Radiocarbon dating reveals the dogs lived between 450 and 300 B.C.E., the earliest evidence yet for animal management and domestication by the Mayans, the researchers report today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . The canines were nearly all small and Chihuahua-like.
What pets did the Mayan have?
According to a new study, the Maya kept animals such as jaguars and dogs in their homes, but whether they were pets, eaten as food or used for sacrifices — or all three, remains unknown. The large cat in the study was found in a pyramid and may have been a jaguar. It likely lived off a corn-based diet.
Did Mayans sacrifice Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas as Sacrificial Dogs In addition, evidence suggests that the ancient Aztecs and Toltecs believed that these small dogs guided the soul to the underworld after death. For this reason, the Techichi dogs were often buried with their deceased family members and owner.
Where did Chihuahuas originate from?
МексикаЧихуахуа / Происхождение
Are Chihuahuas an ancient breed?
The Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds and like most ancient breeds, it was bred for a purpose. However, this is where things start getting a little fuzzy. While most ancient breeds are larger because they were bred for hunting or herding, the Chihuahua is extremely tiny.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Where did Chihuahuas originally come from?Did Aztecs eat Chihuahuas?