Through Reputation, the Chihuahua Dog Breed Gets a Bad Rap

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds originating from Mexico. This little dog can be a favorite for many although the Chihuahua, as with other dogs, has gotten a bad rap through reputation. They are most often referred to as ankle biters, which can be very far from the truth. This is not to say that some of these little guys did not work hard for that reputation. If you get or have a Chihuahua, you either have the sweetest, cutest, lovable family dog or one that yaps a lot and is a biting annoyance. Their demeanor comes from their upbringing as well as breeding. Speaking as the pet-parent of three Chihuahuas, all three of them have varying personalities.

We spoil our dogs tremendously and they are all very loving to us as well as anyone who will give them an ounce of attention. The girls are yappy at times and that in itself can be frustrating but they love to be held, carried infant style, petted, tucked under a blanket and just plain showered with love. Visitors will greet these two gals who will yap until guests are seated and then look for any special kindness people are willing to give them. Our little boy, on the other hand, does not bark and is happy all the time. Despite his petite size, he believes himself to be a retriever and will chase his favorite toy for hours on end if you let him. When he is tired, though, he wants to be carried with his little tongue sticking out of the side of his mouth. Now, does that sound like an ankle biter to you? Reputation is very unfair to the Chihuahua as a whole, giving the whole breed a bad rap.

It is said that the Chihuahua does not do well with other pets and that again is a fallacy. Our two girls were raised with a larger dog and another small dog, brought into the home after the others were here, and all of them were the best of friends. In fact, one of our Chihuahuas would lay across the larger dog for extra warmth so that her feet would not have to touch the “cold floor.” Those other dogs have since gone before us and when we got our little boy, the girls were hesitant at first. That did not last long at all and three years later, they all snuggle together. Getting all dogs to get along in a family unit depends on socialization and most times has nothing to do with reputation of a certain breed as the Chihuahua.

If given half the chance, you will note that the Chihuahua has a very good personality, is very loving and trusting. They bond extremely well with their pet parents and with training, love all people. In fact, the Chihuahua loves being the center of attention and will do almost anything to get it. This is a very smart little dog that, without proper training, can be very manipulative. Their temperament can be reflective of their environment and the care you provide. If you want a very loving Chihuahua that is very social, well-behaved and accepted among friends, family and other guests, spoil them to your heart’s content. Early training is necessary as well. All that loving, socializing and training will provide for a very happy, affectionate Chihuahua that, by no means deserves the bad rap through reputation that they have been given. Just love your little Chi and others will as well.

http://www.chiwawadog.com/temperament.html

http://www.petplace.com/dog-breeds/chihuahua-long-and-smooth-coat.aspx


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