Chihuahuas are like French fries. It’s almost impossible to pick ‘just one of them. But do chihuahuas get along with other dogs?
Do Chihuahuas get along with other dogs?
Most Chihuahuas do not get along with other dogs, mainly because Chihuahuas tend to be snappy. Whether your Chihuahua will get along with other dogs or not depends if the Chihuahua has been socialized from early puppyhood.
You can do some things to help your Chihuahua get along with other dogs. Plus: there are also some exceptions.
Do Chihuahuas get along with small dogs?
Chihuahuas do fine with most small dog breeds, primarily if they have known the other dog since puppyhood.
It’s easier for a Chihuahua to associate with another toy breed.
Let’s discuss some small dog breeds.
#1: Do Chihuahuas get along with other Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas can get along very well with other Chihuahuas, and that’s why having more than one Chihuahua in a household is OK., and it's to leave them alone while away. When two Chihuahuas meet, one will likely drop in a bow and invite the other to play.
#2: Chihuahuas and Yorkies
In general, Chihuahuas do get along with Yorkies. They’re both small, and they’re not intimidated by each other.
#3: Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus
Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus are not among the most compatible breeds. That’s why you should be careful when you bring these two together, and it’s a must to supervise them.
#4: Chihuahuas and Pitbulls
Chihuahuas and Pitbulls don’t get along. It would help if you didn’t expose a Chihuahua to a pitbull because the Chihuahua will likely snap and end up hurt.
#5: Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs?
Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs can make great playmates because they usually get along just fine.
#6: Chihuahuas and Pomeranians?
Both Chihuahuas and Pomeranians have an attitude. They’re likely to get into a confrontation if left unsupervised or unleashed.
Do Chihuahuas get along with big dogs?
Usually, Chihuahuas don’t get along with big dogs. An exception is when both of the dogs have grown up together. Chihuahuas don’t realize how small they are and tend to be bossy. They can get along well if the Chihuahua is the alpha and the big dog is submissive.
Before introducing a big dog to your household and your Chihuahua, you should find out what personality the big dog has.
If you decide to adopt, the big dog mustn’t have a history of issues, so it’s worth checking their background. Ask the shelter how well the dog gets along with other dogs, cats, and kids.
Try to introduce both dogs on neutral grounds and look for any signs of aggression or tension.
Caution: When getting a giant dog, always do the work so you can socialize them with your Chihuahua. Please don’t assume it should be fine, and I hope for the best.
#7: Chihuahuas and German Shepherds
Most Chihuahuas do not get along with most German Shepherds, so it’s advisable to keep them apart from each other.
#8: Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers
The chances of Chihuahuas getting along with retrievers are 50-50. Although Golden Retrievers are friendly with a favorable attitude, they’re not a suitable companion for a Chihuahua.
#9: Chihuahuas and Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus don’t get along with Chihuahuas too well, and their size makes them suitable to play with other big energetic dogs. When a Shiba Inu tries to dominate a Chihuahua, they could hurt them.
#10: Chihuahuas and Labradors
Chihuahuas and Labradors get along OK. You can’t expect them to become best friends, but at least they won’t be in each other’s way.
Tips to make your Chihuahua get along with other dogs
I was walking my long-haired Chihuahua mix in Dog Park the other day when we met a short-haired Chihuahua. Probably because both dogs were female, the other Chihuahua snapped and tried to bite Lissa…
The owner apologized and said that her girl always does that. Hence, the lady was afraid to let her Chihuahua close to other dogs, and she stated her Chi has always been this way.
Well, if you want to avoid such development of events, here’s what you can do:
Tip #1: Obedience training
You want your Chihuahua to be obedient enough, so they don’t get into trouble and (worse) into danger.
You can enroll your Chihuahua in obedience training from an early age.
This will ensure you have a well-behaved little Chihuahua whom you’re not afraid of each time another dog approaches.
Tip #2: Mental and physical stimulation
Exercise your Chihuahua when you go out.
Don’t carry them around in a bag or hug them all the time. Please give them the ability to experience the world on their four feet; this will pay off.
Playing fetch and chasing around other dogs and vice versa will drain energy from your Chihuahua. That’s what you’d like to do before introducing a giant fellow dog to your petite Chi.
If your Chihuahua hasn’t appropriately exercised during the walk, it’s likely it’ll snap at another dog. They could also start destroying furniture or items at home.
Tip #3: Inform yourself before you get another dog
Getting a new furry family member is always exciting. But don’t get caught up in all the excitement just yet…
First, get to know what the potential new member is like. You can choose a breed that goes along well with Chihuahuas or get a mixed breed from a shelter.
Whatever you settle for, do your research beforehand.
Tip #4: Allow your Chihuahua to choose a dog
Sure, you want your Chi to get along with other dogs. But take us, people – we sense who we get along with. Then, we hang out.
Let your Chihuahua make their choice. As long as they don’t act snappy towards another dog, both dogs don’t need to be best friends.
If you’re on the search for a new canine housemate, introduce the two dogs together on neutral grounds and see how they get on.
This should be done while both dogs are leashed, and the distance between them should gradually decrease.
Tip #5: Don’t let your Chihuahua get away with snarling and gnarling
Many Chihuahua owners underestimate the ‘dog’ part in their toy dog. It’s easier to let a Chihuahua be aggressive towards other dogs if you think it’s cute.
If you do… think again. Not stopping this behavior toward other canines could lead to long-term behavioral issues.
These could hurt your Chihuahua when it snaps at a large dog in the dog park, on the street, or in your home.
Tip #6: Test your Chihuahua’s social skills
A great way to see how well your Chihuahua gets along with other dogs is to take it to a place with many dogs. This could be the dog park, the doggy daycare, or a garden where you gather with other dog people.
Observe if your Chihuahua reacts differently to bigger dogs than to smaller ones.
Refrain from letting your Chihuahua go unleashed near dogs they typically snap at.
Tip #7: Don’t leave a large dog unsupervised with your Chihuahua
Some large dogs could be the friendliest fluffballs you’ll ever meet. But they might still be a danger to your Chihuahua.
How?
Whether a dog is small or big, they all want to play.
So, an incident can happen in seconds, even if your Chihuahua gets along with a giant dog breed.
The result could even be death.
Some bigger dogs are not aware that they might hurt a smaller one. This means they can paw at your Chihuahua, jump on it, or even bite it (playfully).
A little danger is the big doggo stepping on your Chihuahua.
One of the biggest dangers, when a large dog jumps on your Chihuahua is that it can break its spine.
A bite from a big dog could fracture the Chihuahua’s skull even if the deed were not caused by violence.
This can happen with two dogs that have recently been introduced to each other and with life-long friends.
Tip #8: Introduce your Chihuahua to dogs of the opposite sex
One thing that could help while allowing your Chihuahua to get to know other dogs is to test their reactions to a dog of the opposite sex.
This will help reduce possible tension.
Tip #9: Meet your Chihuahua with dogs that have the same energy level
When your Chihuahua likes the other dog they meet, they can become playmates.
This works if the other dog has more or less the same energy level.
