Page 3 | Chihuahua owners

Blueberrymuffin40 · 2021-04-15T21:11:21+00:00

Any chihuahua owners? Looking for experiences.

Littlefluffyclouds13 · 19/04/2021 08:18

@WeAllHaveWings

Thankfully tiny dogs are not popular around here, where I walk anyway, but have met 2.

One was a little shit we met now and again that my lab was terrified of as it kept nipping and I had to have words with the owner to get it away from him before I launched it into orbit with my boot.

The other was a pack of 5 of the little shits offlead, they ran from their owner who was on the other side of an embankment to have a go at my lab, they were all noise thankfully and just circled us and barked constantly the whole 5 minutes it took her to get over to us to control them one or two had a firm tap with my boots while waiting for her, she thought it funny as they were tiny and my lab huge. She did not think it funny for long 🤬.

You sound nice

Littlefluffyclouds13 · 19/04/2021 08:23

I've got a chihuahua cross. She's adorable, very friendly, not at all yappy and the easiest pet I've ever owned.
My parents aren't dog people at all, yet they regularly 'borrow' mine as they love having her over to stay.

The only real problem with having a little dog, is the attitude of some other owners.
Yep, I'm looking at you @WeAllHaveWings
They do tend to think they're superior and are very patronising if, god forbid, my tiny dog is scared of their huge hound!

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Blueberrymuffin40 · 21/04/2021 23:23

Littlefluffyclouds13

Was thinking the same. What a delightful person.

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Blueberrymuffin40 · 21/04/2021 23:26

littlefluffyclouds13

Take no notice of other people. Looking forward to getting mine was going to leave it a few years but think it might be sooner.

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Blueberrymuffin40 · 21/04/2021 23:28

@BrownEyedGirl80

I have a 4 year old boy and my advice would be get yours neutered sooner rather than later as they do have a tenancy to mark especially if male.I absolutely adore my dog he's a hilarious,gorgeous buddle of love and we got him when ds was two.

Thank you. I'm glad too hear think I've had mostly positive feedback just negative from non owners

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Blueberrymuffin40 · 21/04/2021 23:32

@OnkasBigMoka

Before I get yelled at - I love dogs, including Chihuahuas - but from my experience they are hard work. To my mind they are almost like cats to a certain degree - they can be very loyal and loving, then within a split second highly territorial and aggressive and you'll never know what you do wrong.

They can be a nightmare around other dogs and as others have pointed out really fancy their chances against larger dogs and in one case I found - foxes.

They can also suffer from a number of health issues and they struggle to maintain heat in their bodies (brachycephalic) and can have problems with digestion.

Of course, it is very much a personal choice and to be fair when they are good they are really good.

Do you have a chihuahua?

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sweetkitty · 21/04/2021 23:34

We have one in the family and I think a lot of his behaviour is due to his owner point blank refusal to have him neutered, he’s a complete sex pest. He’s always trying to hump out large spayed female dogs ankle but when she turns round to sniff or play with him he goes for her. He jumps us probably as he smells her off of us, he humps cuddly toys. Poor things is frustrated. Outside he barks at every dog. Ok with people but I do worry with the kids as he’s just do small and delicate his little skull and legs are so fragile.

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Blueberrymuffin40 · 21/04/2021 23:35

@Soubriquet

I’ve got two!

They are fab little dogs, love my children and will happily walk for miles but dog friendly they are not.

They wouldn’t attack them (I don’t think) but they do fob off at them. A lot.

I don’t let them interact with other dogs because I can’t guarantee how they will act.

I love them though and wouldn’t change them

Beautiful

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OnkasBigMoka · 22/04/2021 00:11

@Blueberrymuffin40 I used to - he passed away a few years back.

TheHoneyBadger · 22/04/2021 08:33

Just to reiterate if you get a boy neuter ASAP.

SignMyStookie · 22/04/2021 08:56

I would love to have one but they're so small and delicate I'd be a nervous wreck all the time.

They can be ferocious though, I once got surrounded by a pack of them (5 or 6) running around my ankles and yapping at me. It reminded me of the scene from Jurassic Park when the guy gets killed by all the wee cute dinosaurs 😂

My friend has a Chi x Pug and he looks like a pug but all his actions and mannerisms are definitely Chihuahua. I'm terrified of him 😳🤣

RogueRebel · 22/04/2021 09:11

Chihuahua owner here,

Cons

Nightmare to housetrain! I have two my mums has 3 and anyone else I've know has had the same problem. Especially when raining!

They do like to bark - chihuahuas are ranch dogs in Mexico so are bred to chase off larger animals - they are usually in a pack

You can't have just one - I find they do better in multiples

Pros

Very loving - they love to be on laps, as soon as anyone sits down they are on your lap.

Big personality - tiny dogs with big personalities one of mine loves to dress up - gets super excited when he sees a jumper or a costume and will put his own head in the outfit.

They can walk for hours or go without - I find they aren't bothered or going to tear your house up if it's horrid weather or you are sick and can't get them out for a walk where as other breeds really do need to get out everyday.

Excellent family pets - all the chihuahuas I know have been brilliant with children especially my ASD daughter.

Cost - daily costs are low compared to many breeds, food bills are lower, no need for groomers, apart from luxating Patella issues health issues are very low compared to some breeds.

They do like to shiver but this could be cold or excitement.

I would recommend this breed every time but if getting a puppy classes are a must! They can be very headstrong and need to be socialised properly to reduce the barking while out walking.

Leonberger · 22/04/2021 10:05

MIL has 3.

They all bark all the time. If you stand up to go to the toilet they follow you barking. Sometimes they just bark for no reason at all.
None of them are house trained despite lots of trying. One comes in from outside and pisses on the floor.
They are all highly dog aggressive and cause hell when waking past another dog in the street. It’s so wrong but because they are small people just laugh
They are all older now, stink and have about 2 teeth between them but still try and bite you anyway if you push your luck

My friend also has 5. Again, not house trained, dog aggressive and bark constantly to the point her neighbours have complained!

Not for me but I suppose the world would be boring if we all liked the same thing!

TheHoneyBadger · 22/04/2021 10:13

Doesn't sound like their owners have much sense adding more dogs when they haven't even trained the first one. Mine never barks at family or friends only people he thinks are a threat and he certainly wouldn't be allowed to be out lose when guests were here if he behaved in the way you are describing.

Those are owner problems not breed problems. Small dogs can have a tendency to find themselves living with idiots who don't understand that they are dogs.

TheHoneyBadger · 22/04/2021 10:13

loose

Original poster

Blueberrymuffin40 · 22/04/2021 10:56

@TheHoneyBadger

Just to reiterate if you get a boy neuter ASAP.

If I did obviously I would but prefer females

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Blueberrymuffin40 · 22/04/2021 10:57

@SignMyStookie

I would love to have one but they're so small and delicate I'd be a nervous wreck all the time.

They can be ferocious though, I once got surrounded by a pack of them (5 or 6) running around my ankles and yapping at me. It reminded me of the scene from Jurassic Park when the guy gets killed by all the wee cute dinosaurs 😂

My friend has a Chi x Pug and he looks like a pug but all his actions and mannerisms are definitely Chihuahua. I'm terrified of him 😳🤣

Great help thanks

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XelaM · 22/04/2021 11:00

@Blueberrymuffin40 It appears you only want to hear positive stories. They are very cute (especially the long-haired ones) but can have difficult personalities. It's luck of the draw if your Chi will be an angel or a bitey little devil like some of them are.

Original poster

Blueberrymuffin40 · 22/04/2021 11:01

@RogueRebel

Chihuahua owner here,

Cons

Nightmare to housetrain! I have two my mums has 3 and anyone else I've know has had the same problem. Especially when raining!

They do like to bark - chihuahuas are ranch dogs in Mexico so are bred to chase off larger animals - they are usually in a pack

You can't have just one - I find they do better in multiples

Pros

Very loving - they love to be on laps, as soon as anyone sits down they are on your lap.

Big personality - tiny dogs with big personalities one of mine loves to dress up - gets super excited when he sees a jumper or a costume and will put his own head in the outfit.

They can walk for hours or go without - I find they aren't bothered or going to tear your house up if it's horrid weather or you are sick and can't get them out for a walk where as other breeds really do need to get out everyday.

Excellent family pets - all the chihuahuas I know have been brilliant with children especially my ASD daughter.

Cost - daily costs are low compared to many breeds, food bills are lower, no need for groomers, apart from luxating Patella issues health issues are very low compared to some breeds.

They do like to shiver but this could be cold or excitement.

I would recommend this breed every time but if getting a puppy classes are a must! They can be very headstrong and need to be socialised properly to reduce the barking while out walking.

Thank you. Yes puppy classes are my intention. Seen a chihuahua that was 18! Also a upside.

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Blueberrymuffin40 · 22/04/2021 11:03

[quote XelaM]@Blueberrymuffin40 It appears you only want to hear positive stories. They are very cute (especially the long-haired ones) but can have difficult personalities. It's luck of the draw if your Chi will be an angel or a bitey little devil like some of them are.[/quote]
Not at all. I want positive stories for people that actually own them nothing wrong with that, it is my thread after all.

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Original poster

Blueberrymuffin40 · 22/04/2021 11:04

from

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SignMyStookie · 22/04/2021 11:09

@Blueberrymuffin40 You're welcome

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Blueberrymuffin40 · 22/04/2021 11:10

[quote Wolfiefan]@Crammingitallin that’s awful. I’m so sorry. Is your dog ok?
Absolutely not mine. Mine are giant breeds and so I’ve taken extra special care with socialisation and training. They are really well behaved and hide behind me if anything does kick off. Managed a careful hello today with a reactive dog who ended up wagging its tail when mine were quiet and polite with it.
I think the issue we have had with chis is so many people with really small dogs don’t see aggressive etc behaviour as an issue as the dog is so small. Very rarely meet a lovely, friendly and sociable one. I’m really wary. [/quote]
Big breeds? Irish wolfhounds?

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Wolfiefan · 22/04/2021 13:14

@Blueberrymuffin40 yes. I have two.

Yellowfish2020 · 25/04/2021 14:14

I have the most incredible chihuahua who I love more that anything in the world! She is the most gentle, loyal and sweet animal I have ever ever known and absolutely not the typical thing you 'hear about'. I'm trying to work out at the moment if I should get another (for her benefit), but right now she's my absolute shadow. They are more 'trainable' than people say, and she rarely, rarely barks (last time was a cat in the garden, never at people). She's the sweetest little soul and whilst she's the only chihuahua I've owned, I'm 100% sold on the breed from this experience