The Ancient Origins of Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are believed to descend from the ancient Techichi, which Toltecs in Mexico kept as lap dogs as early as the 9th century CE; it's thought the breed shrank after being crossed with a smaller hairless dog from Asia.
Where did Chihuahuas come from?
Chihuahuas are believed to descend from the ancient Techichi, which were kept as lap dogs by Toltecs in Mexico as early as the 9th century CE. It is thought that the breed shrank after being crossed with a smaller hairless dog from Asia.
Explanation
The fascinating ancestry of the Chihuahua connects modern pets to the distant past through the ancient Techichi. These dogs were kept by Toltecs in Mexico as early as the 9th century CE, serving as companions and lap dogs. This historical lineage reveals a deep bond between humans and these specific canines that spans many centuries, long before modern dog breeds were formally established.
It is widely thought that the breed achieved its current diminutive size after being crossed with a smaller hairless dog from Asia. This intriguing crossbreeding event altered the physical characteristics of the original lineage, leading to the tiny stature recognized today. For an ordinary reader, understanding this history highlights how global interactions and selective breeding have shaped the animals living in our homes, turning an ancient Mexican lap dog into a globally beloved pet.
Source and verification
- Source
- mentalfloss.com Tier C
- Last verified
- Confidence
- 75 out of 100
- Verified by
- Ali Ahmad Chaudhry