Is a Chihuahua generally a good dog?

Question

I really want to get a teacup Chihuahua. I've heard negative things about them though, like they're really yippy. If you are a Chihuhua owner or a person who is familiar with Chihuhua's and their general behavior, I would really appreciate advice! Also, are they good with other dogs? I would get a male Chihuahua btw and I'd name him Chauncey. What do you think?

Thank you for any help/advice! :o)

Answer 1

There's actually no such thing as a "teacup" chihuahua.  AKC chi's must weigh 6 pounds or less.  If you get the runt of the litter because he is small, you're likely to have more health problems.

Chi's can be devoted, protective pets.  They're a big dog in a small package.  I had a male chi that I adopted from the shelter who bit at everyone, including others in my family.  He was strictly a one-person dog.  I currently have a 2 year old female, and while she also is devoted to me, she loves everyone in the house.  Heck, she loves everyone in the world!  Like any other dog, chihuahuas must be socialized while they are young.

You sound like you want a "teacup chi" as an arm ornament.  The novelty of a small dog "named Chauncey" will wear off, then you'll have the dog a long time -- chi's can live up to 20 years.  You should research any breed you're thinking of getting.  Also, there are chi's and other small dogs at the shelter you should look into getting.  They can be very grateful, loving, and devoted.

Good luck, hope this helped.

Answer 2

I have 2 chihuahuas and I love them!! neither of mine are "yippy" my one actually very rarely barks at all. Mine don't bite either ...or growl. I think when you see a chihuahua you automatically think of this stereotype because every one thinks it. If you socialize your chi from a young age it will be extremely friendly. Both mine are. They are the most loyal and loving dogs ever! Very demanding for attention though. You have to be careful buying small ones. sometimes they do have health problems. Like I said though so long as you really socialize them they will be great dogs. I take my 3lb girl every where with me she thinks my purse is hers..sometimes she lays in it at home even!

oh and as for getting along with other dogs....we also have a pug and they all sleep ontop of each other...they play with my moms shih tzu and pug too..infact pepper and mollie love other dogs...its bull c**p if you socialize the dog it will get along with anything...mine even like cats!

Answer 3

I think you have some research to do.

Chis can be great dogs...but you do not, under any circumstances, want a teacup. Please read this:

http://www.chiwantone.com/documents/teac...

Answer 4

Sigh.  

There is no such thing as a teacup chihuahua.  Only bad breeders and undereducated people use this term.

I don't care for chihuahuas.  I think they are yappy, nippy, snotty, and usually not well behaved.  They can also be aggressive and can be nightmares to potty train.  They also need an owner who is home a good portion of the day and will be for the next 15-17 years.  

you need to head to two different sites:

http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com

http://www.pbrc.net/breeding3.html

The first will help teach you about the breed and can refer you to a good breeder.  The second is a chart to help you learn what to look for in a breeder.

CCA's teacup statement:

"Tea Cup Statement

The Chihuahua Is A Chihuahua

The Official AKC Breed Standard describes the Chihuahua as a small dog that comes in two varieties or coat types. The difference in coat type (the Long Coat and the Smooth Coat) is the only official description used to identify a difference within this breed. Our standard does not categorize the Chihuahua by size.

For the purpose of showing and record keeping, the American Kennel club includes the Chihuahua (along with 19 other breeds) in the Toy Group. Therefore, irrespective of their weight or physical stature ALL Chihuahuas registered with the AKC are considered to be a toy breed of dog.

As with all living things, there will be size variance between individual dogs within this breed. Look within the human family - brothers and sisters will differ in height and in weight, as well as other physical attributes. They are described as humans, male or female, and there is seldom if ever a need to break the description down further. The same holds true in regard to the Chihuahua; they are Chihuahuas - Long Coat / Smooth Coat!

Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe the size  differences and physical appearances are many and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate. Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned that these terms may be used to entice prospective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value. They are not and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading.

Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That puppy is a small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description is not correct. To attach any of these additional labels to a particular puppy is to misrepresent that Chihuahua as something that is rare or exceptional and causes a great deal of confusion among those new fanciers who are looking for a Chihuahua.

The Chihuahua Club of America does not endorse nor condone the use of any of these terms and would caution the perspective puppy buyer not to be misled by them.

We recognize that many Chihuahua fanciers do want the very small puppy. While they are adorable and can be perfectly healthy, the buyer should be cautioned  as to the extra care that may be required with regard to their general health and well-being."

http://chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/teacup...

Answer 5

Having had a Chihuahua, I can tell you they are quite nervous, yapping little beasts.  Mine, nor any others in her litter got along with other pets well.  I always teased she had "Napoleon Syndrome" because she would try to take on all kinds of animals regardless of their size.

All the Chihuahua's I have ever known were snappy (biting) animals who were very possessive of their owners too, so not very good for small children.

Answer 6

I wouldn't get a Chihuahua.  I don't like little, yappy, nippy dogs  

Answer 7

you need to research

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&...

Answer 8

NO!!! well, j/k Chihuahuas are little and they do bite, they are vengeful, and can be hateful. They bark a lot, and DEMAND attention. They don't generally do well with other dogs unless purchased at the same time. But they can also be loving, and are usually pretty loyal. I would never get a chihuahua, because they arent' for everyone, but if you feel you can handle it, and i would caution you to do plenty of research, go for it!

Answer 9

I have a chihuahua..not a teacup one tho.. and hes annnnoyyyyyinnnggg. i wish we never got him. he's destroyed all our rugs by peeing everywhere and pooing..he will not go ooutside no matter how hard we try..3 other people i know have the same problem with theres.

Answer 10

I have 2 Chihuahua crosses there good girls, very smart too,  There behavior can be improved with dog and child socializing and training while its a puppy.They are curious, alert, protective, observant and keen on interacting with people. They are very loyal to the master and suspicious of strangers, which makes them excellent watch dogs. It seems that they are unaware of their small size and often challenge larger dog, I would consider these dogs to be very demanding and needy. they are good for lonely people.