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Top Questions (and Answers) Asked About Chihuahuas

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As a pet parent of chihuahuas, do you get a lot of questions about them? I do.

Or maybe you are curious about chihuahuas yourself?

I decided to look up and answer some of the top questions people have about chihuahuas.

Check out them out below and see which ones you have been asked. Or which ones you have asked yourself.

Check out our main post that showcases all our chihuahua fact articles!

Are Chihuahuas Mean?

growling aggressive chihuahua

Well, they can be. Any dog can be and chihuahuas are no exception.

It all depends on nature and nurture. 

Chihuahuas have been over-bred over the years and because of that, some of them have not so nice personalities. 

And some, just haven’t received the proper training. 

I can tell you though, there are many sweet, good-natured chihuahuas out there. My two are so sweet, they don’t have a mean bone in their wee little bodies.

Are Chihuahuas Good With Kids?

baby and chihuahua

They are best with older kids. Small children can be a little too rough on these tiny dogs. Not meaning too, they may accidentally hurt them.

And chihuahuas can bite the child out of fear of getting hurt.

Are Chihuahuas Related to Wolves?

wolf and chihuahua

All dogs are related to wolves indirectly. Hard to believe chihuahuas are too but they are. 

They also may be related to Fennic foxes too.

Are Chihuahuas from Mexico?

chihuahua wearing in Mexican clothes

Yes, it is believed they originated in Chihuahua Mexico, hence the name.

When do Chihuahuas’ Ears Stand Up?

chihuahua with big ears

They should be up by the time your chihuahua puppy is 9 months old. If they are not up by then, they probably will never stand up.

Some chihuahuas do have floppy ears their entire life, but are still pure bred chihuahuas.

When do Chihuahuas Stop Growing?

cute puppy

Chihuahuas do most of their growing in their first 6 months.

From 6 to 12 months, they will continue to grow, but at much slower rate.

Usually by 10 to 12 months, they are as tall as they are going to get. They may fill out some more over the next year though.

Why do Chihuahuas Burrow?

chihuahua under blanket

Chihuahuas tend to love to burrow much more than other breeds. 

Burrowing makes them feel safe and snug. It also adds extra warmth, which chis need.

Are Chihuahuas Smart?

chihuahua with glasses on computer

Overall yes they can be quite intelligent. They do have the largest brain size in relation to body size.

But as I mentioned earlier, the breed has been over bred with unscrupulous puppy mill breeders so in some cases their intelligence has been diluted due to years of bad breeding practices.

Are Chihuahuas Hypoallergenic? 

brushing a chihuahua

No, according to the AKC  Chihuahuas are not on the list of dogs that are hypoallergenic.

You can lessen their allergy stimulating dander by brushing them daily and bathing every few weeks.

Are Chihuahuas Good Family Dogs?

Dog and happy family on background

Chihuahuas can be good family dogs but they do better with one or two people.

Can Chihuahuas Be House trained? 

Yes, but it isn’t always easy. Potty training issues seems to be the biggest complaint I hear from pet parents.

It can be done with consistency and determination. 

This post contains more info about housetraining a chihuahua.

Are Chihuahuas Loyal?

closeup of woman face and chihuahua

Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty. They usually pick one person in the household who is “their human”. They may love everyone in the house but are extremely loyal to their human.

Are Chihuahuas Aggressive?

chihuahua wearing dress barking 

Yes, they can be. Some chihuahuas do seem to have a Napoleon complex.

They see themselves as much bigger and tougher than they really are.

Proper training from an early age is a necessity with these little guys to keep them from getting out of line.

Why do Chihuahuas Bark So Much? 

chihuahua barking

Chihuahuas bark a lot for different reasons: to warn you of something, out of boredom and frustration, out of fear (being loud makes them feel tougher), and out of habit.

They make great watch dogs though. Nobody is going to get into your house without them telling you about it.

So have you had any of these questions yourself? Or have other people asked you any of them?

Are there any questions you hear all of the time that aren’t in this article? Let us know in the comments!

For a more comical look at questions people ask about chihuahuas, check out Silly Questions Asked About Chihuahuas.

 

Susan Maxwell

Wednesday 8th of November 2023

My Chi is almost 2 years old. She peas on the designated pad most of the time. There are times when she peas outside the pad. We have tried many things but to no avail. I need some answers and welcome any suggestions.

Cathy Bendzunas

Wednesday 8th of November 2023

Maybe a bigger pad? One thing that may help is to wipe a little of her pee in the center of the pad to attract her to that spot.

Tisha Funk

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

What is the most recommended puppy and adult food for Chihuahuas?

Cathy

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

I don't have a favorite. It depends on the dog, the health conditions, age, etc. But here's a good article that answers your question: https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/chihuahuas/

maylyn winds

Thursday 20th of October 2022

hi my dog is turning twelve soon and im worried that he is gonna get parrelizid and we will have to let him go any way to stop that

Cathy

Thursday 20th of October 2022

Mylyn, why would you think your dog would become paralyzed? That rarely happens.

Vera

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

I always heard that Chihuahuas bark a lot, but that's not the story with my Yoda. Yes, he barks when someone's at the door, but that's about it. His little brother from another mother, Chewie (a toy terrier) is the barker in our family. Yoda is the best, most chill chi I have ever met! He and Chewie, although not related, even by breed, are as close as two brothers can be (Yoda is 8 y.o. and Chewie is 7). And Yoda is amazing at using the pee pad when he doesn't feel like going outside. We currently live in Kyiv, Ukraine (my spouse is Ukrainian) and they have been my warrior pups throughout this terrible war. I love my little guys and can't imagine life without them.

Carolyn Dennison

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

@Vera, I pray for your country, every day. I too, hope Putin is removed.

Vera

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

@Cathy, Thank you Cathy!

Cathy

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

I love their names! Mine don't bark that much either unless someone is at the door. Yikes, I worry for all of yall living in the Ukraine right now. I wish someone would just take Putin out. He's crazy! Take care!

Joetta Miller

Tuesday 4th of October 2022

Why does my little Tiny when he's playing he always backs he's butt up to the other dogs and looks at them,why he is play growling and barking?

Cathy

Tuesday 4th of October 2022

I don't know but it sounds adorable!