Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world, and they are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. That purpose has something to do with hunting, farming, or protection in most cases. Owners may be surprised when their tiny pup kills a mouse in their home. The Mexicans possibly adore their little pitter-patter steps. "Chihuahuas Are NOT Dogs, They Are Rodents!" (5 Facts) Owners of the Chihuahua dog breed started crying. They must have thought that Chihuahuas, like them, are great dancers. A viral claim that a chihuahua is a rodent, not a breed of dog , is based on a satirical news article. They are not truly the national dog of Mexico. Of course, while that does cover much of where the Chihuahua came from, the remaining 30% of the DNA is much debated. The idea is that if a child sleeps with a Chihuahua in their bed, the illness will transfer to the pup. She cries like a baby when I am not home. They were not hunters, but rather the hunted. The dogs have always been charming and affectionate pets. There are many questions in your head. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Image Credit By; HG-Fotografie, Pixabay I've owned a few Chihuahuas and I live in Arizona, and they do kill scorpions with great efficiency. Pets help keep these individuals mentally and physically active. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt 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. However, just because your breed of dog wasn't named doesn't mean Fido won't be able to keep the mice . They were bred to exterminate rats and other vermin from German stables in the 1600s. Names, places and events are generally fictitious, except for public figures about which we may have heard something down at the pub. Many people think that they were developed by breeding . Its ancestor was initially bred as far back as the 9th century, and it was held for numerous purposes. It is a common belief that all small dogs were originally bred for hunting rodents. What breed of dog kills rats? - Peculiarities Process Investment And this is a big part of the reason why they are abundant in households throughout Mexico. Unlike other dog breeds, the Chihuahua actually came into North America on a Land Bridge. Thats why the Mexicans bred them in the first place. Given the chance, most Chihuahuas will take down a rat - even one that's much larger than they are. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. If you have a rat problem in your home, then a Chihuahua may be your best weapon! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. Researchers have recently found that the ancestors of Chihuahuas were actually from Asia. Its a bit sad, but true. They can kill a variety of vermin, including squirrels and other small prey. During this time, finding food was much more difficult and consuming dogs could have been a survival need. There is going to be disbelief.". They have something in common with other pet owning peers. Quite a difference between expectation and reality isnt it? Didn't find what you need? How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? It is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua and is among the smallest of all dog breeds. For us to know the truth, we must go back to square one. There is one report that 16th century Aztecs bred some sort of small dog for food. This innate skillset is their instinctive intelligence. Some common disorders are anxiety, PTSD, autism, and depression. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. 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. When debating about a dog breed, make sure that you pick a breed because their temperament and personality fits yours. This theory could date back to the ancient days when this was a common thought. The Toltec people valued the Techichi for companionship, like the Chihuahua that came after it. And although they're great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats!). Uncovering the Loyal and Courageous Nature of Toy Fox Terriers For example, Chihuahuas were thought to be bred to rid Mexico City of rat and mouse infestations. Considering how Chihuahuas are notorious barkers, its a bit hard to imagine they came from these bark-less dogs. While these dogs are tiny, they can truly pack a punch. These pups can be there to provide comfort. These dogs were sent into coal mines or mills, where they would skillfully track and hunt down annoying vermin pests. Similarly to their early years, they are great companion pets for families. While this may sound crazy, owning a dog boosts your health. Chihuahuas are proven to be descendants of wolves, and not rats. Upon review, the claim and article posted on the site is satirical in nature. However, it takes more than one report to make something for certain. Both of them have short limbs and small feet. We dont know exactly what these dogs were used for, which also means that they dont know what they were developed for. Alas, she also seems to have inherited some of the bad traits from each breed as well. For a Chihuahua Terrier mix puppy, you can expect a price range of $400 to $800. Chihuahuas make poor ratters because of their small size and lack of aggression. Chihuahuas became popular in Mexico. What they produce isnt based on facts and is for entertainment purposes only. Are Chihuahuas Good Hunting Dogs - The Prospect (It wouldnt be the first time.). Also, cuddling a warm pet can help soothe pain associated with several disorders. Dogs such as your Chihuahua come from the lineage of wolves. They are also slightly hesitant of strangers, ensuring they let you know if someone new is around. For years, it has been believed that Chihuahuas were developed from an ancient dog from Mexico. Furthermore, rats and dogs cannot interbreed. Chihuahuas are dogs, and, just like every other dog, they are related to wolves and all other types of dogs. Clearly Chihuahua was what stuck and is the name by which the dog is called in America today. There are so many reasons to keep a Chihuahua. Among other findings the analysis determined that Chihuahua is actually a type of large rodent, selectively bred for centuries to resemble a canine.". Their instinctual intellect is this set of inborn abilities. Europeans regularly misinterpreted the actions of natives, so we cant take everything we say at face value. 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. They were bred to hunt rodents and other tiny animals that live underground. During this time, early ancestors of the Chihuahua traveled into the area with nomadic people. Reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or via Twitter at @peterslaura. However, there is a chance that both of these dogs are derived from the same ancient breed. But all are worth the time and patience of the scientists. They can also stay with the owner during these episodes. A rats tail doesnt wag when they see you. It is a common belief that all small dogs were originally bred for hunting rodents. Were Chihuahuas Bred For A Purpose? | PetThings The Aztecs, in particular, sacrificed various animals, including dogs. They started in Spain, then decided to take over Europe. 6 Things You Didn't Know About the Rat Terrier Cass. Keep in mind, these dogs are only used as ratters in more rural areas of Mexico. No one wrote about breeding dogs back then, so it is likely that they developed organically. But with their petite size, owners may wonder what they were originally bred for. Chihuahuas are quite fearless hunters and can take down smaller prey. But you already know that. Aside from being sacrificed and eaten, Chihuahuas were also popular companions for the families of the Toltec. Even in other parts of the world where consuming dogs is legal, its still considered taboo (such as Korea). However, trying to prove that a Chinese dog ended up in South America in great enough numbers for this to be true is difficult. Based on research, the wolves were tamed to make companions for humans. This makes them ideal for long-term commitments and lifetime companionship. You cannot have a dog that isnt descended from wolves. So now we bid goodbye to the Techichis, and say hello to the Chihuahuas. The breed of Chihuahua (which originated from Mexico) is one of the modern-day dog breeds. If youre thinking of adding a Chihuahua to your family, be sure to do your research to make sure this is the right breed for you. Are Chihuahuas rats? Youll clear your head before and after work. The people bred the dogs that they liked best, and then the dogs developed in this manner. They were bred specifically to eliminate common farm pests . Rat-Cha is a mix of a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. Names, places and events are generally fictitious, except for public figures about which we may have heard something down at the pub. Even while they make wonderful family pets, some individuals say Chihuahuas are even better at hunting tiny animals (like rats or similar vermin). Yorkies were initially bred as ratting dogs. What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? Humans didnt snap their fingers to change wolves into Chihuahuas or any other breeds. Fact check: Chihuahuas are dogs, not large rats - USA Today These small, intelligent dogs are a great way to provide comfort and solace. And Chihuahuas love to do this with their family members. Most, if not all dogs have a breeding purpose. They were searching for answers if the rumor is true. The Different Purposes Of Breeding Chihuahuas - Fight For Rhinos Why Chihuahuas are not good? And when Chihuahuas are on alert mode, these ears become more noticeable. Chihuahua Used For Hunting - Pets Lovers - jockington.com On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. If you have a pure breed the eyes are little und their skin is one of the softest i have ever felt. They can also help relieve mental stress in young children and even adults. The same goes for owners with limited mobility. Bred to hunt foxes, voles, and small rodents in England, the Russell Terrier makes for an excellent rodent hunter. Other Reddit users chimed in, saying thats pretty typical for a Chihuahua. They inhabited the area that is now known as present-day Mexico. They were selectively bred for their desert environment, which is likely why they dont have much fur. If you look at it, the Chihuahuas size and weight compared to other dogs is a far stretch. Dog ( domestic dog) The Chihuahua [a] or Spanish: Chihuahueo is a Mexican breed of toy dog. Going underground: Varmint hunting with Jack Russell Terriers In Mexico, they are prized as top ratters. Children who have Chihuahuas or similar pets are more social. Its important to make the distinction though watchdogs not guard dogs. They also can help learn responsibilities, scheduling, burn off energy, and more. For all we know, the small dog being used for food may have been a now-extinct breed. Not only that. Around the time of colonialization, pocket dogs were all the rage in Europe, especially amongst the royals. Like the Chihuahuas, Rat Terriers love to hunt smaller pets and rats, thats why they are called as such. They are also very intelligent and can be easily potty trained. Having a dog increases bonding hormones in children. Their high-pitched barks dont intimidate. The Truth Revealed + 3 Myths, 13 Different Chihuahua Types (With Pics, Videos & Facts). Prague Ratter - Complete Breed Guide for 2023 - The Dogs Journal What do Chihuahuas suffer from? 33 to 59 pounds (15 to 27 kg). However, their small size does make them effective ratters! While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? Rat Terrier. That's so interesting, thanks for sharing! The wolves also helped the humans in agriculture and hunting. Or press certain type of buttons. There are of course bigger dog breeds that are used to pull wheelchairs up ramps. Chihuahua used for hunting Regardless, their ancestry has been dated back to the Techichi, an ancient dog breed. They can kill a variety of vermin, including squirrels and other small prey. Some colonists claimed that the Aztecs raised small dogs for food, but we do not have much more information on this.1. Furthermore, it is equally as likely that the 16th-century European report mistakenly thought that the dogs were being sold for food when they were actually being sold for other purposes. Older adults can struggle with mental functions. Small, energetic, and feisty, this breed is often used by exterminators to rid farms and other large homestead properties of rats. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? In fact, the people of Toltec loved and respected these dogs! However, their actual lineage gets a lot of debate since we have no proof as to how or when these dogs developed exactly. Which Dog Is Best For Killing Rats? | PetThings Unfortunately, during this time, sacrificing dogs was a common sacred practice for the Toltec people. These tiny dogs are even ideal for very small homes. And then theres the urban legend in Mexico where tourists mistook Chihuahuas for giant rats. . What are the pieces of evidence that prove the rumor as true or false. It was venerated by the Toltecs and thought to be magical. Both folk history and archaeological finds indicate that the breed originated in Mexico. This resulted in the development of a strong rat-chasing instinct in Frenchies. If Chihuahuas are rats, then how come yours love to hunt them? 2. This dog was called the Techichi. However, this is absolutely untrue. Laura Petersis a trending topics reporter for the News Leader. However, in rural areas, there are still Chihuahuas that serve as skilled ratting dogs. Still, they are excellent at hunting and killing these little furry things. Not really. The Chinese Shar-pei. That breed of dog does not weigh more than 6 pounds. That way your Chihuahua will have their own designated place in a car, or a plane. The Chihuahua originated around the 19th century from the Techichi, a breed of dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico. Despite this unique look, they originate from the gray wolf. In the mid 1800's, rat infestation was a big problem. If youre like most people, you probably think of Chihuahuas as cute, little dogs that are great for cuddling. Now that you know more about the history of the breed, lets jump into their purpose. With the above 19 facts, you should now know more about these tiny pups. Plus, theyre more intelligent than people give them credit for. Chihuahuas are great family pets. No, Chihuahuas were not bred to kill rats. Long ago, there was a land bridge that connected North-East Asia and North America. Top 10 Dog Breeds Ideal for Catching Rats - PetHelpful However, this perception was not always the case around the world. As soon as the Chi hears the sound, they touch their owner and will take them to where the noise is coming from. As descendants of the Techichi dog, Chihuahuas were popular among religious ceremonies and rites. However, because Techichi and Chihuahua are separated by hundreds of years, they do differ a bit. This makes the misconception that theyre rats even funnier. They are also fast. Don't expect any disturbances to get past them: They can hear frequencies twice as high as humans. These dogs were originally bred in Mexico, and they were named after the state of Chihuahua. Instead, wait a bit. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. When they died, dog guides would take their soul into the underworld. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! 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). 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 . Their namesake says it all: Rat Terriers make ideal ratters. These images and basic text from the time period are all we have to know about these dogs. Also, consider your schedule, as some dogs cant spend too much time alone. What is the origin of a Chihuahua? - Pet Store Animals Book Now and Save at Priceline. The ancestors of the Chihuahua were originally bred for various purposes, such as companionship, religious ceremonies & rituals and food. Chihuahuas are actually a type of rodent bred to resemble dogs. 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. And they are the perfect size for hunting smaller prey. While this may be a funny concept, there is no proof or facts behind this claim. All contents are intended as parody and should be construed as such. While most of the modern Western world has banned the consumption of food, this was not the case long ago. This leads to the question: why do we still have Chihuahuas today? Their primary activities are to hunt and kill vermin such as squirrels and other small animals, such as rats and other rodents. Around 1884, Mexican merchants began selling the small dog to border tourists. Because your Chihuahua is sitting beside it with a proud look on their face! Your Chihuahuas ears are not just good for hearing. Therefore, we dont exactly know why they were bred, to begin with. Your email address will not be published. My Chihuahua sits on my moms lap pretty much endlessly. However, owning a dog can help improve cognition and memory. However, it was more of a surprise to find that some breeds are not even dogs. Its a big part of what makes the Chihuahua smarter than people think. But these ancient Mexican civilizations may not be to credit for the pups. And youll be more mobile. 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. They also work well for practically any home size, working for even those in apartments or assisted living homes. Is the Chihuahua Terrier mix aggressive or a good family dog? In this case, the dogs may have been bred solely for this purpose. With a nickname like Rat-Chas, you can probably guess what this breed is good for hunting and killing rats.. And certainly, the news article made everyone mad. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? 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 is funny considering Chihuahuas can be very vocal pups compared to their ancestors. This is often why the Techichi dogs were buried with deceased family members, to serve as a spirit guide. While its true that Chihuahuas were originally bred in Mexico to kill rats, they were actually selected for their intelligence. While they are highly accredited to Mexico, they may have originated in Asia. Thatbreed of dog does not weigh more than 6 pounds. Some people claim that these European breeds made their way to the Americas and bred with the native breeds, leading to the Chihuahua. Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. Hence, some people consider Chihuahuas to be much more than family companions. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. At the time, this was not a surprising thing and was a very big part of culture. The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice. Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. These small but mighty terriers were. It is important that no matter why you chose your Chihuahua, you give them proper love and care. However, it is also possible that they had some other purpose, such as alerting their owners to enemies. However, in modern times, the French Bulldogs are bred to be a great companion dog. Since then, the rumor has spread rapidly and couldnt be further away from the truth. In return, the Chihuahua will be one of the most loyal and entertaining companions youll ever own. The rumor appears to stem from the urban legend of the "Mexican Pet"and an onlinesatirical piece dating back to 2004. They are a great addition to almost any household. Heres some of them: There are two kinds of Chihuahua heads: the apple head and the deer head. Who can blame them? F FoxyWench Salty Sea Dog Joined Feb 14, 2006 Messages 7,308 Likes 0 Points 0 This strong dislike for other dogs may come from the Chihuahua's tendency to believe that they are actually much larger than they are. Nearly every single dog breed we know today have been purposely bred for a job in society. Pets like Chihuahuas can help children navigate through rough days. If you're familiar with the World's Ugliest Dog Competition, you've probably heard of this breed before. But many believe that they are. Therefore, it is possible that these dogs contributed. European bloodlines have mixed in with the Chihuahuas original bloodline, which makes them very different from their ancestors. In the May 21 issue of the journal Science, the team concluded that almost every breed was surprisingly distinct genetically. While Chihuahuas do not need an excessive amount of exercise, they do need regular walk. Even now, households in Mexicos rural areas use Chihuahuas to lower the number of rats in their homes. Rumors say that they were walking the Earth in the same period as the dinosaurs were. 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. They were actually bred for their ability to bond with humans. Therefore, all that we can for sure take from this account is that some sort of small dog was being exchanged at the market. In other words, the Techichi looks like a Chihuahua, so many people consider it to be the modern dogs direct ancestor. They can help assist owners when symptoms become evident. Also long and skinny. 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 . At least until I tell them that no one is afraid of them. Did McDonald's own the Padres? The gray wolf is the ancestor of Chihuahuas. Italian Greyhuahua (Italian Greyhound & Chihuahua Mix), Taco Terrier (Chihuahua & Toy Fox Terrier Mix), Chi-Spaniel (Chihuahua & Cocker Spaniel Mix). Regardless of the timeline, they have always proven time and time again. Dogs can improve childrens mood. Believe it or not, Yorkies were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin, just like other terrier breeds. By doing so, you will ensure theyre not stressed out and wont bark or whine. As of yet, there is no DNA evidence that the Chinese Crested contributed to the Chihuahua at all. They are usually highly represented in Mexican culture, filmography, and advertising. You want to avoid that at all costs. The original purpose of the Yorkshire Terrier was for ratting. ). What Were Chihuahuas Bred For? Let's Find Out - My Beagle Buddy Or, it may have been a cousin to the Chihuahua or the ancestor of the modern Chihuahuas. Research is uncertain why, but chronic pain sufferers benefit from owning pets. Some have short hair. Tammy Slater is a pet blogger with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and extensive experience as a veterinary technician. Were Chihuahuas Bred To Hunt Rats? - Norskesvar.com Originally, the dog was called the Arizona dog, Texas dog, Mexico dog, and Chihuahua dog, all after areas where they were sold. Whats interesting is that the Techichi was believed to be mute dogs. Were chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? Most of the western world did not ban the consumption of eating dog meat until the early 1900s. We must always fact-check and look for reliable sources. 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. (And if you live in an area with a rat problem, that might not be such a bad thing!) But when were outside and someone walks by, they bark like theyre pit bull/Rottweilers that just happen to be in small bodies. For hundreds of years, experts believed Chihuahuas started in Mexico. Are Chihuahuas wild in Mexico? - letshealthify.com One simple fact that most people are unaware of is that the Chihuahua natural enemy is the Scorpion. Best dog breeds to catch and kill rats? | Survivalist Forum What dogs were bred to kill rats? A lower price of your new pet simply isn't worth the potential health/psychological risks which might ensue. While Mexico is involved in a deep part of their history, China could very well be the root of the ancestry of the dog. While being in the car, they can easily overheat. The Techichi dog is a very interesting breed. However, we also have evidence that Chihuahuas had some sort of religious significance. Highly Skilled Ratters So what exactly is a "matter?" The wolves must have followed humans around as any regular dogs do. Whether you want to train the dog to be an official emotional support dog or not, Chihuahuas are great at keeping you company. Whether were talking about your mental or physical health, a Chihuahua will benefit you greatly. They also serve a variety of purposes from health benefits to service dogs.

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