Do chihuahuas typically growl at people?

They tend to be rather high-strung, and they will react to strange people, strange noises, etc.

Mine, however, was not merely at ease but very affectionate once he knew everything was cool.

The typical *untrained and unsocialized* Chihuahua is quite feisty and will growl and/or nip at strangers.

My little guy is in the lap of anyone that sits on the couch. He befriends all of my visitors, and is crazy about my 3 year old granddaughter.

So many people have told me they never liked Chihuahuas until they met Paco.

As in any other breed, it is up to the owner to train and socialize their dog. Many Chi owners think it is cute when the little guy acts aggressive, and let him get away with it. They aren't doing the dog or the breed any favors.

You will hear it concerning any of the controversial breeds,, "Its the owner, not the breed".

Dogs just reflect the owner's laziness, ignorance or lack of responsibility. ,

No i do not think your dog was abused. If he/she was, they would run & hide And shy away when you try to pet him/her.

Chihuahuas are not all mean. Just like any other dog, it depends on how they are raised & if they are babied to much. Not socializing them & acting like they are a baby will give you an aggressive Chihuahua. I know several dogs of this breed & have pers. witnessed it. I would start your dog in a basic training class and then go from there. :)

Possibly was, yes there are snappy chi's, but I've seen a lot of sweet cute little ones, that wouldn't hurt a fly, it's all how you raise them, if you socalise them, and train them, they won't be growly and nippy. There is a possibilty your dog was abused, and there is a possibility it's just from not being socalised and what not, you'll never know. Get your dog into training and socalising and hopefully there will be an improvement in your dogs behaviour.

P.S don't let your dog get away with growling because it's little.

chihuahuas are known to be aggressive. but it depends on how the person has treated or trained it. there are many other reasons why your chihuahua is the way it is. maaaybe it has been physically abused, or maybe the previous handler carried it to much. if chihuahuas are scared or are just spoiled and are picked up a lot, they will take this as a sign that it is okay to be aggressive. people often stereotype chihuahuas and it gets annoying but maybe you can train it so it will not be the way it is anymore

As you can see in my picture, I have a chi too! My dog only growls at people that she dosen't know. But, my chihuahua IS pretty mean.

only ones that have had little or no training and socialization. Chihuahuas are not mean dogs, quite the contrary if brought up right.

Chihuahuas may feel threaten because of it's size and constantly remains and appears to be aggressive.

LOL,Chihuahuas are big dogs in small packages! They are very feisty and will attempt to protect their masters no matter who they might be taking on! They are ankle-biters for sure!

hell mine is just a jack russell/pomeranian mix that LOOKS like a chihuahua and to hear her growl you'd swear she was gonna eat you alive. There are five pits next door that are terrified of her.