I am a proud Chihuahua owner that likes to inform others about the pros and cons of this breed. Let’s get to know more about Chihuahua temperament.
The Chihuahua’s Temperament and Personality
The Chihuahua is probably one of the most misunderstood breeds in existence. Small in physique but extremely large in personality, they’re complicated creatures, and that first impression can thoroughly confuse prospective owners. Some are handsome, and many aren’t so pleasant to the eye, but either way, the Chihuahua temperament can bring plenty of laughs.
I have owned Chihuahuas since 2001, and I want to share some things with you: the good, bad, and ugly.
The Good
- They’re Small: The main reason for wanting a Chihuahua is its small size. There are several reasons why I love their little statures. Because they can almost fit in your pocket, Chihuahuas are much more portable, economical, and convenient than other breeds.
- They’re Cheaper to Feed: A large bag of premium dog food will last many months. I never once found myself purchasing dog food more than twice per year.
- They’re Great Watch Dogs: The Chihuahua’s temperament makes them excellent watchdogs, too. They have this uncanny ability to hear strangers and other dogs long before they are even in your vicinity. I am sure this has much to do with their ears, which seem to take up at least 20% of their bodies.
- They’re Healthy: You’ll also like their health and vitality. They rarely have health problems and live an average of 10 years.
The Bad
- They’re Fragile: The flip side to the Chihuahua’s small stature is its fragility. They are easily overlooked, so if you’re not extra careful, you can easily hurt or step on them. Often when I am in the kitchen, our Chi sits and waits patiently for food to fall. The breed is usually swift but not fast enough to dodge shuffling feet. You have to make the extra effort to be mindful of the Chihuahua’s presence. Their bone structure is very delicate.
They Have Sensitive Stomachs: The Chihuahua has a susceptible digestive system. It won’t take much for your little family member to get sick if not fed a healthy diet. Unlike many other breeds, Chihuahuas can’t eat everything leftover from your table. Oily, spicy, and fatty foods should be kept to a minimum if not avoided. Dog food makers like Royal Canin make breed-specific mixes, so give them a look. And if you feel like spoiling your dog, meats like lamb and fish make good treats.
The Ugly
- They’re Not Good With Little Kids: The Chihuahua temperament does not mix well with small children, and this breed will not tolerate rambunctious and carefree kids. Children younger than six will typically get bitten and growled at. At that stage, they usually want to grab and pick up the cute little dog, unaware of how big its personality and fragile its bones are.
- They Need People to Respect Their Comfort Zone: There have been times when I’ve even seen a Chihuahua get agitated by kids just running around close to it. They are a sweet breed but get cranky when their comfort zone is jeopardized.
- They Don’t Really Like Other People in General: Chihuahuas probably won’t be fond of your friends and family. Don’t get me wrong—they will tolerate new faces, but they are “one person” dogs and will be a little suspicious of anyone else but you. This could not be lovely for those that like to parade around with their dog, particularly at dog parks. This aspect of the Chihuahua temperament will frustrate most, and you practically have to be a hermit or a loner. If you don’t get out much, your Chihuahua will love it!
- Even After Socialization, They Still Want Their Owner: Even if you put the time in to socialize them from birth, they still grow up dependent upon only you, the owner. Chihuahuas are far more comfortable being alone with their owners, and a simple warm lap will do.
The Chihuahua Is the Best Breed I’ve Ever Owned.
The Chihuahua breed is one of the best I have ever owned, regardless of the bad stuff. To me, its loyalty and overall loving nature outweigh its negative traits. You may not be able to take visits to the beach often with your Chihuahua or even play catch with it, but if you keep your little guy or gal healthy and happy, it’s sure to provide you with a long life of quality companionship.
Questions & Answers
Question: Where did you get your info on Chihuahua lifespan? We have had them for over 25 years, and none of ours have lived less than 13, but most have lived 14 – 16. Several have been around 17, and 1 was 18 1/2.
Answer: This was based on our family’s personal experiences.
