Would a chihuahua make a good pet??

Question

I want to get a chihuahua puppy. Would it make a good pet with a 12 yo child, an over-friendly small dog and two adults.

PS: The dog loves other dogs. i let my bird out while the dog was in and he didnt take any notice, even when the bird was on the floor next to him. he wouldnt hurt a fly.

Answer 1

Chihuahuas are wonderful dogs! Absolutely fabulous pets. THey're smart, perky, frisky little devils - loaded with personality.

There are 2 catches however.

Chihuahuas are big dogs in extremely small packages. That is, remeber to treat your Chihuahua as you would a medium sized dog - only it's in a small package.

The other is obedience training. Again, it's all too easy to pick Bruiser up and carry him to his pillow - but an obedience trained chihuahua is a joy to be around. The're clever enough to learn tricks, go potty in a kitty pan (if you want him to remain indoors this is essential) play fetch and ball just like your beagle or lab. BUT obedience is key. Come, sit, stay, heel, down etc. are essential for all dogs - but toy breeds especially.

Have fun with him.

Answer 2

As with any dog, it depends on a lot of things. If you get the dog as a puppy, and bring it up right, chances are that it will be a good dog. If you get the dog from a shelter, only time will tell. I had a chihuahua for a while and then just recently I lived with a girl who had one. Both dogs were adopted from the shelter. Both had a few problems walking on the leash: mine would absolutely refuse to go to the bathroom, and my roommate's squealed and whined when he was wearing one because it scared him. Both dogs had accidents in the house: however, with training, occurrences became less frequent over time. Both dogs had separation anxiety: almost every chihuahua that I've ever met or heard about has had this problem - be prepared to take your friend just about everywhere with you - my roommate's dog was so attached (and only after two weeks!) that he'd follow her into the shower, outside, and rode on her lap while she was driving - he refused to be anywhere except at right next to her. MIne was the same way. This is not the type of dog to have if you go to work or school all day - not even if you have someone else home all day. YOU have to be the person who's always around. Once the dog becomes attached to you, there is no replacement. Overall, though, these dogs are very loving - if you're looking for a best friend, you can definitely find one in a chihuahua. They're pretty smart too - you can teach them cute tricks, and they're very tolerant of things like wearing clothes, which is very appealing to most people. A chihuahua's nature can vary - my dog and my roommate's dog were both very calm, but I have met some chihuahuas who were very aggressive - especially towards other dogs. If you already have a medium to large breed dog who is very active and playful, you're chihuahua probably won't be happy when around that dog. Having another small breed lap dog should be no problem, unless jealousy occurs. Overall, I would not suggest a chihuahua as a first dog. If this will be the first time that you're diving into dog-ownership, I'd suggest something small in size, and not so hyper, who doesn't require extensive grooming. Breeds like dachshunds or pugs would be good, however they do have a higher risk of health issues. Something like a heinz 57 mutt might be your best bet for a first time dog - mutts are great and usually don't have as many health issues, plus they're unique! If you have been a dog-owner before, and you are maybe like a stay-at-home mom or someone who stays home the majority of the day, or you can take the chihuahua with you wherever you go - by all means, a chihuahua should make a great pet for you! Oh! and no small children with chihuahuas! not a good idea!

Answer 3

My brother had a chihuahua for over 13 years and you couldn't ask for a better dog. He was protective of his master, went everywhere with him (he was spoiled) but not once did that dog ever hurt anyone. My children more or less grew up with that dog (they're all young adults now), he was very good around them and quite use to them as I use to go over there just about every week-end to visit. I think it all depends on how the dog is 'trained' by its master and treated.
I'd say get the chihuahua and see how it works out, you'll be surprised to see what great companions they are.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Chis are like babies. But they are nippy to small children. If your child is grabby or hyper, it wouldn't be a good fit because he will get nipped. Chis boss the house with an iron rule, so if your other dogs are submissive they would integrate well. The Chi will be the alpha dog in the home, and it will demand your attention like a baby would. If you can live with that, it would be ok. I love the breed. They really are like babies but have a strong point of view.

Answer 5

Chihuahua's are fun loving dogs, but they're very protective of their owners. Be sure if you do get one to make sure it socializes with people. Also, training them is a challenge, but it can be done. Good luck!

Answer 6

SHOULD BE FINE JUST BE CAREFULL REMEMBER A CHI PUP IS VERY SAMLL AND TEH OVER FRIENDLY DOG CAN OVER POWER TEH PUP JUST INTRODUCE SLOWLY.
mY SISTER HAS A CHI AND A SCHNOODLE AND MY DAUGHTER VISITS OFTEN AND SEH IS 11.
I WOULDN'T SUGGEST A VERY SMALL ONE MEANING ONE THAT WILL MATURE TO BE 1-3 POUNDS AS TEHY CAN OFTEN HAVE MEDICAL PROBLEMS BUT ANY BETWEEN - 7 POUNDS SHOULD BE GOOD.
THEY ARE GREAT DOGS AND YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS

Answer 7

Get a Labrador they are great with kids and other dogs :)

Answer 8

No! They are like rats, nasty snappy animals, definitely cat food!

Answer 9

KINDA