Chihuahuas

[diznee25]

Dh and I have a chihuahua, Tobey, who is 5 years old. (We got him from a breeder at 12 weeks old.) No kids, but we do have another dog, a pomeranian (Belle) who is 1 year old.

Potty training Tobey was a dream.....but we got him from a breeder who had started potty training him a couples weeks before we picked him up. He would have accidents on the carpet, but only if it was raining outside. (He hated going out in the rain as a puppy!) He hasn't had an accident in a few years.

From the begining Tobey did latch on to me, (because I'm the Mommy!), but he also does extremley well with DH too. If DH and I are cuddling on the couch, Tobey does get jealous and he'll come between us so one of us will pet him. But he doesn't growl or snip at DH, so we're lucky.

Small breed dogs are very much like children. Tobey always wants attention, and he will stop at nothing until he gets it. Both our dogs bark at every person they see or every sound they hear, but that's pretty standard for Chihuahuas. Tobey is also a very patterened dog. He likes a set schedule, and if we stray from it, he flips out. He also doesn't like it when we go on vacations. After we've gotten back from a trip, it'll take him an additional week to settle down.

We've had Tobey for 5 years now. And I love him to death! But I'd have to say that he wouldn't do great with kids. Chihuahuas aren't known to be kid friendly dogs. It's not a matter of how well behaved the children are, as much as the personality and temperment of the dog. When ever we're around strangers, Tobey seems to be more tolerant of other adults, (while barking at them!), but he gets really nervous around kids. My neice was 6 when we got Tobey, and he's always been stressed out when she's around. (And she's a good kid.....doesn't bounce off the walls or anything!)

One thing I do have to brag about though, Tobey knows the names of all his toys! He's a very intelligent dog, something you rarely hear about as far as Chihuahuas are concerned.

diznee25

 

[mickeysaver]

We own 5 Chihuahuas. All of them are very different, but much the same. None of them like kids and each of them has attached to either Gabby or me. Our oldest has multiple food allergies and a seizure disorder. Our next oldest has many social issues because if there was such as thing as an autistic Chihuahua, she would be it. Our next oldest we rescued a year ago. She has a history of horrible dental problems and was horribly socially introverted and is just now starting to come to us for attention. Our youngest girl is obese and has bladder and bowel problems, which the vet has no real advice or counseling for since she is healthy and is as active as the others are. Our baby will be a year old on Cinco de Mayo. He is the only "normal" Chihuahua of the bunch.

If you decide that you want a Chihuahua, do yourself a favor and read Chihuahuas for Dummies first. Chihuahuas have a lot of breed specific issues. They are not the best dog for kids. This is not to say that there are not a lot of people out there with very well socialized and family friendly Chihuahuas, but they are not necessarily the norm.

Can I suggest a Beagle?

 

[simba928]

Chihuahuas are not little kid dogs, especially little boy dogs. They are very snippy and yappy. They have "their people" and if they don't know you they will get snippy. They think they are much bigger than they are. They are not dogs for kids and they are not dogs for people that have a very active house with a lot of people coming and going (friends, neighbors, relatives comng over, etc.). Small dogs want to be the babies. They demand attention. They don't take too kindly to kids being too noisy or active for them or to not getting attention from "their person".

Honestly, I would be more afraid of a small dog (Lhasa Apsos, Chihuahuas, Yorkies) biting than a larger dog. Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Mastiffs are big teddy bears compared to those toy breeds.

Now with that being said, there are always exceptions. That is just the breed in general (I had a husky when I was growing up that LOVED my cat and rabbit while the breed tendency is to chase and hunt small animals since they are prey dogs. She was a typical husky in that she ran at every chance she got, though). If you are still interested in a chihuahua, contact a rescue and talk to them. They may have a dog that would fit into your family. There very well may be a rough and tough chihuahua out there that would love a home with a couple little boys to play with. Just be aware that some small breed rescues will not adopt to homes with kids under 10 or 12 simply because those breeds are so delicate and they are not kid dogs.

BTW, please don't think I'm bashing the breed. They can be awesome dogs in the right home. (Just because you like a breed doesn't mean the dog will fit into your home. I love pit bulls, but I would probably never get one just because I know they are not a good breed for me). I would love to get a chihuahua/terrier mix eventually, so like I said, I am not bashing them.

And I am glad you are doing research beforehand. Too many people get a dog and don't do any research then the dog ends up in shelters because they are displaying typical breed behaviors (a border collie herding, a rottweiler being protective, a husky running off)

 

[ReneeA]

My neighbor has a Chi. Bad, bad dog. I'm sure they love him, but I do not. Everytime he gets out, he ends up in my yard chasing cats. He's also bitten my DS...who was not chasing, screaming, or doing anything to instigate him.

The next time it happens, I'm reporting it. The neighbors are aware that this is their last shot with me. You couldn't pay me to own one of those dogs - especially with kids.

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

We have a chihuahua named Ariel. My 5 year old daughter picked her out. Our chihuahua is one of the sweetest dogs we have ever had. We have had since she was a little itty bitty puppy. Ariel lets my kids carrying her around, dress her up in little clothes they have for her, and she is never mean to them. When she is playing with our other dogs you would swear that she was really mean from the sound of her, but it couldn't be further from the truth. When she isn't playing with the other dogs or our kids then she is laying on my husband or my lap. She loves when I get my snuggie and sitting in my recliner...she curls right up with me. My vet has told me told me that Chihuahuas are hard to potty train. Our vet has raised chihuahuas. You have to watch when they are young so that they don't go hypoglycemic. I think chihuahuas likes many other breeds get a bad rap and the entire breed is wrapped up with a few bad apples. It depends the dog, the way it is raised, etc. etc. etc.

 

[momof1princess]

my grandmother has a chihuahua, he's about 7-8 years old now. his name is taco. taco is friendly if he knows you, but if he doesn't, he will bark at you until his voice gives out. he is NOT good with children-he's nipped my DD 2-3 times. he LOVES my DH, just as he did my grandfather, before he passed away. oh, he also bites my grandmother's feet whenever she talks on the telephone and he howls whenever the answering machine comes on. in his defense, he has NEVER used the potty in the house, no matter how many hours he's been left alone. my grandparents' neighbors also had one when my brother and i were growing up-his name was pancho and pancho barked at us every chance he got. even though he knew us, we could only pet him if his "mommy" was holding him, otherwise, he would bite us. i would not recommend a chihuahua for a home with small children, based upon my personal experience. they are nervous, exciteable, yappy and children just seem to make all of these traits worse.

 

[gracie1]

I have a chi and have had her for 2 1/2 years. She is definately not a one owner dog. She loves everyone in the family. She does not mind children but if they get hyper and jumping around she will go sit on the chair. Although when she was in obedience school she did snap at one girl who kept grabbing at her!! I also have a lab and she came into the picture a year later and they are the best of pals!
As for health problems, they can be known for luxating patella. I had to have the one knee done when she was a year old. But no matter what dog you get....they all have certain health problems.
As for potty training, I think that comes with how consistent you are with it. I was told at obedience school that toy dogs are the hardest to train. My chi was completely housebroken in 3 weeks. Never had a problem. Easiest dog to ever train!
I would recommend a chi!

 

[mickeysaver]

BTW, please don't think I'm bashing the breed.

IMO, you didn't come across as a basher. You just spoke the truth.

 

[2bearsmom]

I just watched an episode of Dogs 101 on Animal Planet talking about chihuhua's. Try to google it and you can watch it. I do think I remember them saying they can be a one person pet, don't like too hot or too cold of climate, are a breeze with grooming and are quick to train if started very very early.
We have a Papillon who just turned a year old and he is the best little dog. Kind of reminds me of a long haired chihuhua because of the big ears. We were looking for a female as we have a female Golden Retriever but the breeder told my dh since I am home all the time a male would be a better pick, the females tend to become little diva's and wouldn't really care about the family too much, but the male would be more my dog. And he certainly is. When I do leave the house my dh says he just cries and cries for me, he'll say mommy is coming home soon and he gets all excited, then he says no she isn't home yet and he just curls up on the couch with him and waits until he hears the garage door open! He couldn't care any less when my dh leaves though. But he is great with the whole family, our two boys are 4 and 8 and they have learned to be gentle with him as he was only 4lbs when we got him. So they are a little more sturdy than a chihuahua probably is. It's great that you are doing so much research about a breed before purchasing! Good luck.

 

[chisnpeke]

We have four chihuahuas.

They are more of a one person dog. My brother's dog is very loyal to him. That's because it is my brother's dog though. He's a very friendly dog though and will warm up to people quickly. Two of them are clingy to my mom and the other is loving between my mom and I.

There are health problems with this breed. My brother's has seizures. Every breed has its particular health issues though.

I love our chihuahuas. They love to snuggle up and are very loving. Great little things once you get to know them.

We also have a pekingese, and if you could get past the hair issue (long and needs grooming, though I slack on this), she is one of the best dogs we have had.

 

[chisnpeke]

my grandmother has a chihuahua, he's about 7-8 years old now. his name is taco. taco is friendly if he knows you, but if he doesn't, he will bark at you until his voice gives out. he is NOT good with children-he's nipped my DD 2-3 times. he LOVES my DH, just as he did my grandfather, before he passed away. oh, he also bites my grandmother's feet whenever she talks on the telephone and he howls whenever the answering machine comes on. in his defense, he has NEVER used the potty in the house, no matter how many hours he's been left alone. my grandparents' neighbors also had one when my brother and i were growing up-his name was pancho and pancho barked at us every chance he got. even though he knew us, we could only pet him if his "mommy" was holding him, otherwise, he would bite us. i would not recommend a chihuahua for a home with small children, based upon my personal experience. they are nervous, exciteable, yappy and children just seem to make all of these traits worse.

My brother's chi is named Taco! He'll be 9 in March.

 

[tngramma]

We rescued an 8 month old Chi 2 years ago named Cha Cha. She came in and took over our home. At the time it was DH and myself.
Now that DS, DDIL, and 2 grandchildren are in the house things are a little different. Cha Cha likes the children (10 and 9) but prefers not to be around them.

She loves the 4 adults and will cuddle with whoever has a blanket on your lap.

I would find a different breed. We also have a Maltese who loves the kids. Now grooming her is a different story.

 

[lillygator]

I have/had(one died last year from old age) 2 Chihuahuas. They are not good with kids AT ALL!!!! I got mine before kids and they will tolerate my kids, they do not like any of my kids friends. They are not stranger friendly dogs. They are nippy and yappy. I would pick a different breed. I also have a pug and he is excellent with my kids and other people. Everyone love him.

I have to disagree....my mom and sis have two Chi's....much different in age. They have both grown up around just them- they live together, but my girls have been around them - and never ANY issues, never.

We have two Chia/Poms...mini's and we got them last xmas when they were new borns, my girls were six and three....never an issues either. Ours are not yippy at all, only when someone dings the doorbell, which is unusual

 

[Diznygrl]

I know someone who owns a chihuahua, and it's the sweetest, most mild-mannered and low maintenance dog I've seen! Loves anyone who pets him and feeds him treats, and rarely barks. Hardly what most people think of when they think of a chihuahua. This is one of those bigger chihuahuas, not the tiny yippy little Paris Hilton things, so that might have something to do with it.

 

[reelmom]

Thanks you for all your advice. We are still unsure what type of dog to get. We probably wont get one until the summer but thought I would ask around to see what everybody thought. My DH really likes the chihuahua but we are open to any small breed. I have also started looking at Boston Terriers. They are supposed to be good with children and as not as fragile as chihuahuas. My boys are calm, but they are boys. Please keep the advice coming and what small breeds you prefer and why.

 

[foolishmortal]

ok I didnt read pages 2 and 3 but I have to completely DISAGREE with most the first page!

I have a 7 year old chi female, a 3 year chi/jack mix female, and a less than 1 year old chi female!

they are NOT snippy dogs, they only bark when people or cats are outside the door, they all go to all the family members which include a 5 year old and a 13 year old. Sure the oldest one prefers my DW but she comes to me and the kids just fine also.

with a sweater on they go outside just fine.

My parents also have two older chi';s and again same thing, they come to all of us when we visit and loooove being outside in cold, sometimes we have to go get them so they dont get too cold.


as with all dogs the owners are mostly responsible for the way a dog acts!

 

[need2cruise]

My friend just gave us one from her litter-he's 12 weeks old now. Both parents are great with kids--have been around hers since they were old enough to leave their mom! They aren't the yippy ones either. Just seen like normal dogs, just small! (4 lbs and 6 lbs)

Ours--is a loveable guy. He had been handled since the day he was born by kids. He absolutely LOVES when the kids play with him. But he is very much a lap dog...if you are sitting--he HAS to be in your lap once playtime is over! We are working on teaching him that being on the ground is ok too--he'll survive!!

Potty training--was MUCH easier before the 0 degree weather hit! But he's still a puppy and so far seems pretty smart, so I think it'll get much much easier when it gets warmer!

Haven't heard him bark once--but he does whine if he wants to be held or needs attention!!

 

[need2cruise]

Also, been told by numerous "dog" people, that the key to having a good chi is socializing. You have to take them out and about around people as much as possible--going to families house, having people over, going for walks, etc. That is the key to having one who isn't aggressive and barking at everyone.

They are loyal pets--they tend to have "one" person--but are capable of loving everyone in the house. I think that's pretty typical of most breeds--they have the "one" they adore but still love all.

Also--you want to avoid aggressive behavior around them and not encourage it. When correcting them--a firm and calm voice is best. Never yell, spank, etc cuz you teach them that aggression is the norm.

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

My wife and I have two chihuahuas, age 6 and 7. they are very loving and both are good with my wifes nieces and nephews. Great lap dogs. Their bark is bigger than their bite, they both try to act tough but are scardy cats.

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

Thanks you for all your advice. We are still unsure what type of dog to get. We probably wont get one until the summer but thought I would ask around to see what everybody thought. My DH really likes the chihuahua but we are open to any small breed. I have also started looking at Boston Terriers. They are supposed to be good with children and as not as fragile as chihuahuas. My boys are calm, but they are boys. Please keep the advice coming and what small breeds you prefer and why.

Dashunds are great dogs. My mom had one for 17 years!