A lot of people come to Get Your Pet intent on adopting a certain dog breed. It’s important to note that while dogs of certain breeds express similar physical characteristics and behavioral tendencies, not all dogs of that breed will look or act identically.
One of the most popular breeds in America is the Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are extremely popular for many reasons—they’re loyal, make great companions, have long lifespans, and are relatively easy to care for. Not to mention their undeniable cuteness.
Personality:
As anyone who has owned or been around a Chihuahua can tell you, Chihuahuas have larger-than-life personalities. Chihuahuas may be small, but they pride themselves on being just as bold, curious, and enthusiastic as any of their larger brethren. Their fun-loving nature and desire to be in your company make Chihuahuas great companions. They crave affection and will often latch onto one person to whom they become extremely loyal. This deep bond often means they don’t have much of a tolerance for being left alone.
Lifestyle:
Chihuahuas adapt easily to apartment living and require minimal grooming and exercise, making them ideal for older people or for those who don’t have a huge yard. They are usually happy riding along on daily errands, if it means they get to be close to their owner. Because of their adaptability and easy-to-care-for nature, Chihuahuas are a great choice for novice dog owners.
Training:
Chihuahuas are fairly intelligent, responding well to basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” They’re intelligent, yet sensitive, and don’t respond well to negative behavior. Chihuahuas should be trained using positive reinforcement, and may require minimal formal training to learn manners.
Drawbacks:
Chihuahuas are naturally mistrustful of new people, dogs, and other animals, making them a bit standoffish to strangers. They also tend to act like they’re bigger and more aggressive than they really are, which can be a problem when faced with a much larger dog. Chihuahuas should be socialized with other dogs and people from an early age to keep any unfriendly behavior in check.
If you enjoyed this blog, check out Mixed Breed vs. Purebred Dogs: The Myths About Mutts, a blog where we discuss what it truly means to be purebred.