There are two main reasons why people thought Chihuahuas are rats. Now, lets take a look at the publisher of the article claiming this rumor. While your lounging Chihuahua may not look like a rat killer, they often retain strong hunting instincts. This site is owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC. Names, places and events are generally fictitious, except for public figures about which we may have heard something down at the pub. Rat-Cha is a mix of a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. The Washington Post. That purpose has something to do with hunting, farming, or protection in most cases. This leads to why the dogs may have been bred for sacrificial purposes (more about that later in the article). This was for ancient sacred practices. The same goes for owners with limited mobility. Keep in mind, these dogs are only used as ratters in more rural areas of Mexico. The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice. Were Chihuahuas Bred to Kill Rats? Its unlikely that you need a Chihuahua to help hunt vermin. Both of them have short limbs and small feet. However, their small size does make them effective ratters! Schnauzers were bred to hunt rats, so they rely on their keen sense of hearing to locate the vermin. 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. And even Pit Bulls were bred for bull-baiting. 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. Chihuahuas have a very extensive history. You also want to weigh your ability to care for the dog. Going hand in hand with this, the Aztecs and Toltecs believed that the dogs guided them into the underworld. The breed of Chihuahua (which originated from Mexico) is one of the modern-day dog breeds. 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. With that said, Chihuahuas were also bred to be food. These small but mighty terriers were. Dogs such as your Chihuahua come from the lineage of wolves. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world, and they are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. Throughout history, they were eventually given roles as hunters for rats. Were Chihuahuas Bred To Kill Rats? - Thelma Thinks Some of the reasons include:-They are not well-adapted to life in a human environment.-They are not very social and may not be . Itsname is derived from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found, the American Kennel Club site states. Based on this information, there is no way that Chihuahuas can be rat-dog hybrids. Unlike other dog breeds, the Chihuahua actually came into North America on a Land Bridge. The Chihuahuas history is convoluted, and many theories surround the origin of the breed. The Chihuahua originated around the 19th century from the Techichi, a breed of dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico. Some Chihuahuas are brown. Regardless of if they give you a major fitness boost, they will get you outside. According to a fake study, the DNA of Chihuahuas are ancestors of a large rodent. Back then, the breed was larger and more equipped to hunt rats. When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs in the 13th century, they brought the Techichi with them. However, they believe that they were bred for hunting purposes by the Toltec people. Were Chihuahuas bred to hunt rats? 10 Gentlemanly Facts About the Miniature Schnauzer What Were Yorkies Bred For? History Of The Yorkie | Pet Keen We've determined that she inherited the best qualities of breeds. However, this is absolutely untrue. It is reported that Mexican merchants sold the small dogs to tourists, which were then brought home to the USA as pets. We know very little about the ancestor breeds of the Chihuahua. They were actually bred for their ability to bond with humans. 7 Best Outdoor Door Mats That Drain Water. The Chihuahua is believed by many to be descended from the Techichi, which was a small canine known in Mayan times. The Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds and like most ancient breeds, it was bred for a purpose. These dogs were (and still are) charming and affectionate, making them perfect family dogs no matter what time period. So, keeping a small mute dog like the Techichi was a perfect fit. After that, they developed into dogs with two purposes, as ratters and devoted companions. These pets eventually made their way back into the United States. Their evolutionary roots can be traced back to the gray wolf, or also known as the Canis lupus. They are the smallest breed of dog, and they are also one of the most popular. That's so interesting, thanks for sharing! Children who suffer from disorders like autism, social anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, PTSD, and more can benefit greatly. Snopes debunked this in a post from March 18, 2007. There are people who believe that Chis wheeze, because theyve taken the symptoms of a persons asthma. However, though rodent hunting may have been a natural instinct of Chihuahuas, that wasn't their primary job. But all are worth the time and patience of the scientists. The Chinese Crested is quite similar to the Chihuahua. 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. "This is clearly going to raise some eyebrows in the Chihuahua world," said Peggy Wilson, president of the Chihuahua Club of America. So what exactly is a ratter? Theyre dogs developed specifically for helping humans in the capture and killing of rats. With a nickname like Rat-Chas, you can probably guess what this breed is good for hunting and killing rats.. In fact, the people of Toltec loved and respected these dogs! This tribe ruled the area during the Mesoamerican period. While this may be a funny concept, there is no proof or facts behind this claim. Are Chihuahuas Actually a Type of Rodent? | Snopes.com North America was first inhabited by domesticated dogs 4,500 years ago, as Siberia was a cold and barren land. They only adopted dogs that were useful on the farm and could work (by herding sheep for example). Celebrities like Paris Hilton carry Chihuahuas around inside their bag. Because its quite funny how their eyes are very large compared to their size. And although theyre great companions for families, some will argue Chihuahuas are even better at hunting small vermin (such as rats!). At least until I tell them that no one is afraid of them. Chihuahuas are loyal and loving, but they can also be protective of their owners. Chihuahuas were originally bred for their ability to be trained. However, this could be a major reason why they continued being bred early on. A Pitbulls? They are the same descendants as any canines such as the Labrador and the Rottweiler. Or press certain type of buttons. 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. You cannot have a dog that isnt descended from wolves. In addition, theyre spirited and lively little dogs. 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). Then Penny just gives me a really annoyed look. The people bred the dogs that they liked best, and then the dogs developed in this manner. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. Don't expect any disturbances to get past them: They can hear frequencies twice as high as humans. Its certainly a controversial claim, considering how iconic and significant the Chihuahua is to the culture of Mexico. A common misconception about Chihuahuas is that they are descendants of rats due to certain similarities they have such as their physical characteristics. Pets help keep these individuals mentally and physically active. However, if you are an avid traveler, these pups are a great choice for you. However, there is no evidence that they were ever bred to kill rats. For instance, there is no need to feed them raw meat just because thousands of years ago they were wolves. It is hard to believe that a Chihuahua has the same ancestry as a Lab, Pit Bull, or Husky. One of the most persistent is that Chihuahuas were bred to kill rats in Mexico. The wolves also helped the humans in agriculture and hunting. People will lose their minds.. But as years go by, these ridiculous ideas have been proven to be wrong time and time again. The consumption of dogs was not banned until the early 1900s. Did McDonald's own the Padres? Everyone was scrambling about. But many believe that they are. Stein, Rob. They are also very intelligent and can be easily potty trained. And to be specific, roots from China. Pets like Chihuahuas can help children navigate through rough days. For hundreds of years, experts believed Chihuahuas started in Mexico. But depending on the individual persons needs and immobility, Chihuahuas can too be useful as mobility service dogs. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day! 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! The Chinese Shar-pei is thought to be one of the world's most ancient dog breeds, although they have only relatively recently gained international recognition. For years, it has been believed that Chihuahuas were developed from an ancient dog from Mexico. 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. Uncovering the Loyal and Courageous Nature of Toy Fox Terriers That said, lets look into the Chihuahuas complex origins and discover the true reasons why these dogs were bred. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. Imagine Chihuahuas as rats. They can be used to teach responsibility and increase emotional intelligence. It is important that no matter why you chose your Chihuahua, you give them proper love and care. Believe it or not, Yorkies were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin, just like other terrier breeds.