The Chihuahua Temperament

Chihuahuas are known for having good temperament. They work well as companion dogs and are known to be brave, enterprising, spirited and proud. Many people prefer Chihuahuas for different reasons. They are extremely good toy dogs.  Chihuahuas are very affectionate and sometimes manipulative. Like anything else, Chihuahuas have many redeeming qualities but some of these qualities might not be what you want in your pet.

Chihuahuas love to give and at the same time demand affection from people. They are also very quick in checking out the action but are also equally quick in avoiding being part of the actual action. When treated and taken care of properly, Chihuahuas are extremely loyal, attached and strong willed. There are certain times when this attachment will result to petty jealousy especially with small children. Chihuahuas are really bonded with their owners so they become suspicious of people they do no recognize.

Though Chihuahuas may be smart, they are quite challenging to train even though they have the ability to learn efficiently and quickly if they wish to learn at all. They respond well once affection and positive reinforcement is included in their training. If they do not have this kind of training, Chihuahuas can be extremely yappy with high-pitched barks and are incapable of listening when you tell them to stop. Chihuahuas wants to be where the action is.

Chihuahuas can be very hyperactive. They are very eager puppies, and bark a lot especially if they are not yet trained. They easily get excited to the point that you can hear their heart beat rapidly when you hold them. They are actually smart dogs but have the tendency to be clingy or needy with their owners. Chihuahuas love to be petted and need constant care and attention.

Chihuahuas recognize their own kind and are less tolerant of dogs coming from a different breed. Even with larger dogs, Chihuahuas have the tendency to be aggressive so it is best to start their social training while they were still young. Social trainings also teach Chihuahuas in the proper way of dealing with young children and strangers. Chihuahuas should be around people more often so they would feel more comfortable around them.

Their size does not excuse their eager personalities and quick movements. In fact, their size does not give them justice. With their intelligence and behavior, Chihuahuas simply adore being the center of attention. The Chihuahua is not concerned with their size and is never afraid to confront dogs much larger than them. They are unmindful of the consequences, which makes them very prone to injuries. Their small size also makes Chihuahua not adaptable to colder climates.

The AKC standard for the breed describes the Chihuahua best as “A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.” In some cases though, Chihuahuas carry sauciness and terrier-like qualities to the extreme, they could be mean and grumpy when provoked, and provocation comes easily to them.

Because of their temperamental tendencies, their ability to be suspicious of everything and everyone except their owners, their petty jealousies and their snobbish behavior towards other breeds of dog make them unsuitable for dog lovers with small children. However, they make the perfect companion for elderly people who can afford the luxury of pampering a dog.

They have a hard time though adapting to changes like a new environment or a new place. You need to spend time with them and help them get comfortable with their surroundings first before they can be truly at ease with the changes.

A lot has been said about their temperament and it would really do them injustice if we view them negatively especially since Chihuahuas have a lot going for them. Chihuahuas are naturally curious and always seem to be investigating the things around them. They may be small but they are ferocious animals so they can protect you in times of danger. Their loyalty could never be questioned and is in fact one of their best traits. Most of all, Chihuahuas are very affectionate.

Chihuahuas and small children should never be put in the same household especially if the kids are below 12. Chihuahuas only like their owners and their own kind and are very jealous of almost anyone else. They might perceive young children as other pets and consider them as a threat. Chihuahuas and young children never mix so if you have small kids at home, the Chihuahua is not for you.

Read about Chihuahua Puppy Training here!

This entry was posted on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 9:14 am and is filed under Chihuahua. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.