If you’re a dog lover, you’ve probably seen videos of violent Chihuahuas on the internet or in person. Did they attack because of something you did, or do Chihuahuas have a naturally aggressive nature?
In terms of size, Chihuahuas are among the tiniest breeds of dogs. They’re just as incredible as their names indicate. Some people refer to Chihuahuas as “nasty” or “always-chewing.” They are unquestionably well-known, and the general public perceives them as cruel. Some of this is true, but chihuahuas are not inherently aggressive.
Despite their smaller size, Chihuahuas are also known for their aggressive, protective, and incredibly mean temperaments! However, is this a characteristic of their breed? Is there anything that owners can do to lessen these undesirable character traits?
In most cases, the answer is a combination of both options. Smaller and more delicate than larger breeds, Chihuahuas fall into the toy breed category. As a result, they are more vulnerable to injury, leading to aggressive behavior out of defensiveness or fear. However, because of their small size, Chi’s often go untrained or socialized due to their owners’ lack of interest.
This article will go over everything you need to know about why are Chihuahuas so mean?
Why Are Chihuahuas so Aggressive?
If you’re looking forward to bringing home an affectionate and joyful dog, you’ll want to consider bringing a Chihuador home—a charming personality to go along with that short breed. Although the Chihuahuas breed is physically small, it has a large and strong personality, making it a famous companion dog. Some people refer to them as “big dogs in a small dog’s body.” However, a displeased Chihuahua has been known to unleash its rage on anyone and everything. From its owners to strangers and even to other small dogs. But why are Chihuahuas so mean?
Several factors can trigger chihuahuas’ aggression. One chihuahua’s causes may be very different from another’s. To reduce their bad behavior, dog parents must first recognize the factors that cause them to act aggressively. Chihuahua aggression can be caused by several different reasons mentioned below:
Lack of Training
The first seven weeks of a chihuahua puppy’s life are critical for social development. Unfortunately, some dog parents neglect to train their pets at all, while others overindulge their pets.
These tiny dogs, like humans, carry a lot of burdens from the past. People’s memories can stick with them, causing them to form negative associations with specific places and people.
A chihuahua that a stranger has hurt in an unfamiliar park may avoid walking near or meeting strangers or even visiting the park in the future. As a result, you’ll need to get to know your dog’s character flaws and habits.
Suppose you don’t allow them to interact with other animals or people besides themselves, excuse their destructive behaviors, and laugh at them when they display aggressive behavior. In that case, you may be destroying their peaceful & calm future life.
Poorly Bred Chihuahuas
For the record, Chihuahuas inherit their looks and temperament from their ancestors. So their personality is influenced by their ancestors’ genetic temperament.
Having friendly ancestors increases the likelihood of having friendly descendants. There are many advantages to getting to know the biological parents in person before adopting your new chihuahua from a kennel.
This will give you a sense of what your pet will be like. If you’re looking for the perfect dog, you can’t go wrong with a Chihuahua; they’re all unique. Studies show that genetics account for 35% of your dog’s personality, while socialization and training account for 65%.
Fear-based Aggression
When we talk about socialization, various things, ranging from large animals to rough children to loud noises, can cause Chihuahuas to become fearful. In addition, according to one study, fear in all dogs can increase with age, regardless of breed. So, to put it another way, if you know certain things cause fear in your Chi, you should be aware of the possibility of a fearful, aggressive response when you are around those things.
Negative Experiences from Earlier Dog Owners
When it comes to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, Chihuahuas are no different from humans. For example, if a Chihuahua was raised in an abusive household, he may suffer from flashbacks of his traumatic past or negative experiences from past owners.
With the increasing number of dogs in need, rescue dogs are becoming more popular. Rescue centers often find Chihuahuas that are older and have already had a previous owner.
Rescue Chihuahuas aren’t guaranteed to be aggressive. Because of this, you may not be aware of the hardships that your new chihuahua has gone through in the past. For example, they may not have been adequately socialized or trained by their previous owner. In some cases, rescue pups have also been abused.
Are Chihuahuas Protective?
It’s been suggested that the chihuahua’s viciousness can be related to their protective nature. They form close relationships with their owners. When their owner’s attention is diverted to other dogs or family members, this can lead to aggressive behavior toward strangers or possessive behavior toward their owner.
Chihuahuas can also protect their items, such as their toys, food, and bedding. Your veterinarian or a behaviorist should be consulted if your chihuahua’s protectiveness results in aggression.
Are All Chihuahuas Aggressive?
A mean or aggressive chihuahua isn’t a sure thing. Many Chihuahuas are friendly and affectionate if they are raised, bred, and cared for properly. Choosing a reputable breeder is the best way to ensure that your Chihuahua puppy has a friendly attitude.
If you want a dog as healthy as possible, you should look for a breeder who also breeds from well-behaved dogs. Start socializing your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Also, when teaching them, make use of techniques that emphasize rewards rather than punishments.
Why Is My Chihuahua Suddenly Aggressive?
Do not hesitate to take your chihuahua to the vet if they appear to act aggressively when they are usually calm playing. This could be a sign of an injury or disease.
Tumors, epilepsy, and other brain-inflammation-related conditions are among the most common causes of irrational outbursts of aggression. For example, aggressive dogs in pain may lash out because they don’t understand what’s going on. They aren’t targeting you; they don’t know how to handle the pain. However, a small dog can easily break a bone if it is touched, and it may snap at you if you try to pet them.
Top Tips for Dealing with Chihuahua Aggression
At least for the first 2 years of your dog’s life, you should try to foster positive social interactions with other dogs and humans.
Observe that if something is frightening to them, they may become aggressive. It would be best to socialize them so that seeing other dogs, people, and places doesn’t frighten them as their defense mechanism. Do not let anyone rough with or scare them away by making loud noises or moving quickly. Rewrite the history of your chihuahua’s life if they’ve previously been in an abusive environment.
Here are some other essential tips for reducing your Chihuahuas’ aggressiveness:
Dog Training
Unfortunately, inadequate training can lead to a wide range of problems down the road. When it comes to training a smaller dog, Chihuahua owners should do the same as they would with a larger dog. In addition to providing your Chi with some much-needed mental stimulation and physical activity, this can help to reduce any irregular or disobedient behavior.
Socialization with Other Dogs
Chihuahuas can be permanently paranoid and defensive toward strangers if they have had negative experiences with people or other animals at a young age.
Dogs of all sizes can get along with Chihuahuas. If you’re planning on bringing a new dog into your home, socialization play can help your tiny dog adapt quickly.
Doggy daycare is an incredible perk if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby. They have agility classes, expert advice, information, certified dog trainers, and a large number of canine companions for your pup to play and socialize with.
Plenty of Exercises
All dogs need to get some exercise because it keeps them healthy and reduces their risk of becoming overweight. Excess energy can also benefit the pup’s physical and psychological well-being. Overly energetic pups can become frustrated, bored, destructive, and even aggressive if they don’t get enough physical activity.
It doesn’t matter how tiny your chihuahua is; they still need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. However, depending on their age and level of mobility, some experts recommend 45 minutes to an hour.
However, it would help if you do not overwork a puppy because it is still growing and could suffer long-term harm.
Give Them a Safe Space
When your little friend wants some quiet space, please give it to them. If you want to take this to the extreme comfort level, purchase a crate and fill it with a soft bed or blanket for them. They can get back to their crate whenever they need a break from the rest of the pack!
A bowl of clean, fresh water and their favorite toys are also essential. Finally, keep the door open and reward your dog with positive reinforcement for staying in the crate at all times.
Mental Stimulation
Angry dogs are more likely to snap when they’re bored. Likewise, dogs can become aggressive when they’re stressed out!
If you look online, you’ll find hundreds of dog websites claiming that certain breeds are more intelligent than others, but the truth is that all dogs are quite intelligent, even the 125th-ranked chihuahua!
If they don’t get mental exercise throughout the day, they will become bored. A walk around the neighborhood can provide some mental stimulation for your dog. New sights, sounds, and smells await your pup as you take them out. They may also run into old and new friends in the dog park, suitable for their mental health issues.
You can also buy them unique puzzles or treat-dispensing toys to keep them occupied.
Final Thought
Why are Chihuahuas so mean? Due to the fact that they are naturally protective of their surroundings and their owners, Chihuahuas make excellent guard dogs. Despite their short size, these dogs have feisty personalities. According to many pet owners, basic obedience training isn’t necessary for Chihuahuas because they are small. After all, no one will be harmed if it jumps up or pulls on the leash.
However, it’s not uncommon for Chihuahuas to bite or bark at strangers who come too close to their owners or food. As a dog parent, you must be patient because Chihuahuas older than one year may take several months before they are comfortable with their human and other dog companions.
