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Understanding Chihuahua Behaviors and Temperament
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog that belongs to the toy classification, but they frequently act much bigger than they actually are. They take themselves very seriously, even if that means standing up to a dog ten times their size.
Many people adopt Chihuahuas thinking they are just “fashion accessories” or quiet lap dogs. This unfortunate misunderstanding often leads to these dogs being surrendered when they display their natural, feisty personalities.
While Chihuahuas are incredibly loving, they also have a reputation for some challenging habits. They are fragile, yet they love to jump. This can be a real problem if they decide to leap off a kitchen counter or a high sofa.
Ultimately, a Chihuahua’s behavior is shaped mainly by their environment. Here are some general points regarding their temperament and common behaviors.
Very Courageous Dogs
A common trait of this breed is demonstrated courage. It is not rare to see a Chihuahua face a much larger dog head-on. They share this feisty ‘big dog’ ego with other brave breeds like the Dachshund. In both cases, that bold personality requires a patient owner who provides a predictable structure. For these small but mighty breeds, being a ‘leader’ isn’t about dominance but more about being a reliable guide so they don’t feel the stress of having to manage the environment on their own.
On the flip side, they also show moments of weakness that many owners find sweet and amusing. This might be a sudden bout of the ‘Chi-shivers’ when they get excited, or the way they completely lose their tough-guy act the moment they find a soft blanket to burrow under.
These dogs tend to be suspicious of strangers and will bark loudly at unfamiliar people, especially if they suspect any harm coming to their owners.
While it looks like pure bravery, this is often “fear aggression.” Because they are so small, they feel vulnerable and use a loud bark or a bold stance to keep anything scary at a distance.
Proper socialization is key to showing them the world isn’t such a threatening place. Once you earn a Chihuahua’s trust, they won’t have any problem approaching you to get friendly. It is important to establish this bond early to enjoy their famous loyalty.
They Love Being Cuddled
One of the best things about Chihuahua behavior is how much they enjoy being cuddled. The warmth makes them feel secure and loved.
While they love to cuddle, Chihuahuas can easily become “one-person dogs.” They may view their favorite human as their exclusive property and try to protect you from others. It is important to have every family member handle and reward them so they don’t become overly possessive.
You will frequently find them sunbathing, a behavior driven by their thin coats and low body fat, which makes them prone to feeling the chill even indoors.
They will carefully look for a sunny spot and stay there for hours just to keep warm. When it isn’t sunny, these dogs will seek out a towel or a blanket to wrap themselves in.
Do not expect your Chihuahua to want to go outside to potty when it is cold, particularly during the winter months. It is best to dress them in a sweater for walks when the temperature drops. Luckily, most don’t mind being dressed up at all.
Basic Exercise and Training Needs
Chihuahuas are not vigorously active, making them perfect for people living in apartments or for elderly owners. Despite their tiny size, they still need to be walked on a regular basis.
Sadly, a large number of Chihuahuas end up obese, which is usually the fault of the owner overfeeding them.
Their responsiveness to training often depends on the individual dog and their lineage. Regardless of their personality, training needs to be regular and involve plenty of treats and positive reinforcement. Harsh methods will always result in problems with this breed.
A common mistake is thinking that because a dog is tiny, it doesn’t need real training. This lack of structure is one of the top reasons Chihuahuas are surrendered to shelters.
Ready to Find Your New Best Friend?
It may be surprising to many, but Chihuahuas are among the most surrendered dog breeds in shelters across the United States. In states like Texas, they are the second most euthanized dogs, according to Texas Chihuahua Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving their lives.
If you’ve decided this breed is a great match for you, we highly recommend visiting a rescue. Spend time with the dog and ask the shelter staff about their individual personality and history. You can visit the AKC Chihuahua page to learn about official breed standards.
In addition to Texas Chihuahua Rescue, here are some reputable Chihuahua breed-specific rescues:
- Chihuahua Rescue & Transport
- Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego County
- Second Chance Chi Rescue (Ohio)
- Petfinder (to search all local shelters)
