Is the Chihuahua dangerous?

Some people say that Chihuahuas are more dangerous than Pit Bulls...!? So is that really the case and are they dangerous little dogs ?

Keep reading, we’ll tell you everything in 7 points about your favorite pup's behavior in this new blog post 😉!

Are Chihuahuas Dangerous?

Chihuahuas are not inherently dangerous or aggressive.

Like all dogs, they can pick up bad habits or become aggressive due to inadequate care, a lack of training, or mistreatment.

To have a well-behaved Chihuahua, you need to understand the reasons for their aggression, and we are going to explore them below!

1. Chihuahuas are Naturally Suspicious

 

One of the most common causes of aggression in Chihuahuas is fear. They are generally wary of new people and new animals.

This natural suspicion is a survival instinct. The presence of a new person or animal could pose a threat.

Suspicion is a personality trait inherent to your pet. The important thing is to teach them not to express it through aggression.  

A fearful dog might not show their teeth or growl to warn the victim. In such a situation, the only warning is the dog’s fearful posture and their attempts to retreat.

It is essential to learn what your Chihuahua does before they become aggressive. This will help you identify when they are about to act out, though rarely when they are puppies. 😜

2. Chihuahuas are Protective

 

Chihuahuas can be both protective and territorial. This is closely linked to their natural suspicion.

All dogs, regardless of breed, can take on the role of "protector." This is sometimes referred to as the "leader" or "alpha."

Your Chihuahua will take on the role of protector if they feel you need protection. It is essential to show that you are the one protecting them!

Obedience training is an excellent way to teach your Chihuahua that you are the boss.

It is essential to get your dog to listen to you and not react to other stimuli; the more your dog listens to you, the more they will trust you. 😊

👉 Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement training is much more effective than punishment.

Warning: It is important to never physically punish your little dog. This will only teach them to be wary of you, and that is not what you want... 

Focus instead on teaching (training, education) and rewarding good habits. Teach them words like "no" and "bad" when your Chihuahua disobeys.

Focus on correction, not punishment. If you encounter many difficulties training your little love or in the event of serious aggression, consult your veterinarian or a specialized canine behaviorist.

3. The Chihuahua is a Loyal Little Dog

 

Once you have gained your Chihuahua's trust and cooperation, they will be loyal; however:

In this dog breed, loyalty can quickly turn into territorial aggression.

Socialization helps minimize a territorial attitude and will also help manage their suspicion.

Your pup needs to be open to new people, new animals, and new places, otherwise, they will struggle to accept novelty at home.

There are many ways to socialize your little companion:

- Schedule playdates.

- Take them for walks in popular neighborhoods.

- Take them to dog parks with enclosures for small dogs.

- Take them to restaurants with dog-friendly terraces.

- Introduce them regularly to friends, family members, and other dog breeds.

Besides socialization, you can also set boundaries, for example, not allowing your dog to approach others before you do.

Ask them to sit and stay when answering the door.

You are the one in charge who sets the rules 😇 NOT THEM.

 

4. Chihuahuas have "Small Dog Syndrome"

Your Chihuahua is not fragile and wants to prove it to you! 

Small dog syndrome is defined as follows:

"A set of behaviors displayed by small dogs, behaviors that have the effect of overcoming the deficits caused by their small size."

Here are some examples of these behaviors:

- Pulling on the leash.

- Stubbornness.

- Reactive barking.

- Jumping on people.

- Excessive growling.

- Confrontational attitude.

But fortunately...

Small dog syndrome can quickly become a thing of the past thanks to training and good socialization.

It all comes back to showing your Chihuahua that you are the protector and the leader! 😉

Here are some keys to teaching better habits to your Chihuahua and making them less aggressive:

- Patience

- Repetition

- Perseverance

Establishing a daily training routine can do wonders. Plus, it gives your little companion an activity they can look forward to every day! 🐶

5. Chihuahuas are Communicative

 

Aggression is often a sign of poor training or a lack of instruction.

However, your pup might be aggressive as a means of communication.

A dog cannot express themselves the same way as a human, and when they are in pain, they must find a way to let us know (like barking 😜).

Dogs usually warn us of pain by whining (barking), and sometimes we misinterpret these signals and touch or aggravate the painful area.

And that can cause our dogs to lash out at us.

It is important not to leave your Chihuahua's aggression unanswered. It is also important not to teach our dogs that communicating pain is bad.

In this case, a visit to your vet is the best solution.

If you cannot get to a vet immediately, try to calm your little furball by petting them in other areas (you will need their ultimate trust to investigate further).

Regarding aggression, scold them firmly but calmly. Remember that they are acting out of pain, not disobedience.

6. The Chihuahua has Mood Swings

 

Chihuahuas may be fierce, but they are also sensitive creatures. 🥰

Chihuahuas are intelligent and very aware of their environment. Changes in their environment can trigger mood swings.

This can include:

- New smells.

- New or loud noises.

- Rearranging the furniture.

- The absence of a person or animal they are used to.

Just like humans, Chihuahuas can react negatively to change. This can translate into aggressive or depressed mood swings.

Chihuahuas are homebodies.

When a change occurs, it is important to help them acclimatize.

If your dog feels depressed, a little extra attention or a special treat here and there can help, and don't forget a long walk—it will always do them good (and you too).

Any health problem can also lead to mood swings in your Chihuahua and make them more agitated.

You should be aware of mood swings that have no apparent cause:

- Lack of focus.

- Loss of appetite.

- Excessive licking.

- Irregular bowel movements.

Of course, if you think your four-legged love is suffering from a health issue, contact your vet promptly for a physical exam.

7. The Chihuahua is Not a Fan of Teasing

Teasing Chihuahuas can be a funny practice, especially when they have original and dramatic reactions.

And you know it well... It is easy to take things too far and upset or make your dog angry on purpose... 😅

It is unfair to them! No one likes to be teased relentlessly.

Furthermore, if you push them too far and then punish them, it will only teach them to fear you.

Therefore, training your dog will be even more difficult...

Chihuahuas do not have the same reasoning capacity as humans and cannot understand a joke the same way you do.

Here are some examples of bad teasing:

- Blowing in their face.

- Poking or touching them repeatedly.

- Offering them treats and then snatching them away.

There are many ways to play with Chihuahuas, and deliberately making them angry should not be one of them.

A good alternative to teasing is teaching your Chihuahua to play games! They will be thrilled! 😊

Final Note

Aggression in Chihuahuas is no laughing matter, but forget about a muzzle for your dog.

However, your little dog does not deserve this bad reputation! They can be just as obedient and gentle as any other dog. 🥰

Good canine training with patience is essential to ensure your adorable Chihuahua's zen.

🙌 Remember these five essential points:

1) Monitor bad behavior and reward obedience.

2) Teach your dog that you are their protector.

3) Socialize your Chihuahua from a young age.

4) Be attentive to times when they may be sick or in pain.

5) Always treat your companion with respect, even when they are playing with their favorite toy.

Walking your dog often while establishing healthy habits and routines will make your beloved Chihuahua's life more pleasant!

- The Teckelshop Team - We are fans of Dachshunds but remain in love with all canine breeds 💚🐶