Bad Owners Create Bad Reps for Chihuahuas

Maisey does not have to be the exception as a “good” Chihuahua. With respect and proper training, Chihuahuas are wonderful companions. But, here’s how bad owners create negative perceptions of these poor breeds.

If you ever find yourself perusing the kennel-lined halls of an animal shelter, more than likely, the majority of dogs will be either pit bull and Chihuahua mixes. But why is this? 

Unfortunately, certain dog breeds have garnered negative stereotypes and smeared the public’s perception of them. Whether or not these stereotypes have any merit behind them, they inevitably cause harm to these dogs.

Sadly, I am sure most of you will not be shocked to hear that dogs labeled as pit bulls have the highest shelter population and rate of euthanasia. This is according to a Washington Post article, and it is mostly attributed to bad owners.

Bad Owners Creating Bad Reps

There is so much nuance on pit bull pups, and I do not have personal experience with them, so I will refer you to pit bull advocates to learn more about their stereotypes. Instead, this piece will focus on another stigmatized breed, the Chihuahua.

What may surprise you is Chihuahuas hold the second-highest rate of euthanasia. According to Compassion Without Borders, their population surpasses pit bull breeds in some parts of California, making up 50-60% of the homeless dog population.

Yappy, feisty, aggressive, evil, and ankle-biters are all terms you have probably heard (or used yourself) to describe Chihuahuas. As a Chihuahua owner, I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten comments from people. “Normally, I hate Chihuahuas, but yours is pretty nice.”

But why do people view Chihuahuas so negatively? Gabriela Hanson, senior criminal justice and psychology double major said she has had a bad interaction with an aggressive Chihuahua before but has had numerous good experiences with Chihuahuas.

“Chihuahuas are typically viewed as aggressive, but that isn’t the case for most Chihuahuas,” Hanson said. “Due to improper training and support by the owner, the dog is limited to the knowledge that could either better their behavior or worsen it.”

A Big Issue with Chihuahuas is their Owners

In the early 2000s, carrying Chihuahuas in purses became a fad created by “Legally Blonde” and further popularized by Hollywood stars such as Paris Hilton. “Paris Hilton Syndrome” made people want Chihuahuas, believing that they could just be carried around all day as fashion accessories. 

According to a Mercury News article, the demand for Chihuahuas skyrocketed, and puppy mills began mass-producing the hot commodity. However, as with all trends, they faded out of popularity. 

But unlike the out-of-date scarf that lives in the depths of your closet. Chihuahuas are living creatures that need to be cared for even after they are no longer “fashionable.”

“People discovered that they’re not just some keychain in bags and that they’re, in fact… dogs. Dogs bite, pee, and need training. And like other untrained dogs, they became aggressive and stubborn,”.

As with any dog, they are bound to act out when their mental and physical needs are unmet. 

Proper Care for Chihuahuas

Although Chihuahuas do not have the exact exercise requirements as, say, a border collie, they still need to go on walks. They need to explore their environment, sniff, socialize, and have enrichment. 

When they are being carried around 24/7, they do not get that opportunity. Which can cause them to become reactive.

When you think of a Chihuahua’s attitude, the phrase “little dog syndrome” likely comes to mind.

“I think Chihuahuas are sometimes seen as aggressive depending on the dog’s attitude and atmosphere.” Said senior kinesiology major Daniel Siwinski.

In reality, some Chihuahuas misbehave and act more significantly than they are because their boundaries are not respected. 

When a large dog growls, you know to back away and give it space. However, when a small dog warns that they are uncomfortable, people are more likely to disregard them because they cannot cause much physical damage, according to an article published in BMC Veterinary Research.

Chihuahuas are One of the Sweetest Breeds

“Aggressive behaviors preceding bites or bite attempts in the canine ‘ladder of aggression (e.g., stiffening up, staring, growling). It may be more likely to be ignored or not taken seriously in miniature breeds such as the Chihuahua. It is leading to escalation to more severe behaviors including snaps and bites,” according to the article.

Can you blame a dog for snapping after its boundaries are disrespected repeatedly to the point where they feel they need to resort to biting to be left alone?

Reluctantly, I will admit not all Chihuahuas are perfect angels (except for mine). I know people have had negative experiences with them. 

However, I feel the same can be said with any breed. The difference is that Chihuahuas are seldom trained like giant dogs. Do not blame the dog, and blame the owner.

Although he would personally never own one, Siwinski said he does not mind Chihuahuas and has not had any bad experiences with them, except that their barking can be annoying.

Bred to be Companions

I might be a little biased, but I believe Chihuahuas are one of the sweetest breeds. They were bred to be companions, making them highly loving and loyal. But like any dog, they need to be trained and socialized correctly; otherwise, they will exhibit behavior problems.

“[Chihuahuas are] a great dog choice for those fond of smaller dogs,” Hanson said. “With being so cute and comforting, a Chihuahua can become not only a support system but a great buddy to have around.”

This is not to say that you should go out and adopt a Chihuahua, and it is essential to remember that not every dog will fit your lifestyle, and it is a disservice to you and the dog if you are incompatible. 

Any dog lover will tell you that each breed and mix has its pros and cons. The best thing you can do for Chihuahuas (or any stigmatized breed) is not to perpetuate negative stereotypes and to do research before getting any pet.