What Is a Chihuahua's Personality?

At only 6 pounds, Chihuahuas are the smallest of the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. They were bred for companionship. Chihuahuas are adaptable, as their small size makes them ideal dogs for houses or apartments. With few major health concerns, the Chihuahua can live, on average, 14 to 18 years. These dogs are not for everyone, however. Potential owners should research the temperament and care of the breed before bringing one home. Each individual Chihuahua has its own personality, but there are some traits that are common to the breed.

  1. Energetic

    • Chihuahuas may be small, but they don't lack energy. They need daily exercise to stay healthy and keep out of trouble. Because Chihuahuas have such tiny legs, their exercise needs can often by met simply by running around the house. They will follow their owners from room to room, getting a workout as they do. Chihuahuas do enjoy walks on a leash, however, as these provide mental stimulation and exposure to a new environment. Walks should be short, lasting no more than five to ten minutes, since a Chihuahua's short legs can't handle the longer walks a large breed dog would enjoy.

    Protective

    • In many cases, a Chihuahua will form an attachment with a single individual. They are not fond of strangers or other dogs and can be possessive and protective of their humans. Many Chihuahuas bark. Despite their size, they are capable guard dogs that will alert their owners of potential danger. Their protective instinct can sometimes lead to territorial aggression, however. Some Chihuahuas may act aggressively whenever another human or dog approaches.

    Domineering

    • A Chihuahua will take over your home if you let it. Even though they weigh only 6 lb., they can develop dominance aggression and will growl, snap and bite if they don't get their way. You can avoid this by giving your Chihuahua rules to follow as soon as you bring it home. Set boundaries by making certain areas off limits or by requiring your dog to show polite manners, such as sitting patiently before eating, being let outside or greeting visitors. Chihuahuas are intelligent and can learn basic obedience commands such as "Down," "Sit," "Stay" and "Come." You might have to bribe your Chihuahua with a treat, however, to convince it to listen to you in the early stages of training.

    Bold vs. Shy

    • Here is one aspect that depends largely on your Chihuahua's individual personality. Many Chihuahuas don't seem to realize their small size. They are adventurous and lively. They face challenges and new circumstances bravely. This can be dangerous if your Chihuahua is not well-socialized or is dog-aggressive, as it can often lead the tiny dog to pick a fight with a much larger dog. Other Chihuahuas are shy and hide from strangers or even show aggression toward them. They may be easily startled or frightened, or they may hesitate to approach humans for attention. Don't force a timid Chihuahua to interact with other people or dogs, and avoid holding them or petting them when they are acting aggressively or timidly. This can reinforce the behavior and make it worse.