts and is for entertainment purposes only. Most, if not all dogs have a breeding purpose. However, there is a large gap between finding a dog in a painting that looks similar to a Chihuahua and actually tracing these dogs from Europe to South America. This leads to the question: why do we still have Chihuahuas today? Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. However, pictures can date back from as far as 300 BCE. There are quite a few theories out there. Even in other parts of the world where consuming dogs is legal, its still considered taboo (such as Korea).
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