what was the chihuahua breed for?

Question

my aunt asked me this question and i really didn't have a clue to the answer.

Answer 1

Here are two historys I found.........

This is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. Native to Mexico, nonetheless it seems to have been introduced by the Chinese. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian nations. The most valued dogs weigh under 2-1/4 pounds (1.3 kg.). Some can even stand on all fours in a person's palm! There is a long-haired variety that is judged separately, but is essentially the same except for the coat. The Chihuahua is a popular, economical companion dog.
AND

Discovered in Mexico about 100 years ago. The true origins of their ancestors is still a mystery. It is said they were bred from the small dogs know among the Toltecs of Mexico in the ninth century. Others believed the Chihuahua was the sacred dog of the Aztecs and thirdly there is a possibility they may have existed in Egypt some 3,000 years ago.

Answer 2

they actually were bred for two reasons, the first ( I'm sorry to say) was for food. Yup, they ate them as a food source. Secondly, the hairless breed was used for the elderly who had arthitis, they would have the dogs, sleep up against the owners knee's or other joints as a source of heat to help with the pain and stiffness.

Answer 3

Some people believe there was selective breeding that emphasized the "cuteness" of the dog! Here's more on Chichis!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_%28dog%29

http://www.akc.org/breeds/chihuahua/history.cfm

The Techichi was used for food:

http://www.vipchihuahua.com/history.htm

http://www.chihuahua-chic.com/Chihuahuahistory.html

I love my Chihuahua! :)

Answer 4

A yappy dog that likes to sit on laps.I do like them don't get me wrong.I prefer the well socialized ones.They are lovely dogs if socialized and bred well.Other than that I know of a few that would bite your ankle.It still hurts.

Answer 5

as far as i have ever read they have always just been used as a lap dog and show. Were also used as a watch dog some times but thats about it. i don't know if there was an original purpose for breeding them but thats mainly what they're used for.

Answer 6

belivethis or not htere guard dogs and ratters used to hunt rats but awsome guard dogs there bark can wake any one ,and teeth like a paper shreder ouch been there been bit like that lol.

Answer 7

Originally, the hairless was breed for food.

Answer 8

hard to belive but somewhere i heard tha tit was used for a watchdog to bark and stuff but not 4 a family pet but now he is lol

Answer 9

To keep people company - that's it!

Answer 10

cat food