Techichi

Techichi

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin

Translation

En français, cette race se dit

Diese Norm ist in deutscher Sprache sichtbar

En español, esta raza se dice

In het Nederlands, wordt dit ras gezegd

The Techichi was an indigenous dog of Mesoamerica, specifically associated with the ancient civilizations of Mexico. It is widely considered the direct ancestor of the modern Chihuahua. Originating in Central America, the Techichi was bred by pre-Columbian peoples, including the Toltecs (from the 9th century onward), the Mayans, and the Aztecs. Historical depictions and archaeological remains suggest it was slightly larger and heavier than the modern Chihuahua. A companion dog, it also played an important spiritual and religious role, guiding the soul to the afterlife after its owner's death. It was sometimes eaten.

The Techichi is now an extinct breed, having virtually disappeared after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The modern Chihuahua appeared later, in the mid-19th century, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the surviving small indigenous dogs likely interbred with European breeds introduced by the Spanish. Genetic studies confirm the Chihuahua's indigenous origins, indicating that a large portion of its DNA comes from the ancient Techichi of South America. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognizes the Techichi as the ancestor of the modern Chihuahua.