For those of you who keep asking "How do I know my Chihuahua loves me?", we've put together a list that details everything you need to know to keep your Chihuahua happy and in love with you.
How Do I Know My Chihuahua Loves Me?
If you’ve been out for a while and come through the door to an excitable Chihuahua jumping up at you, that’s a clear sign that your Chihuahua loves you. But aside from the obvious, what else should you be looking out for?
1. They Have a "Smile"
Happy Chihuahuas will often relax their mouth, lips, and tongues to give you what looks like a happy grin. It’s a face twitch where their lips curl up, their eyes soften, and their tongue pops out. Almost like smiling!
2. Their Bottom Wiggles & Tail Wags
Chihuahuas will wag their tails when they are in the mood. You will also notice how they love to wiggle their bum, which is a clear sign of a Chihuahua being comfortable and happy around you.
If you come home through your door to be greeted by a shuffling, butt-wiggling pooch, you can be sure that your Chihuahua loves you and is as happy as Larry.
3. They Give You The Puppy Eyes
Chihuahua have some of the most expressive faces of any dog breed, and not just because of their unique appearance. Like all dogs, they can give you the classic puppy dog eyes, which is a sign of a happy Chihuahua. But why do dogs do this?
There’s actually some science behind it. Apparently, dogs have developed the ability to make your heart melt with a simple gaze as part of their domestic evolution. It’s a response behavior as dogs know it triggers a positive response in humans.
Happy dogs will relax their eyes, and angry and scared dogs will narrow their eyes. So, if you see those soft Chihuahua eyes, you know yours is happy and loves you.
4. They Show No Aggression
Unhappy Chihuahuas will be aggressive and will show their teeth any chance they get. Whilst they might be small, they can still snarl, put their ears back slightly, and act defensively.
However, it's crucial to note that Chihuahua aggression can also manifest due to fear or discomfort. Just like humans, Chihuahuas have their unique thresholds for stress or fear. So, if your Chihuahua appears unusually aggressive, it might not always signify unhappiness—rather, they could be scared or uncomfortable.
This might stem from a plethora of factors including a sudden change in their environment, unfamiliar situations, or even specific objects or individuals. Getting to the root cause of aggression helps not only improve your understanding of your furry friend but can also enhance their overall well-being and happiness.
5. They Have a Relaxed Body
Loving and happy Chihuahuas will be relaxed, and you will visibly see this in their body. If you have ever seen one of those Chihuahua happy dances where their whole body starts wiggling, you will know what we mean.
A rigid, tense body is a sign that your pooch is uncomfortable or stressed. Their posture may become stiff and their movements robotic or cautious. You may notice their fur standing on end, their tail held rigidly (either out or tucked under), and their ears pinned back against their head.
All these are indications of the Chihuahua experiencing stress. If you notice these signs, it's important to figure out what's causing their discomfort and try to address it effectively. Ensuring a safe, stress-free environment will keep your pup's tail wagging!
6. They're Very Playful
Playful Chihuahuas are happy Chihuahuas. If you have a Chihuahua who doesn’t want to play, then chances are they're not very happy with their surroundings.
It’s also one of the best signs to look for to see if your Chihuahua loves you. They will come up to you and try to initiate a game of play; that could be fetch, ball, tug of war, tickles, you name it.
However, at times, this refusal to play can be symptomatic of an underlying health problem or discomfort in your pup. If you notice that your Chihuahua is persistently evading play or approach it with less enthusiasm than usual, it's advisable to consult with a veterinary expert promptly for a thorough check-up.
7. They Don't Lash Out
Unhappy Chihuahuas can be very destructive, especially when their separation anxiety is triggered. When stressed and sad they will chew, bite, and destroy anything in sight. Dogs thrive on human company, so being left home alone can have a huge impact on the way they behave.
If you are out at work, or even away from home for a couple of hours, you might come back to a scene of destruction. This can include barking, digging holes, chewing, tearing, ripping, and other unwanted behaviors.
To mitigate this, and to make your Chihuahua love you more, make sure you keep your Chihuahua active and exercised, play with them, and consider how long you might be leaving them home alone.
8. They Have a Healthy Appetite
One of the most significant indicators of a happy Chihuahua is a healthy appetite. Chihuahuas have a reputation for being picky eaters, so when you see your little furry friend eagerly eating their dog food, that's a sure sign they're happy.
Dogs who lose their appetite, act lethargic and are reluctant to play usually show signs of depression. Your Chihuahua puppy should be eating three small meals a day, whereas an adult should eat twice daily.
However, it's essential to keep in mind that changes in appetite can also be a possible indicator of illness or dental issues, not just unhappiness. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to ensure your Chihuahua is healthy and happy.
9. They Stick Their Tongue Out
Whilst there is a condition called hanging tongue which can result from neurological defects, a little tongue poking out can also signal happiness for your Chi.
You might notice this behavior most often while your Chihuahua is asleep. Their tongues poking out are almost always signs that the pup is completely relaxed and in a happy state.
10. They Have a Healthy Coat
A healthy coat means a happy dog. A healthy-looking coat is usually a sign that everything is alright with your Chihuahua.
On the flip side, a stressed-out Chihuahua can lose their hair. Signs to look out for include flaky skin, obvious signs of hair loss, and excessive scratching. If you do see this, it’s unlikely that your Chihuahua is happy and content.
While indicators such as hair loss, flaky skin, or excessive scratching can suggest that your Chihuahua could be stressed or unhappy, it's essential to take note that these signs might also signify underlying health issues.
11. They Follow You Around
Chihuahuas lean towards you because they trust you to keep them safe and protect them from any possible threats. It's a beautiful display of their affection and reliance on you, further strengthening your bond.
When you have earned your Chihuahua's trust, you'll notice that they will not only lay on you but also follow you everywhere; even if you just shift on the couch.
New Chihuahuas soon become very attached to their owners and will fall in love with them quickly - as long as they give the security Chihuahuas need. If they get needy and clingy, that's another bonus for those whose love language is physical touch!
12. They Give You Chihuahua Kisses
How do I know if my Chihuahua loves me? Could it be any clearer than with a big sloppy kiss?
Chihuahuas show affection to their owners by getting their noses and mouths up close to theirs and doing their best version of a kiss. It’s not a lip thing. Instead, they get their face right into yours and do some rapid-fire sniffing or licking.
But, play safe with this one. You don’t really want to encourage your Chihuahua to lick your mouth, even though it's a clear sign of them loving you.
13. They Bring You Their Toys
If your Chihuahua keeps bringing toys to you, it’s their way of showing you love and affection. And if it’s your Chihuahua’s favorite toy, you can’t get a better validation of their love.
This is their way of wanting to play with you, but also showing that you are the leader of their pack. By offering you their favorite toys, it means they trust you to be responsible for their favorite possessions.
When Chihuahuas present their favorite toys to their owners, it is not just a simple act. It can suggest various things such as their desire to engage in play, their requirement for attention, or simply demonstrating their love and affection.
14. They Yawn Back at You
You must have seen a friend or family member yawning back at you when you started the chain reaction. Yawning when you see someone else do it is a biological response triggered by empathy, leading to contagious yawns.
However, a recent study explains that dogs also do this. But interestingly, they only tend to yawn back at their owners, and not strangers. Their empathy is reserved for the ones they love, and that's you!
If you do see your little dog yawning when you do, it's another clear sign that your Chihuahua loves you.
15. They Raise Their Eyebrows
Raised eyebrows aren't an easy sign to see, but they're a very subtle way for your Chihuahua to show that they love you. A study in Japan found that when owners walk into a room, their dog will raise their eyebrows almost instantly.
However, dogs don’t do this with strangers - only with their close humans. That means if you walk into your lounge and your Chihuahua looks at you and raises an eyebrow, he’s most likely happy and loves you unconditionally.
But don't forget, raised eyebrows can also signal curiosity or attentiveness in your Chihuahua. If something about you has piqued their interest, they might raise their eyebrows as they observe you.
16. They Want to Jump On You
I know we’re meant to train our dogs not to jump up, but this behavior is still one way in which your Chihuahua shows how affectionate they are towards you.
Whilst jumping up can be an adorable trait with a Chihuahua puppy, this behavior can be problematic as they get older. Considering that puppies learn best, that's when you should start teaching them to steer clear of this act.
17. They Playfully Roll Over
When a dog rolls onto his back and exposes his belly, it means they trust you as they make themselves vulnerable. This is classic submissive behavior that only secure and happy Chihuahuas will display.
So, if your Chihuahua rolls over in front of you and asks for a belly rub, it’s a sure sign they trust and love you. Plus, not to mention being in the throes of happiness!
18. They Let Out Little Sighs
Chihuahuas are known to make little noises that let you know they love you or they're in a very happy mood.
For example, there’s one sound that shows your Chihuahua is happy to be around you. It’s a little sigh of content. Some have compared it to a low moan, and it tends to happen when your Chihuahua is settling down to relax.
If your Chihuahua does this in your company, it means they feel safe and happy around you. And, with no worries or threats over them, you can rest assured that your Chihuahua definitely loves you for you.
Signs of a Depressed Chihuahua
Understanding your Chihuahua's emotions allows you to discern between a happy and a depressed state. Whenever you notice any change in your pet's behavior, it's essential not to ignore it.
But, what should you look for to determine if your Chihuahua could be suffering from depression? Here are some noticeable signs indicating that your furry friend might not be in their best mood:
- Growling and aggressive behavior
- Narrowed eyes
- Lack of appetite
- Increased panting
- Howling & whining
- Indoor urination & defecation
- Fearful behaviors like cowering & hiding
- Destructive behavior
- Overall disobedience
- Lack of interest in play
- Disturbed or irregular sleep patterns
- Prolonged sleep patterns
- Excessive licking of themselves
While these signs may indicate your Chihuahua is unhappy or depressed, it's important to note that not all of these behaviors should cause immediate panic.
Some Chihuahuas are naturally more lethargic or introverted than others. It doesn't necessarily mean they're unhappy, just that their personality is different.
Conclusion
Observing your Chihuahua's behavior, paying attention to small signals, and engaging with them regularly will empower you to deliver an enriching environment that ensures their ultimate satisfaction.
Keep in mind that your tiny friend can't tell you in words how they are feeling, so your understanding of their cues is crucial for their well-being.
