As a Chihuahua mom, I know there are lots of myths and stereotypes when it comes to Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are ugly, they’re ankle biters, mean, and Chihuahuas are yappy are just some of the common myths. In this post, I’m going to debunk these myths and spill some truths about the beloved Chihuahua breed with you.
Chihuahuas are Ugly
Myth. Obviously. Chihuahuas are clearly the cutest, most irresistible dog on the planet. How could anyone call these little bundles of cuteness ugly? I’ve never had anyone call Chuy ugly but we’ve heard some ridiculous things while on walks.
- Look a flying squirrel!
- It’s a cat on a leash!
- Yo quiero Taco Bell.
- A giant rat!
- Oh and there’s the grown men that liked to make barking noises at us…but only when my husband isn’t there. Ugh.
You can take all of your insults and suck on a dog bone. Chihuahuas are NOT ugly! I mean just look at that little face!
Chihuahuas are Always Yappy
Myth! Chuy never barks unless he hears someone or something outside. That’s it. Well, ok the occasional bark at a strange man that tries to approach him. Although, in that case I don’t blame him for having stranger danger. There are plenty of times on walks where other dogs bark at him and he just minds his own business. Chihuahuas that haven’t had proper training and socialization can become yappy…but it’s more of a defense mechanism because they are scared. That is fear that simply needs more training and socialization.
Chihuahuas Shake
True. It’s believed that a common trait of Chihuahuas is that they shake all the time. While it’s true that they do shake more than other breeds, there is a reason it’s happening and you need to address it. It’s usually either due to fear/stress or feeling cold. In my personal experience, Chuy only shakes when we are at the vet because he’s nervous and when he’s really cold. Since this breed is so small, they have a hard time regulating their body temperature. Make sure that you provide them with a warm snuggly bed and blanket and a dog jacket when out for walks.
Chihuahuas Don’t Like Kids
Myth! Saying that Chihuahuas don’t like kids is a broad sweeping assumption that just isn’t true for the entire breed. We had Chuy all to ourselves for seven years before Catalina (my daughter) was born. I was so nervous that it was going to rock his world in a negative way. But, I did my homework and made sure that we were prepared to introduce our dog to a newborn baby. Now? They are BFFs! She is ridiculously obsessed with him and Chuy is such a good sport with her. Even when that means she’s putting stickers on him or trying to dress him up in doll clothes. It comes down to training, setting boundaries, and teaching your kids how to treat pets.
Chihuahuas Aren’t Good Watch Dogs
Myth! Remember how I said that Chuy only barks when he hears someone outside of our house? He is super alert and hears things that I never do. Sure enough, I’ll look outside and there is someone walking on the sidewalk or coming up the driveway. When we order food, I have to put him in the other room because he is NOT happy about strangers standing in our doorway. Now, if something bad actually happened, my faith in Chuy’s ability to fight off an intruder isn’t so great. LOL.
Chihuahuas are Not Outdoor Dogs
Myth! Chihuahuas may be small but they are mighty and determined little creatures. Yes, Chuy is spoiled beyond belief at home. He literally has a dog bed in every single room of our house but at night he sleeps in our king size bed. He is taken care of just like a child and is not just a dog…he is a family member. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t love to go outdoors on adventures. I LOVE taking Chuy with us to go on walks, hikes, road trips, and even kayaking. Chihuahuas might be small but they are still dogs! They need exercise, stimulation, and fun!
These are just a few of the most common myths about Chihuahuas. What other myths have you heard? Let us know in the comments section.
More Information About Chihuahuas
If you enjoyed this post, check out these other Chihuahua articles from our blog. I also highly recommend the book, “Chihuahuas for Dummies” for any new or current Chihuahua parents. We bought this book when we got Chuy and it was a life saver!
- The Ultimate Guide to Chihuahua Tips
- Ten Tips for Chihuahua Parents
- Chihuahua Breed Profile
- Five Benefits of Crate Training a Chihuahua
- Five Nutrition Tips for Chihuahuas
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Pamela Bolton says
Chihuahuas are the most delightful dog yet. Love these little characters.
Patty says
Awww…chihuahuas aren’t ugly. Chuy is so adorable. Nice post debunking all of these myths.
chihuahua's are rats says
They are rats.
Irresistible Pets says
Um, ok?
DobermannEnthusiast says
They r fucking ugly. Bug eye and their small, useless body irritates the f out of me. And among other breeds, Chihuahua seems to be the dumbest.
Irresistible Pets says
Wow. I’m sorry you feel that way. It must suck to be so hateful.
debby says
personally, still not my favourite breed. they are quite ugly and I haven’t met a nice one yet.
Irresistible Pets says
Well, that’s why you’re entitled to your own opinion!
Gail Dutton says
I love my Chiwauwa Mercy so much. She is so affectionate to me but not so much to strangers. She can go into a full blown barking, ugly face with teeth hanging out at a stranger if she is not properly introduced. Once she accepts you you have a friend for life. I find most people don’t want to hand around when she is barking like that. They don’t understand that she needs to feel people out to see if they are dangerous or not. Also when I walk her with the leash on she acts like she’s the dog cop of the neighborhood. She acts like she can take on a pit bull. Off the leash she does not act that way. She is very gentle and sweet. I love my dog so I’m careful that people don’t frighten her. She is the most stubborn dog at times, but the most affectionate one I’ve ever had.