Does anyone know what chihuahuas were originally bred for?

Question

Just a little tidbit of eww that I thought I would share...

You guys are soooo off, but keep trying. One of you was sort of on, but got side tracked by the humor.

Check out budster and get back to me.

Answer 1

Snacks

Answer 2

The Chihuahua's origins are not exactly known; theories range from the Chihuahua being of Chinese ancestry - brought to Mexico by Chinese only 100 years ago, to it being the descendant of an ancient Egyptian breed.

Site 1: The Chihuahua (often nicknamed as ChiChi) is the smallest god in the world. The Chihuahua originated from Mexico and was named by the state Chihuahua. The breed has long history. According the legends these dogs were involved in the religious worship of the Aztecs. Some carvings of The Chihuahua were found in the pyramids of Cholula, Mexico.

Site # 2 - THE ORIGIN OF THE CHIHUAHUA
The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog and its history is shrouded in mystery.
Some subscribe to the theory that it originated in Asia; others that it came from Europe, but, no matter where the breed got its start, it really is a dog of Mexico.
Figurines found in Chi-Chen-Itza, Colima and other ruined cities of the Southern American continent are so like the present day Chihuahua that this, coupled with the fact that in several Mayan Dialects ‘chi’ means dog, would seem to place the ancestors of the Chihuahua as far back as the Mayan period. It is interesting to note that the ancestors of the Aztecs were the Chichimec, a name which means ‘son of the dog’. Who knows? Some day soon more data may be uncovered placing the origin even further back in time.

Site # 3 - Chihuahuas were originally thought to be descendants of an ancient, similar, but slightly larger breed associated with royalty in Aztec civilizations known as the Techichi. However, due to the lack of archaeological remains it is now believed that Chihuahuas were brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers. The most current theory holds that Spanish merchants brought Chihuahuas to Spain by way of their trade routes with China and from there to Mexico. The well documented practice in China of dwarfing both plants and animals is the basis for the theory that Chihuahuas originated there.[citation needed]But another theory is that they originated in Egypt and were traded into Spain and later Mexico.
Chihuahuas were first taken into the United States by American visitors to Mexico.

IMHO - like a few others have said, there are many opinions out there.. I just found 3 that were somewhat similar and I don't think that there is a right answer to this.

Answer 3

There are many theories about origin of the Chihuahua. There are claims that they were originally bred by the Mayan Indian tribe who inhabited the area now known as Mexico and relics as old as 2000 years which resemble Chihuahuas have bean found there. The Mayans called them Tichichi Dogs.
The Toltecs and later the Aztecs, are also said to have bred similar small dogs and that some were bred for eating and others possibly for use in religion ceremonies, were they were sacrificed with the bodies of the dead to show them the way to life on the other side.

Answer 4

Don't know what they were bred for. Before they were domesticated, they used to live in the wild eating bugs and small rodents. Their main reason for being is to be devoted to their owners, to warm their necks, laps, etc. They are wonderful dogs. Where do you get your information? I have read just about everything that there is to read about chihuahuas. I have read that they were bred to be eaten, but think about it, there isn't a good bite of food in a chihuahua. I have only seen that reported in one article. There are lots of stories about them coming from different countries but I still believe and will always believe they originated in Mexico. You just can't believe everything you hear or read.

What is budster? Budster's answer was a sick joke! They were highly treasured and were buried with their masters so they would not be seperated. They were almost worshipped by them. Like I said, you cannot believe everything you read.

Answer 5

around the world some countrys do eat dog but this does not just apply to "chow" dogs. i know where your confusion has come from as people "chow down" on food. however this dog was not meant for eating - although some country's may have eaten it along with other breeds.

Answer 6

Appetizers I believe. Just kidding they're cute with big attitudes. I'd guess for getting rid of rodents.

Answer 7

I have 2 chihuahuas. Thay were used to catch rats.

Answer 8

Something about keeping out the spirits of the dead?

Answer 9

I don't know, but when I was in Mexico a few summers ago, I saw so many of them had pierced ears!!! Is that nuts???

Answer 10

They were bred for the meat in Taco Bell tacos, and as food for larger dogs.