Are Chihuahuas Friendly With Other Dogs?

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Chihuahuas are one of the most adorable breeds because of their size, playful personality, and varieties of coats. Chihuahuas should not be underestimated as they are among the top ten most recommended watchdogs because of their intelligence, obedience, and love for their owners. Though they are known to be territorial, are they good with other dogs?

The answer is it depends. Chihuahuas are smart dogs; they could distinguish a companion and a threat. They are friendly towards other dogs if properly introduced, and the other dog poses no harm. Chihuahuas are one of the most playful dog breeds and could get along well with other pets, especially if they have established bonds.

However, chihuahuas could be the most stubborn dog you could ever meet. They tend to misbehave if they are around others, but they transform into tender and loving pets around their owners.

Most of the chihuahuas’ population does not sit well with other dogs, and they like to think that they are the only dog ever to exist. If you plan to adopt another dog while having a chihuahua, make sure to train it well in meeting new dogs.

Breeds That Would Go Well With Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are feisty yet adorable pets. If you want to get yourself a second dog, you have to make sure that this kind of dog is friendly and easily adapts to the environment.

You might want to consider these breeds which are known to get along with chihuahuas, and has the highest compatibility with them:

• Basset Hound
• Border Collie
• Boston Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Chinese Crested
• French bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Greyhound
• Italian Greyhound
• Irish (Red) Setter
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Labrador Retriever
• Miniature Pinscher (Minpin)
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Saluki
• Whippet
• Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)

These dog breeds and chihuahuas have fairly similar personalities and temperament which makes them get along easily.

How to Make Chihuahuas Get Along With Other Dogs?

The key to good interaction between chihuahuas and other dogs is socialization. First, introduce them to different people and observe their reactions. Once you see that they are just doing fine, you could go about making them meet other dogs.

Make sure that you closely keep an eye for any negative body language. You could do this when you visit the vet or at parks where you could walk your dogs.

Here are some steps that you could check to ensure the success of making your chihuahua and second pet best buds at home.

• Make plans ahead of time. Give them enough opportunity to mingle with other dogs of their size, including dogs bigger than them. Also, before you go out, make sure that your chihuahua is appropriately fed and has enough energy for playtime.
• The meeting place should be a neutral space, like a dog park. This will ease up your chihuahua more, and they will not feel territorial. Let them play with smaller dogs before you let them play with bigger ones.
• Chihuahuas are very energetic, so it is better to use a harness. Do not take them lightly by using a collar, and this tiny fellow might slip out. When you introduce your chihuahuas to other dogs, make sure that you are calm, and your voice will have a reassuring tone, giving them the signal that everything is fine.
• Observe for any signs of aggression. If your chihuahua is showing a hostile behavior towards the new dog, gently pull him back, away from the new dog. Once he has calmed down, loosen your grip of the harness, and allow them to get closer to the new dog.
• Teaching your chihuahua some basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. It would be a great help when you introduce it to a new dog. Don’t forget to give them treats in showing good behavior.
• When your chihuahua meets new dogs, don’t tail them all the time. Simply ignore them while they interact with others so that they will not feel conscious of their actions. But still, observe them carefully for any negative behavior.
• Provide them with equal treats. This will show them that they will get rewards if they behave around each other.
• Practice your chihuahua socializing one dog at a time. Don’t bombard them with two or more dogs in one meeting. Making them used to meet new dogs helps your chihuahua become friendlier.
• Acknowledge your chihuahua’s good behavior around other dogs by giving them their favorite snack or favorite toy. This will instill an idea that if they keep behaving well with other dogs, you will reward them.

Reasons Why Chihuahuas Become Aggressive With Other Dogs

Most dog owners often worry about large dogs being aggressive towards other dogs, which is perceived due to the size and muscular structure of these breeds.

True to the fact that large breeds could overpower smaller ones, however, this does not apply to chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are not only known for their size and cuteness, but they are also recognized for their stubbornness and aggressiveness.

The chihuahuas’ behavior often leads to “Small Dog Syndrome,” a term that refers to their defensive mode because of their small stature, which makes them feel protective of themselves.

When your chihuahua growls a lot at other dogs and other people, snaps of lunges their jaws even if there is no need to be defensive, and shows fear towards other dogs, it means that the Small Dog Syndrome has clocked in on them.

Although this syndrome is generally about the aggressiveness of your dogs, there are times that it will occur because of fear towards other dogs and other people.

Fear-based behaviors are like hiding, wanting to be picked up and carried, or not obeying commands such as getting off the couch. This shows that something is bothering your dog. Make sure to have them looked.

Things You Should Do When They Are Aggressive

If your chihuahua becomes aggressive all of a sudden and is acting strangely, it is best to consult veterinary advice. They might be experiencing some pain or discomfort; that is why they are behaving aggressively.

Also, do not punish your chihuahuas for acting aggressively, instead, reward them if they show good behavior. It requires time, patience, consistency, and cooperation from all the members of the house. These are the recommended things that you can follow:

• Teach them basic tricks like ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’ Whenever they show signs of aggressiveness, command them these tricks to distract them.
• Alternate your rewards from sweet treats to praising or cuddling them.
• If you have observed that your dog or chihuahua is not comfortable with other people and shows aggressiveness, change the situation and not let people tower upon them or keep getting too close with them.
• Show them that you appreciate and acknowledge their good behavior by giving them their favorite treats.
• Aside from basic tricks, you could also give them their play toys to distract them whenever they show signs of aggression.
• If the distraction does not work, remove him from the environment and put him in a crate or room where he could be alone to calm down.
• Adjust your time when giving rewards. Instead of giving the prizes right away all the time, gradually prolong the bonus. Let him get used to behaving for a more extended amount of time. This will sooner help cure his aggression.