Techichi
Originating from the Toltec civilization, the Techichi is an ancient dog breed. The Techichi comes from Toltec civilization. Individual Techichis vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Toltec civilization
About the Techichi
Originating from the Toltec civilization, the Techichi is an ancient dog breed. Known for its small size and gentle nature, it was a popular companion animal.
Overview
The Techichi is an extinct breed of small dog bred by the Toltec culture in the 9th century C.E. It is thought to be an ancestor of the modern Chihuahua .
History
Techichis were larger than modern Chihuahuas, but were bred into the smaller, lighter dog known today by the Aztecs . The first European to encounter the dog breed was the Spanish explorer Francisco Hernandez , who reported its existence in 1578. He wrote that the native people ate them as commonly as they ate rabbits. The Spanish, who were often short of food, ate them on their expeditions as well. It is estimated that Spanish explorers ate as many as 100,000 Techichis, and by the 19th century they had disappeared altogether. It was not until the mid-1800s that people outside of Mexico took interest in the breed, finding many of its modern descendants in the Mexican state of Chihuahua , from which the modern breed derives its name.
Description
Techichis varied in appearance, with their coats ranging from brown, brown and white, black and white, to black. Their ears were sometimes cropped close to the head, but their tails were left uncut in their natural state. Techichis were mute and could not bark .
In human culture
To the Toltecs, Techichis were believed to have supernatural powers, such as seeing into the future, and they were often sacrificed so they could guide their owners in the afterlife. Like the Toltecs, the Aztecs also believed that Techichis could guide human souls after death, and that they could guard pyramids if buried underneath them. Several pre-Columbian artefacts have been discovered depicting the dogs, including wheeled toys and effigy pots. They were eaten as food by people, and certain stud males and brood females were kept to produce as many litters as possible.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Techichi?
The Techichi is a small dog breed that originated in the 9th century C.E. in the Toltec culture. It is believed to be an ancestor of the modern Chihuahua. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about the Techichi's physical characteristics, temperament, and grooming needs due to its extinction.
Is the Techichi a good family dog?
Since the Techichi is an extinct breed, there is no direct experience with its behavior around children. However, based on its small size and potential ancestry to the Chihuahua, it's likely that the Techichi would require gentle handling and supervision around young children, as with any small dog breed.
What health problems do Techichis have?
As an extinct breed, there is limited information available about the Techichi's specific health issues. However, its modern descendant, the Chihuahua, is prone to certain health problems such as hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, and heart conditions. It's essential to research and understand the potential health concerns of the breed's modern relatives.
How much does a Techichi puppy cost?
Since the Techichi is an extinct breed, it is not possible to purchase a Techichi puppy. However, if you're interested in a similar breed, the cost of a Chihuahua puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Where do Techichis come from?
The Techichi comes from Toltec civilization. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Techichi, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.