KIDS AND CHIHUAHUAS
It is fair to say that most owners will agree that Chihuahuas and young children do not mix very well. While this generally refers to very young kids it may often also refer to older ones as well. It mainly depends on the Chihuahua.
The fact is Chihuahuas are pretty much like small children themselves. They find it difficult to put up with other pets unless they are also Chihuahuas. They are intolerant of young children and, depending on the dog, they may even get very jealous of human relationships. However this latter behavior is normally restricted to Chihuahuas that have formed a very strong bond with their owners.
It is not a good idea to bring a Chihuahua into a home where small children are present. If you have children and a Chihuahua you will need to teach the child to respect the dog. It is unlikely that the Chihuahua will change its personality and it certainly will not have any idea about rules regarding his interactions with the child.
You will have to teach your child not to handle the Chihuahua, and to understand the warnings the dog will give him or her. If your child is bitten by the Chihuahua it will probably be due to the child’s actions. Chihuahuas are well known for their snappiness, but that snappiness only occurs when they sense a threat to themselves, their territory or someone they love.
You should never leave a Chihuahua and a child alone together. Kids over the age of 11 or 12 rarely have problems with a Chihuahua in the house, but younger children nearly always do. This makes Chihuahuas excellent pets for people who have older children or no children.
