What are your personal experiences with chihuahuas?

We currently have a shih tzu/bichon frise mix, and we're looking at getting him a playmate toward the end of the year when we move from an apartment to a house. We've encountered a couple of chihuahuas lately and rather like the little guys, but I'd love to hear from people who have owned them and have more experience with the breed. I know socialization at a young age makes a big difference as to whether they tolerate other dogs and humans later in life.

Dragonfly2007-02-22T09:39:38Z

Favorite Answer

They are very energetic dogs, so if your dog isn't very energetic then you may want to look for a calmer dog for him to play with. They also play very rough, we had a cat who was more than twice the size of our chihuahua (he is a very large cat) and the two of them would play fight all the time. He leaves our other dog alone most of the time because he knows the other dog doesn't want to play, though sometimes he still tries to enourage him to play fight. Mine loves other people and wants to walk up and see anyone that is nearby. He barks at other dogs, but I think it is only because he learned to do so from our other dog. I wouldn't say he is really yappy though, he barks at other dogs and occassionally when he hears things outside, but otherwise is pretty quite.

Anonymous2007-02-22T08:51:30Z

"I know socialization at a young age makes a big difference as to whether they tolerate other dogs and humans later in life." that's a great attitude to have for chihuahua's are independant, territorial and mostly only socialized to immediate family. I know 4 chi's total, 2 live down the block and terrorize everyone and run at my dog when I walk by, they've even tried to bite me. One other hates people or other dogs in her yard but warms up more quickly and the forth attended doggie daycare from a pup and got used to all kinds of people and dogs and I would say he's the best little chi I've ever met. After you find one you like, take your dog to meet the chi also, NOT on your property. A neutral territory is best. Good luck.

Fang2007-02-22T09:22:03Z

i have a male (1yr old) and a female (8 mo old) chihuahua as well as two dachshunds. I've had the chihuahuas since they were 3 months old. I have no problem whatsover with my 4 dogs as far as them existing with each other. I guess it helped that they were 'put together' at a young age so they basically grew up almost at the same time. They might 'fight/play rough' with each other but this is normal in a multiple dog household. Chihuahuas are also territorial and yappy but other than that, they are indeed, adorable and easy to take care of

hih72007-02-22T09:45:19Z

We have a chihuahua/pomeranian mix. We got him as a puppy a couple of years ago as a companion to our elderly dog. They get along just fine. Last year we added a husky to the mix, and all 3 dogs get along great. He is very friendly with new people and new dogs. We have not many chihuahua-related problems - he's not yappy, but he is loyal (he will bark at the neighbor's dog if he sees it). He's not afraid of anything at all. It did take almost a year to house-break him, which I have heard is a chihuahua trait, but he is now fully house-broken.

Anonymous2007-02-22T08:57:57Z

i have too teacup chihuahuas and an american bulldog my male chihuahua is the most loyal dog ever!! but get a puppy bc then it will be able to get use to having a friend and the will prob be best freinds unless you shih tzu thing gets jealous

Show more answers (8)