Great Dane or Chihuahua

[ilovepcot]

A *long haired* chihuahua.

 

[look1angel]

A *long haired* chihuahua.

Someone knows their chi's

 

[CathrynRose]

I love Dane's! Beautiful dogs!

BUT - the thought of losing them so quickly, makes me scared of owning one! Charley is coming up on 5 years old, and it's gone by in a flash!

I'd pick the Chi - only because you can have them longer.

 

[ugadog99]

There is no way I could take a large dog into my family. As with everyone else on this thread, our dogs ARE family. I could not bear to say goodbye to a dog after only 5-7 years. I have doxies and beagles. The doxies generally live 15-18 years. I would take a long haired chi.

 

[ilovepcot]

Someone knows their chi's

I think so! Isn't this the sweetest! She was ours but our current dog (Teacup Poodle) said "NOOOOO"!!!!

 

[Miss Peach]

Tough choice!!

I have a chihuahua, a rescue. He is the most devoted, loving, intelligent fellow I have ever met. (This includes my DH)

But he is high strung. Part of that is the breed, part of that is what happened to him before I rescued him.

I dont completely trust him around other people, but when people come over, he puts himself in his box!! He doesn't trust himself either!!

He is easy to carry (he is under 8 pounds), healthy, and his poop is little!

He sleeps on the bed and nestles up to my back at night!!

But most important to me is that he will live a long time. (God willing!) It is so hard when your animal companion passes away--I don't think I could handle that heart break too many times.

Good luck on your choice! And maybe consider a rescue--they know from what you have saved them and thank you every day!!

Cathy

 

[look1angel]

I think so! Isn't this the sweetest! She was ours but our current dog (Teacup Poodle) said "NOOOOO"!!!!

How cute, I'd take her in a heartbeat.

My vet always refers them as Long coats so I got in the habit of saying it too.

My 11 yr old male chihuahua has informed the 100lb 1 yr old male shepherd that he is the Alpha

 

[ilovepcot]

My 11 yr old male chihuahua has informed the 100lb 1 yr old male shepherd that he is the Alpha

Well, of course! Those big dogs have to be put in their place!

 

[CathrynRose]

My 11 yr old male chihuahua has informed the 100lb 1 yr old male shepherd that he is the Alpha

This cracks me up, as I have also seen it in action.

My g/f has a Yorkie and a Chocolate Lab. The Yorkie is completely and totally the Alpha in her house. Its hysterical... The Lab waits until the Yorkie goes out the door, waits until the Yorkie is done playing with a toy - almost looking a little scared, head down low...looking out the corner of her eye.

The Lab could gobble her up in one bite. It's really interesting how that sort of thing pans out.

 

[Hoodie]

You want a dog, right? Then your only choice is the Dane. Chis are not dogs. They are neurotic rats.

Is your cat a good mouser? If so, then the Chi would be a great snack!

 

[walden]

It depends on your preferences, your family composition, your lifestyle, your activity level, and your living conditions. The reasons are listed above by others and have you seen this quiz? http://www.doggiedealer.com/dog_breed_selector.php


I've met many gorgeous Great Danes with fantastic temperaments and that would be my choice. I've also met many chihuahuas. Some were not nasty, neurotic, ankle biting little rat-dogs.

 

[pigletgirl]

Great Dane.

 

[Minnie]

LOL, thats almost like asking would you like a pebble...or this lovely boulder we have here..LOL...

Love this

Tough choice. Can you get both?

I am ready for one new friend - my best girl past away last Feb while I was away on a business trip in another country She was 13yr old Lab that definitely outlived most larger dogs - many months have passed but she is still missed. We have a fireball of an Aussie - which would be DF's pick for our 2nd dog....

I'm also curious about the extremes in breeds you are considering. Most people who would like chihuahuas probably don't consider Great Danes as the alternative!

We have the room for a large dog.... we live in the country with acres of ground for our horses, fenced in so any dog would be safe, and a home without small children so a tiny dog would be safe too. DF would like another Aussie or a large dog but I'm not sure if I can do another large dog - my Lab was 120lbs and I miss her so much..... I thought going totally opposite with the Chi might be the way to go?

I think so! Isn't this the sweetest! She was ours but our current dog (Teacup Poodle) said "NOOOOO"!!!!

What a cutie!!!!!!!!!!! DF has to see this pic

Is your cat a good mouser? If so, then the Chi would be a great snack!

Very good point of the life span differences in these dogs - It was soooo hard when my lab passed I'm not sure I want to set myself up for so few years with a Dane

PICTURES..... everyone with either a Dane or a Chi I would love to see pictures

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I'd say Chihuahua, but I'm obviously biased because that is what I own. I think a lot of people on this thread are bringing up some very good points and you just need to weigh the differences between the two for what best works with your lifestyle.

I will never understand the Chihuahua hate. More often than not, pets are a reflection of their training (or lack of) from their owners. Not fair to take that out on a breed as a whole.

 

[SandrA9810]

I'd take the shorter life span over a chi any day. And I do know of a Chi that is very well behaved. Not too yippy, protective over any friend, and seems to listen well. But I'm just not fond of them enough to be my dog.

Since the two breeds are very different. What draws you to each of the breeds?

 

[kacaju]

Dane. I love big breeds.

Chihuahuas would be right near the bottom of my list. I want a dog, not a hamster.

I agree

 

[shelly3girls]

Is there a reason why you have it narrowed down to these breeds? If you want a smaller dog there are many breeds that fit you desires and may be even a better match for you. I personally like small dogs b/c the poop is small and ours (5 month old Coton) cuddles on top of my chest every night. I love large dogs too but I would never give up the snuggles I get.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Sitting here seriously pondering this question, I'd have to say... neither. Sorry. (German Shepherds have my heart.)

Although if you asked my family members, my DH would probably say the Dane, my DS would love the Chi, and my DD would ask why we couldn't get both.

 

[HOGFAN]

little dog..eat less,littler poop to pick up

 

[Squirrel!!!]

Great Dane, although not my first choice of a mammoth dog, have an Irish Wolfhound.

I live right on a canyon and have to worry about the size of my dogs, can't go smaller than about 15-16 lbs or a coyote will carry my pup away!! My cats are indoors and I could not own a chihuahua.