First of all I want to thank the members of our Facebook group for contributing to this article by answering the question “What things have people said about Chihuahuas that really irritated you?”
By the way, if you haven’t joined our group, you should do so here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ilovemychihuahuaclub. I have to warn you though, it’s very active.
Here are the top things said to Chihuahua pet parents that really irritate them. See how many things you can relate to.
1-“Ankle Biter”
This was the number one thing heard by Chi owners. One lady replied “They actually go for the crotch first”. LOL
2-“That’s not a dog, it’s a rat”
This is the second most common comment heard. Not a nice thing to say, is it?
3. “That’s not a real dog”
Really? Well mine sure is a real dog.
4-“What IS that? Don’t you step on it?”
No, Chis are usually pretty good of getting out of the way but you do need to be careful.
5-“That’s a teacup isn’t it?”
This is something even Chi owners say. Officially, according the National Chihuahua Club of America there is no such thing as a teacup Chihuahua. It’s just a marketing term breeders use to sell puppies. Personally, I do believe they need to change that since there are some Chis that are especially tiny.
6-“Why would you have a dog that can’t protect you?”
Frankly, most of us get dogs for companionship, not protection. But if someone broke into my house, my 80 pound Bulldog-German Shepherd mix would go hide under the bed. My Chihuahua would attack the intruder.
7-“I hate little dogs”
How rude of someone to say that! One person had a good comeback. She says “Yeah, I know how you feel. I can’t stand people who hate little dogs.”
8-“You know he’s not an ACTUAL child, right?”
Well, duh! But they are our fur kids.
9-“Old people raise Chihuahuas”
You better not tell Paris Hilton, Reese Witherspoon, Alyssa Milano, Hillary Duff, Christina Rici, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kimberly Stewart and many other young stars that they are old for raising Chihuahuas.
10-“Chihuahuas are mean, aggressive, snappy and bark too much.”
I have to admit, sometimes this is true. But don’t assume all Chis are this way. Mine isn’t and I know many others that are total sweeties.
11-“Why do you spend money on her? She’s just a dog”
I have heard this one myself from family members who don’t understand why I’m trying to save Kilo. Well, she may be just a dog to you, but she’s family to me!
12-“Gator bait”
A variation of this one is “fish bait”. Such a mean thing to say.
13 -Parents that tell their children to “go pet the Taco Bell dog”
The Taco Bell dog thing doesn’t bother me but having parents assume it’s okay for their children to pet a dog they don’t know is a disaster waiting to happen. Always ask the pet parent first if it’s okay to pet their dog, no matter what the breed is.
14-“Chihuahuas can’t be service dogs”
Why can’t they? Chihuahuas are extremely devoted and smart. They make excellent service dogs. I know of Chihuahuas that are Diabetic Alert Service Dogs, Medical Alert/Psychiatric Service Dogs and more.
15-“Where’s the other half of your dog?”
I guess this is supposed to be humorous because Chis are small?
16-“He’s got big buggy Marty Feldman eyes!”
I love the big beautiful expressive eyes on a Chihuahua, don’t you?
17-“Chihuahuas are ugly”
I can’t believe the gall of someone who would say that to any pet parent. I haven’t yet seen a Chihuahua that I thought was ugly. They are gorgeous little dogs!
18-“Look at those ears, I bet we can get the NFL channel.”
This one doesn’t bother me too much as I LOVE big ears on a Chi. I think they are adorable!
19-“Chihuahuas are girly pets”
Oh yeah? Better not tell Mickey Rourke, Brian Littrell, The Rock, Noah Wyle, or George Lopez that. They have all owned Chihuahuas. There’s nothing sexier than a man holding a sweet little Chihuahua (in my opinion).
20-“Chihuahuas are accessory dogs”
This has been perpetuated by movies like Legally Blond, and stars like Paris Hilton who walk around with a Chi in their arms when seen in public. There are plenty of people (like me and I bet you too) who just love the breed.
21-“My cat is bigger than that Chihuahua”
And your point is? So what? It’s not a contest of who’s the biggest.
So have you heard any of these things said about your Chihuahua? Leave a comment and let us know what is was or even if it’s something not on the list, let us know.
Jane Freeman
Sunday 28th of May 2023
Cathy, if you could spend big bucks for a designer with talent and detail, you could make a stuffed animal toy that looks like Lucy and you would sell millions! Same color patterns, very detailed eyes and head shape, also extraordinary fur type. Think about it. 😄 Adults and children would not be able to resist! You could write about her. Even include the process of making the stuffed animal for curious minds who love to know just how you did it!
Cathy Bendzunas
Monday 29th of May 2023
I never thought of that before Jane. Interesting idea.
Theresa
Saturday 27th of May 2023
I have a Chihuahua that is almost a year old and she very seldom barks.
Cathy Bendzunas
Sunday 28th of May 2023
You are lucky. My chis don't bark that much either unless someone comes to do the door. My Yorkies however, love to bark.
Julie Cameron
Wednesday 3rd of May 2023
Hi Cathy,
Yes I hae heard nearly al of the above comments mad about my little girl, and I quickly and sharply put a stop to them. I think my Chi is the best and most beautiful dog I have ever seen. As far as pprotection is concerned, if I a hlding her in my arms, she doesn't like anyone to come too near me and starts to bark, it is usually the only time she does this.
Love your pics of Lucy, she is beautiful.
Kind regards,
Julie Cameron, Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia
Cathy Bendzunas
Wednesday 3rd of May 2023
I'm glad you don't put up with the negative comments Julie. I don't know why people think it's okay to insult our babies.
Carol
Thursday 27th of April 2023
I wish I could post a photo here... as to "accessories", well I have a photo of my grandson in his fatigues, legs apart, looking very "soldierly" with a chi in each leg pocket. I wouldn't want to make a "poor" comment on chi's to him at that moment. LOL
Cathy Bendzunas
Thursday 27th of April 2023
That photo sounds priceless!
Marcia Musial
Thursday 27th of April 2023
I look forward to this newsletter. Congratulations on your tx completion. Been there; 27 weekdays in a row in 2012, 7:30 am. C-free 10 years. Blessings and again, thank you!
Cathy Bendzunas
Thursday 27th of April 2023
Thanks Marcia! Did you burn badly after your treatments? I'm hurting pretty bad right now but it didn't even hit me until the last couple of days of treatment.