Small Breed Dogs

February 7th, 2009 by Dog Trainer

The Chihuahua (which means Chihuahueño in Spanish) is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. I had a lovely long haired Chihuahua who was my little mate for years. Sadly she passed away and where I now live isn’t really suitable for dogs. I called her Contessa.

Longhaired Chihuahua

Here is what Don Burke of Burke’s Backyard has to day about their temperament.

Talk to an owner or breeder and you’ll soon hear words like, ‘feisty’, ‘cunning’, ‘clever’ and ‘protective’. Chihuahuas will usually become very attached to their owners and you can expect them to be reserved around strangers, especially around children if not used to them. A feisty attitude may be normal, but aggression in any breed of dog, regardless of its size, is not to be tolerated. Don’t buy pups bred from adult dogs which show aggressive tendencies.

While owners say Chihuahuas are trainable it does take some time compared with other breeds. Owners report difficulties in house-training entire males. Many examples of the breed are yappy around strangers. Breeders say that with proper training from an early age, a Chihuahua is just as likely to be as obedient as any other breed.

Shorthaired Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a favourite with the elderly and those living in apartments. Large, boisterous families are perhaps not well matched to a Chihuahua’s size and temperament, but rather singles or couples who prefer constant companionship and an impressive early warning system when strangers approach. A real lap dog, the Chihuahua will remain by its owner and demands affection, even to the point of shivering for attention!

I can certainly attest to that! They tend to be more loyal to one person in the houshold.