Chihuahua
Considering their small size, plenty of people assume that Chihuahuas are quite fit for families with small children, but in fact, it’s quite the opposite. In fact, these little guys rely on their mouths to efficiently protect them where their stature can’t.
That’s why they react with plenty of barks, and sometimes even bites, especially when they feel the need to defend themselves. So many Chihuahuas out there need their own personal space. They might give plenty of social cues if anyone outside their primary caregiver enters their personal zone and makes them feel uncomfortable.
The problem is children aren’t all that great at reading signals, and a Chi could become quite aggressive.
Breed overview: They are part of the Toy group, with height from 6 to 9 inches, and weight of 2 to 6 pounds. They have smooth or long coats and are seen in many colors, either solid or a combination of two colors, which can also include black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red.
6 Responses
Being the owner of 2 Pit Bulls, I strongly disagree. They are gentle and loving to both other animals and people of all ages. It’s the owners who don’t let them socialize and train them (all it takes is to be the Alfa and like with any other dog, be consistent). It’s the owners who train to be aggressive are at fault.
It depends on how you raise them also ! We had 2 Rottweilers as puppies until age 6 and 10 with young children. Now we have a mixed breed pitbull territory and a pitbull black lab.
We have a Chiweenie (Chihuahua-Daschund). It’s a breed NOT meant for children or busy families. They’ll suit a calm, quiet, warm environment with lots of blankets and small toys where they can be the center of attention perfectly.
If you have cats, that’s not a problem. They’ll get along wonderfully with them.
Explains my mixed Chihuahua/weiner dog . She is VERY possessive when it comes to me. Never had a dog so unwilling to share me with my poodle. They are the same size and she has gotten better but when it comes time to share the bed, she scares her sister (the poodle) to death. She’ll finally let up and allows the poodle to groom her face..
My first pit bull…sweetest dog ever. My Shih tzu that passed away was the only dog that we had to put a muzzle on at the vet. My poodle that the family had was the meanest dog ever would bite a stranger..very protective.
Note , all dogs are inherently dangerous and will bite without warning . This is particularly true of smaller breeds as this is their only defence . That said , it depends more on how the dog is raised . Those raised gently with love return that love in kind . I have had three boxers that look intimidating at first appearance but are extremely loving and protective of their family , my children grew up with them and were protected by them at times in conflict with playmates and even when being scolded by an adult .
I have had two Hybrid McKenzie Wolves who were loving and gentle especially around children . Pets return the love they receive they also remember those who would abuse them . If given the option , they avoid those people , aggression is their last resort .