Top 10 Questions Every Chihuahua Owner Has About Their Small Dog

After lurking on Reddit for a bit, here are the most common questions about owning a chihuahua. For those of you that have a tiny pup or two or three, none of these questions will really surprise you. But for the aspiring chihuahua owner, it's good to know what you're getting into when you rescue or adopt one of these sweet (and sometimes salty) dogs. Take a look and let me know if you think I missed anything important in the comments!

1. Why Does My Chihuahua Shake So Much?

If you've noticed your chihuahua trembling, welcome to the club! Many owners observe this behavior and wonder if something's wrong. The truth is, chihuahuas often shake due to a combination of factors:

High Metabolism: Their tiny bodies burn energy quickly, leading to shivers.
Sensitivity to Cold: With minimal body fat, they feel chilly easily.
Emotional Responses: Excitement, anxiety, or fear can trigger trembling.

What can you do to help a shaky chihuahua? With my dog Falco, he's not much of a cuddler or burrower, so he tends to run around and pace when he's anxious. If your dog like to get cozy, a blanket or a sweater could help (especially if they're shaking because of the chilly temperature). I like to distract Falco, pick him up if I can catch him, and bring him somewhere new. I'll give him some rubs and kisses, or maybe even a treat. If it's a thunderstorm or fireworks, I'll put him in his thunder coat, turn on some white noise or some music, and hope that the noise goes away sooner than later 🤞

2. Are Chihuahuas Naturally Aggressive?

Chihuahuas often get a bad rap for being aggressive, but it's not entirely fair. Their bold demeanor stems from their strong personalities and protective instincts. Proper socialization and training from a young age can help mitigate any aggressive tendencies.

A Redditor noted, "My chihuahua was wary of strangers, but with consistent socialization, he became more relaxed." (Reddit)

My two cents: Falco HATES many things. Deers, the mailman, neighbors, other dogs, a strong breeze, a gentle rain, a blade of grass, etc. I choose to get him trained after adopting him, and since then, he will tolerate interruptions and visitors more graciously. If he's with me, he gets extra protective, so sometimes it's good to have him separated from the bunch or in my arms through the entire interaction.

3. How Can I Stop My Chihuahua from Barking Nonstop?

Chihuahuas are known for their vocal nature. To manage excessive barking:

Identify Triggers: Understand what prompts the barking—be it strangers, other animals, or specific noises.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward quiet behavior and use commands like "quiet" consistently.
Mental Stimulation: Engage them with toys and activities to reduce boredom-induced barking.

My tips: Keep them away from the windows!! Turn on some background noises like music or TV, so that the outside noises are less of an interruption.

4. Do Chihuahuas Have Dental Issues?

Yes, dental problems are prevalent in chihuahuas due to their small mouths. To maintain oral health:

Regular Brushing: Aim for daily brushing with dog-specific toothpaste.
Dental Chews: Provide chews designed to reduce plaque and tartar.
Routine Vet Check-ups: Schedule professional cleanings as recommended.

A Redditor mentioned, "Chihuahuas have notoriously bad teeth. Brush teeth as much as possible (up to everyday)." - BUT ALSO WHO ACTUALLY IS GOOD ABOUT KEEPING THAT SCHEDULE??

5. How Do I Potty Train My Chihuahua?

Potty training requires patience and consistency:

Frequent Breaks: Take them out regularly, especially after meals and naps.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward them immediately after they go outside.
Establish Routines: Consistent feeding and potty times help set expectations.

As shared on Reddit, "I usually take him out after meals after saying, 'Wanna go outside, go potty, go poop?'"

My advice: When they have accidents, still bring them outside. Reward with a treat (Falco is very food motivated). There will be lots of set backs, and Falco will even refuse to poop in the rain or snow. Just be kind and have patience, especially if your chihuahua is still a puppy or a senior dog. Some accidents just can't be avoided.

6. Why Does My Chihuahua Burrow Under Blankets?

Burrowing is a natural instinct for chihuahuas:

Seeking Warmth: Their small size makes them prone to feeling cold.
Comfort and Security: Enclosed spaces provide a sense of safety.

A Reddit user warned, "Know where they are at all times. Don't EVER flop onto the couch or bed until you know the dog isn't under a blanket."

I can't relate to this one, because Falco would rather be on the back of the couch up high rather than underneath something. I attribute this to him living on the streets and with cats and always having to be on the lookout for threats.

7. How Can I Socialize My Chihuahua?

Early and consistent socialization is key:

Introduce Them to Various Environments: Parks, pet-friendly stores, and walks in different neighborhoods.
Meet Different People and Animals: Ensure interactions are positive and controlled.
Enroll in Training Classes: Structured settings can boost confidence.

For those of you, like me, who have an older rescue chihuahua, you might have missed the window. You can always consult with a dog trainer on this, but once you start socializing and it's working, don't stop!

9. Are Chihuahuas Good with Other Pets?

Chihuahuas can totally vibe with other pets—if introductions are done right. It really depends on the dog’s personality:

A Reddit user shared, "My older chihuahua doesn't care about toys unless it has food inside like a kong toy. My younger is very stereotypical chihuahua and wants to be the boss of every animal in the house." Mood.

10. What Are the Funniest Things Chihuahuas Do?

Chihuahuas are little weirdos in the best way. r/chihuahua on Reddit is full of hilarious comments like:

Mine growls if the blanket isn’t arranged just right."
"My chihuahua screams when he sees his own reflection."
"She fake coughs for attention." (my toddler also does this)

Basically, chihuahuas are tiny little drama queens.

FAQ – Quick Bites

Q: Are chihuahuas good apartment dogs?
A: Absolutely. They’re small, don’t need a ton of space, and love to be near you. Just be mindful of barking.

Q: How long do chihuahuas live?
A: They’re one of the longest-living dog breeds—15 to 20 years is common!

Q: Do chihuahuas need clothes?
A: If it’s chilly, yes. Sweaters, hoodies, and tiny jackets aren’t just cute—they keep them cozy.

Q: Are chihuahuas easy to train?
A: With patience and treats, yes. They’re smart, but also a little stubborn.

Q: Can chihuahuas be left alone?
A: They can, but they prefer being with their humans. Separation anxiety is real.

Final Thoughts

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they bring a whole lot of personality (and questions!) to the table. Whether it's their shaking, barking, or blanket-burrowing habits, understanding their behavior helps build a stronger bond. Each chihuahua is a little different, and part of the joy of being a pet parent is learning what makes your pup tick.

So keep the treats handy, the blankets fluffy, and BE PATIENT because life with a chihuahua is rarely boring, but always full of stubborn love 💕💕💕💕