One theory is that chihuahuas were originally bred for sacrificial purposes. Animals can help children build a stronger defense against illness and have less allergies. This ancient breed dates back as far as the 9th century AD and is an ancestor of the modern day Chihuahua. Feel it. All contents are intended as parody and should be construed as such. The Rat Terrier is considered the all-American working class dog. However, it is also possible that they had some other purpose, such as alerting their owners to enemies. A piece of news broke out and destroyed the internet. "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. They were bred to exterminate rats and other vermin from German stables in the 1600s. It was from the Toltec indigenous tribe in Mexico. In fact, the past Chihuahuas arguably had the most unusual roles in their society. With that said, it is also possible that they were eaten in a ritualistic manner. However, just because your breed of dog wasn't named doesn't mean Fido won't be able to keep the mice . It continued that they were genetically bred to look like dogs instead of rats. The breed of Rat-Cha has a long life expectancy that could last up to 18 years. These dogs were (and still are) charming and affectionate, making them perfect family dogs no matter what time period. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Who can blame them? Chihuahuas dont look like wolves. Its a bit sad, but true. Therefore, all that we can for sure take from this account is that some sort of small dog was being exchanged at the market. Going underground: Varmint hunting with Jack Russell Terriers What Were Yorkies Bred For? History Of The Yorkie | Pet Keen The Chihuahua originated around the 19th century from the Techichi, a breed of dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico. For example, the Australian Shepherds were bred to herd livestock. While your lounging Chihuahua may not look like a rat killer, they often retain strong hunting instincts. This is how the dog got established in Mexico. They are also fast. What MLB team is the Chicago Dogs affiliated with? However, there is no evidence that they were ever bred to kill rats. And the way they pitter-patter around when walking can be quite funny. If you have been considering adding a pet to your home, Chihuahuas are an absolutely great option. Pets like Chihuahuas can help children navigate through rough days. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. Were Chihuahuas Bred to Kill Rats? However, their actual lineage gets a lot of debate since we have no proof as to how or when these dogs developed exactly. The Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds and like most ancient breeds, it was bred for a purpose. This is the standard for Chihuahuas. And its uncertain if they actually knew how to bark. Parents of children with asthma add these pups to their homes in hopes this is true. I have two girls, Penny and Polly. The gray wolf is the ancestor of Chihuahuas. 10 Gentlemanly Facts About the Miniature Schnauzer 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. This strong dislike for other dogs may come from the Chihuahua's tendency to believe that they are actually much larger than they are. So what exactly is a "ratter?" They're dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats. In addition to the Toltec, Mayan and Mesoamerican cultures did these sacrifices. Today, the Chihuahua is very popular in the United States. Goldfish Aquaponics 101: Feeding, Stocking, & Care Guide, How Do Cats Show Affection? Despite the satirical news reports and common jokes about which camp Chihuahuas fall, it's confirmed: Chihuahuas are dogs. Taking your pup on stroll everyday can help increase your energy and fitness. They thought of it as a joke. The dogs have always been charming and affectionate pets. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Image Credit By; HG-Fotografie, Pixabay Many people believe that small dogs were originally bred for hunting rodents. Chihuahuas have also served the purpose of ridding homes of unwanted vermin. Youll quickly learn this when obedience training starts, as theyre stubborn little dogs. Part of the Chihuahuas charm is that they make such excellent and affectionate lapdogs. Back then, the breed was larger and more equipped to hunt rats. There are some depictions of Chihuahua-looking dogs in European art. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? But depending on the individual persons needs and immobility, Chihuahuas can too be useful as mobility service dogs. 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. However, when you actually have an unwanted intruder invade your property, youll be happy that your little Chihuahua was able to alert the family. There is no one answer to this question as there are many reasons why Chihuahuas are not good pets. Thats what the American Kennel Club believes. In this case, the dogs may have been bred solely for this purpose. The Mexicans possibly adore their little pitter-patter steps. They're friendly, social, and eager to please, making them trainable dogs and good with kids. You will want to do your own research into the breed, including some of the cons. Both of these things lead to better blood levels. Europeans regularly misinterpreted the actions of natives, so we cant take everything we say at face value. 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. At the time, this was not a surprising thing and was a very big part of culture. Thats right, these tiny dogs were once used for pest control in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. While this may be a funny concept, there is no proof or facts behind this claim. If you have a rat problem in your home, then a Chihuahua may be your best weapon! For they were able to produce more than 150 living dog breeds today! subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. These were from the mid-16th century. Their high-pitched barks dont intimidate. The Aztecs believed that these sacrificial dogs joined owners in the afterlife. Of course, while that does cover much of where the Chihuahua came from, the remaining 30% of the DNA is much debated. Required fields are marked *. What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? History of the Chihuahua You cannot have a dog that isnt descended from wolves. These dogs have a history of helping people in catching and killing rats. Rat-Cha is a mix of a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. There are still some who are curious. Chihuahuas have a very extensive history. To make the relationship work between your Chihuahua, youll need to be patient with them. In fact, about 10% of meat consumption of the ancient Mayans came from their beloved dogs. While its true that Chihuahuas were originally bred in Mexico to kill rats, they were actually selected for their intelligence. Give the Chihuahua a try and you wont regret it! You should not believe everything you see on social media.. Photo credit: 272447, Pixabay. Based on research, the wolves were tamed to make companions for humans. Chihuahuas are the ugliest and most pointless breed of dog. Are Chihuahuas related to rodents? 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. They were bred specifically to eliminate common farm pests . Other small dogs are usually bred for that purpose unless they're solely companion . Yes. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. The cost would depend on different factors such as the location of the breeder, and the type of Terrier the Chi was crossed with. We dont know what these dogs looked like and have not found any remains that may have given us DNA to compare to modern breeds. Similarly to their early years, they are great companion pets for families. And the best part is that they develop great bonds with their owners. One of the cutest features of Chihuahuas is their eyes. Chihuahuas were originally bred for their ability to be trained. Thatbreed of dog does not weigh more than 6 pounds. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. 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.". However, there is a chance that both of these dogs are derived from the same ancient breed. This site is owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC. Therefore, the fact that they are descended from wolves shouldnt have much bearing on how you treat them. 21 Dogs That Were Bred To Hunt Rats, Mice And Other Rodents 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. For us to know the truth, we must go back to square one. However, those who live with pets from a younger age are less likely to develop the allergy later on in life. 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 David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. With that said, Chihuahuas were also bred to be food. 33 to 59 pounds (15 to 27 kg). There is no evidence that Chihuahuas were ever used for ratting, and the breed does not have any innate superiority in this regard over any other type of dog. From being my horse back riding companion to my personal guard dog.I am not sure if I will own another Chihuahua or even a Chihuahua mix, I do know I am glad I have my little Chloe. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! 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. Were Chihuahuas Bred To Hunt Bears. At least until I tell them that no one is afraid of them. When it comes to their size, Chihuahuas are more identical to large rodents than wolves. These dogs were sent into coal mines or mills, where they would skillfully track and hunt down annoying vermin pests. Now that you know more about the history of the breed, lets jump into their purpose. While this may be a funny concept, there is no proof or facts behind this claim. Chihuahuas were bred to be small companions, and they are known for their affectionate nature. They can help assist owners when symptoms become evident. There could be many reasons why they question it. Is the Chihuahua Terrier mix aggressive or a good family dog? Using 96 distinct patterns in the genes called "microsatellites," the researchers compared dogs within breeds, and breeds with one another. However, trying to prove that a Chinese dog ended up in South America in great enough numbers for this to be true is difficult. Watch our first training session with my dog Izzy A long-haired Chihuahua as she learns how to hunt birds. Book Now and Save at Priceline. Who owns the Chihuahuas baseball team? Pets can warn of blood sugar issues. However, modern Chihuahuas are bred solely for companionship today. Every chance you get, shower them with love and affection nothing less. The chihuahuas were used for more than just food. On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. What's the point of hunting mountain lions? Chihuahuas Were Bred to be Food Most of the western world have banned the consumption of dogs today. In this way, the breed slowly funneled into the United States and became a companion animal. This resulted in the development of a strong rat-chasing instinct in Frenchies. 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 There is one report that 16th century Aztecs bred some sort of small dog for food. Celebrities like Paris Hilton carry Chihuahuas around inside their bag. [3] It is usually kept as a companion animal or for showing . And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats!). Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog, and they have a reputation for being fierce and predatory. Humans didnt snap their fingers to change wolves into Chihuahuas or any other breeds. Chihuahuas are more domesticated in the present. And sure enough, theyre one of the best in the world at this job.. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. The ability to rid owners of illnesses. These two floppy things have a life on their own. They were selectively bred for their desert environment, which is likely why they dont have much fur. Of course, this is more so an old wifes tale. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. When they died, dog guides would take their soul into the underworld. If Chihuahuas are rats, then how come yours love to hunt them? Domesticated dogs retain this behavior as well. Theres much more to the Chihuahuas history than most people know. I have been snapped at by several Chihuahuas. Most people lived on farms during this time and did not have a need for these tiny pups. Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. These pets eventually made their way back into the United States. Eventually, owners brought them indoors to catch mice and pests in the kitchen. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Were Chihuahuas Bred To Kill Rats? - Arew What Were Yorkies Bred For? - Past Jobs, Roles & History - The Smart Canine And certainly, the news article made everyone mad. When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs in the 13th century, they brought the Techichi with them. They inhabited the area that is now known as present-day Mexico. In this article, we'll teach you all about the history of Yorkie, starting from their roots as rat killers in England. And according to Purina, Chihuahuas are one of the top 11 best companion dogs in the canine kingdom.
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