If you’re thinking about adding a Chihuahua to your family, you might be wondering whether they are high maintenance. Raising any dog requires a lot of hard work. Some breeds, though, are more demanding than others. So, are Chihuahuas high maintenance?
What Is a High-Maintenance Breed?
High-maintenance breeds are those that require more time, energy, money and effort to raise than other breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes about 200 dog breeds, whereas the International Canine Federation (FCI) recognizes nearly twice as many breeds.
Each breed is unique. Beagles, for instance, are known for their floppy ears and high energy levels. They were originally bred for hare hunting in 16th-century England, so they need more exercise than non-hunting breeds. Bulldogs, on the other hand, have short faces that predispose them to a myriad of medical conditions, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and allergic rhinitis. Bulldogs also have lots of skin folds that must be cleaned regularly.
All breeds require some work to raise, but high-maintenance breeds come out on top. When compared to other breeds, they need more exercise, trips to the veterinarian, grooming, home adjustments, special diets and more. Unless you’re willing to meet their taxing demands, you shouldn’t get a high-maintenance breed.
Chihuahuas Are Not High Maintenance
Chihuahuas aren’t high maintenance. Raising a Chihuahua is undoubtedly a lot of work, but there are plenty of other, more demanding breeds out there.
Breeds that are considered high maintenance include:
Afghan Hound
Akita
Bichon Frise
Border Collie
Boxer
Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chow Chow
Cocker Spaniel
Dalmatian
English Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Great Dane
Irish Setter
Newfoundland
Pomeranian
Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)
Saint Bernard
Samoyed
Shar-Pei
Shih Tzu
Siberian Husky
Weimaraner
Yorkshire Terrier
Maintenance Requirements for Chihuahuas
By familiarizing yourself with the breed’s maintenance requirements, you can decide whether a Chihuahua is right for you and your family. Chihuahuas aren’t high maintenance, but they do have maintenance requirements. Your Chihuahua’s health and happiness are dependent upon you meeting these requirements.
Energy: Medium Maintenance
Chihuahuas have medium energy requirements. Many of them love to play fetch and tug-of-war. Other Chihuahuas will run around in circles fast — a phenomenon known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs) or simply the “zoomies.”
While Chihuahuas have higher energy levels than many other breeds, their exercise demands are easily met. You don’t need a large backyard. Because they are so small, Chihuahuas can run and play in small areas. You can chase your Chihuahua around in the living room, or you can take him for a short walk around the neighborhood. A half-hour of exercise per day should suffice for most Chihuahuas.
Grooming: Medium Maintenance
Chihuahuas require a moderate amount of grooming. You’ll need to brush your Chihuahua’s coat at least once a day to remove tangles and knots. If he has a long coat, you may need to brush his coat twice a day. Long-coat Chihuahuas have longer hair than smooth-coat Chihuahuas, so they are more susceptible to tangles and knots.
You’ll need to brush your Chihuahua’s teeth a couple of times per week to promote good oral hygiene. It will remove plaque that, if left unchecked, can turn into tartar. Plaque and tartar buildup may then place your Chihuahua at risk for periodontal disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.
Nail trimming is an important grooming process. Your Chihuahua may snag his nails on rugs, furniture or the carpet if they are too long. Long nails can also become ingrown Trimming your Chihuahua’s nails once every three to four weeks will prevent problems such as these.
You’ll need to bathe your Chihuahua as well. Even if he looks clean, your Chihuahua is probably harboring debris in his coat. Bathing him at least once every few weeks will remove dirt, dander and other forms of debris that could otherwise irritate his skin.
Health: Medium Maintenance
While they have one of the longest lifespans of all breeds, Chihuahuas aren’t immune to health problems. They are susceptible to a variety of diseases and conditions. Many Chihuahuas experience reverse sneezing episodes. This all-too-common respiratory condition involves spasms of the soft palate in a Chihuahua’s mouth, which causes him to rapidly inhale air while creating a wheeze or “goose-honking” sound.
Chihuahuas are susceptible to patellar luxation. It’s an orthopedic condition that involves the kneecap (the patella) slipping out of the groove in the femur. Patellar luxation may affect one or both of the Chihuahua’s hind legs. Chihuahuas suffering from patellar luxation will often hold up or “favor” the affected leg or legs.
Other common health problems in Chihuahuas include tracheal collapse, heart disease, hypoglycemia, seizures and hydrocephalus. Even with a predisposition to these diseases and conditions, though, Chihuahuas are still generally healthy.
Diet: Medium Requirements
Chihuahuas have special dietary needs. You don’t need to necessarily feed your Chihuahua homemade meals, but you should feed him a kibble that’s formulated specifically for small dogs. Small dog kibble is smaller in size than standard kibble. Some Chihuahuas may struggle to bite and chew standard kibble, but the compact size of small dog kibble offers a solution.
Both standard kibble and small dog kibble contain three primary ingredients: protein, fat and carbohydrates. Small dog kibble, however, contains a higher concentration of protein and fat to carbohydrates. This calorie-dense formula allows for longer-lasting, more sustainable energy in Chihuahuas and other small dogs.
Potty Training: Medium
Chihuahuas have earned a reputation for being difficult to potty train, but this reputation may not be entirely deserved. Chihuahuas are sneaky. Because of their small size, they can sneak off to another area of the home to use the bathroom undetected.
After urinating in a particular spot, they may return to it. The urine of Chihuahuas and other dogs contains territory-marking enzymes. Chihuahuas can smell areas where they’ve urinated. A Chihuahua may sneak off initially to use the bathroom in an unoccupied room, and because of the enzymes he leaves behind, the Chihuahua will continue urinating in that same room.
Potty training is a hands-on activity. You can’t expect your Chihuahua to learn to use the bathroom outdoors unless you teach him. If you allow him to sneak off when nature calls, he will continue to use the bathrooms in your home. The lingering enzymes will attract him to that area of your home.
Here are some tips for a smoother and more effective potty-training regimen:
Begin potty-training your Chihuahua at an early age, preferably between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks.
Focus on reward-based potty-training in which you reward your Chihuahua with a treat and praise for using the bathroom. Punishment-based training is ineffective at best and counterproductive at worst.
Confine your Chihuahua to a crate when you leave home. Most Chihuahuas enjoy being in their crate, as it offers them a sense of security. And as long as the crate isn’t too big, they typically won’t go the bathroom in it.
When returning home, immediately take your Chihuahua out to use the bathroom.
Use a verbal command like “go potty” or “go pee pee.” Over time, your Chihuahua will associate this command with the action of going to the bathroom.
Choose a specific spot in your yard for your Chihuahua to use the bathroom.
Establish a routine that involves taking your Chihuahua out to use the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity: High
Chihuahuas are sensitive to cold and heat. Their small bodies allow them to quickly lose and gain heat in response to temperature changes in their surrounding environment. In cold weather, they’ll quickly lose body heat. In hot weather, they’ll quickly gain body heat. As an owner, you must take precautions to protect your Chihuahua from cold and hot weather.
You can protect your Chihuahua from cold weather by dressing him in clothes. Clothes offer a form of thermal insulation. A thick shirt or sweater will insulate your Chihuahua from the cold weather. Make sure your Chihuahua has warm bedding as well. Chihuahuas will often burrow under blankets and linens to stay warm.
You can protect your Chihuahua from hot summer weather by limiting his time spent outdoors during the midday sun. The sun is the hottest at around 3:00 p.m. Therefore, planning outdoor activities earlier or later in the day will help to protect your Chihuahua from heat exhaustion. You should also provide your Chihuahua with easily accessible water. Hydration is essential to protecting against heat exhaustion during the summer.
Mental Stimulation: Medium Maintenance
Chihuahuas require a moderate amount of mental stimulation. It promotes healthy cognitive function while warding off dementia and anxiety in the process.
Mental stimulation may even keep your Chihuahua happy. When bored, Chihuahuas can become depressed, or they may develop behavior problems. Mental stimulation forces Chihuahuas to use their brain, so they won’t become bored. Chihuahuas don’t need as much mental stimulation as purpose-bred dogs, but they still require a moderate amount.
Here are some mental stimulation activities to consider for your Chihuahua:
Give your Chihuahua a hidden treat puzzle toy to play with. These toys are designed to encourage Chihuahuas and other dogs to solve a puzzle so that they can access a treat.
In addition to hidden treat puzzle toys, you can hide treats around your home. Your Chihuahua will then have to his scent of smell to find the treats.
Teach your Chihuahua a new trick, such as how to shake paws or how to sit.
Take your Chihuahua for walks in unfamiliar areas, such as a park or hiking trail.
Assign a name for your Chihuahua’s favorite toy. Try to teach your Chihuahua this name while he’s playing with it.
Set up an agility course for your Chihuahua. Agility courses are obstacles that require a combination of physical and mental aptitude to complete.
In Conclusion
Chihuahuas aren’t high maintenance. Based on their energy, health, grooming, diet, potty-training, sensitivity to cold and heat and mental stimulation requirements, they are better classified as medium maintenance.
Do you think Chihuahuas are high maintenance? Let us know in the comments section below!
If you’re looking to add a hoodie to your Chihuahua’s outfit collection, you’ve come to the right place! Here you’ll find one of the largest selections of traditional Chihuahua hoodies and hooded shirts for sale. Some of them are basic and designed with a single color, while others are more complex with ruffles and unique designs.
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Hoodies are arguably one of the most versatile articles of clothing you can purchase for a Chihuahua. Whether it’s summer, winter or any season in between, hoodies can be worn year-round. The addition of a hood is a neat little accessory that can be tossed over your Chihuahua’s head to provide an extra layer of warmth and comfort. When the temperatures begin to start rising, you can take the hood back off to keep them cool. Of course, this is just one of the reasons why they are such a popular choice of clothing for Chihuahuas and other small dogs.
What Are Hoodies Exactly?
Chihuahua hoodies aren’t as common as shirts or sweaters; therefore, some people don’t know what they are exactly. If you’ve never heard of them before, let me give you a quick explanation – basically, hoodies are shirts or sweaters with a hood attached to the top. The concept of a Chihuahua hoodie is pretty much the same as hoodies that we wear.
Depending on how it’s made, you can usually pull the hood off and on with ease, giving it an even greater level of versatility over other types of Chihuahua clothes. When the temperatures are cold in the morning and you have to take your Chihuahua outside to do their “business,” you can pull the hood over their head to help keep them warm. However, once the sun starts poking through and begins to warm up the air, you can take the hood back off.
Things To Look For In a Chihuahua Hoodie
Need a little help choosing a hoodie for your Chihuahua? With so many different styles, sizes and types available, narrowing your selection down to one can prove to be a challenge, especially if this is this their first one. While it ultimately boils down to your own personal preference, here are some of the things to look for in a Chihuahua hoodie:
Obviously, you’ll want to choose a hoodie that’s going to fit properly on your Chihuahua. Like all pet clothes, Chihuahua hoodies come in a wide variety of sizes to fit any type of Chihuahua, regardless of how big or small they are. Make sure any hoodie you purchase is designed to fit your Chihuahua’s size.
Pay close attention to the weight and overall thickness of any hoodie you’re thinking of purchasing. If you plan on dressing your Chihuahua up in a hoodie during the semi-warm summer and spring months, it’s a good idea to choose a lighter, thinner hoodie. On the other hand, thicker hoodies tend to work better and offer more warmth during the winter.
When shopping for a new Chihuahua hoodie, take note of how it goes on their body. Because there are so many different manufacturers who produce them, some hoodies go on in different ways. Unless you want to spend 10 minutes trying to force it on their body, you’ll want to choose one that’s simple and easy to get on; otherwise, it will probably end up sitting unused in their wardrobe.
The color, design and style of a hoodie is also something that’s worth taking note of. After all, you want your Chihuahua to look their best in their cute new outfit, so take the time to choose a hoodie that compliments their look.
Last but not least, you need to consider the price of a Chihuahua hoodie. Some of the so-called “boutique” pet stores may try to rip you off by jacking up the price of their hoodies for $30, $40 or even $50 bucks a piece. The truth is that no hoodie should cost this much, which is why the ones listed on our site are generally much more affordable.
Tips on Using Chihuahua Hoodies
One of the great things about Chihuahua hoodies is their sheer versatility. Whether it’s hot, cold or anywhere in between, hoodies can be successfully worn as long you follow some basic guidelines. I can’t stress just how important choosing the right size hoodie is for your Chihuahua. Even if it’s just a size or two bigger than what they need, that extra fabric may rub on their body, causing sores and discomfort. On the other hand, hoodies that are too small can be equally as uncomfortable simply because they are constricting and limit their movement.
It’s not uncommon for some Chihuahuas to be hesitant of wearing hoodies or other types of clothes at first. They may shake nervously or even try to hide in their crate. Even though dressing them up properly doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort, it’s still something they aren’t familiar with, and that’s all it takes to make a Chihuahua nervous. However, you can help calm them down by talking calmly to them, petting them and giving them a treat. As long you bring all of these elements together when dressing your Chihuahua up in a hoodie, they should quickly grow to love their new hoodie.
Here you can shop through our wide selection of Chihuahua sweaters for sale. If you’re looking for a warmer alternative to traditional shirts and other light pet clothes, sweaters are the perfect choice. They’re warm, cozy and come in countless different styles to fit any Chihuahua’s personality.
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Benefits of Owning a Chihuahua Sweater
Chihuahua sweaters are arguably one of the best all-around types of clothes you can dress your furry four-legged friend up in. When the fall and winter seasons approach and the temperatures begin to drop, a thick sweater offers a valuable layer of thermal protection for a small Chihuahua. Even if your Chihuahua stays inside, which most do, they’ll still need to be walked outside daily where they’re exposed to the cold weather. Thankfully, however, a sweater can offer a valuable layer of thermal protection against the biting cold winds and freezing temperatures, so make sure to include them in your Chihuahua’s wardrobe.
Many owners seem to forget that Chihuahuas are more affected by the cold weather than other dogs. The reason for this is simply due to their small size and stature. With less body mass, there’s naturally less protection against cold temperatures. Something as simple as a cotton or wool sweater can help keep them warm on those cold winter days.
What Type of Sweater Should I Choose?
Need a little help choosing a sweater for your Chihuahua? With so many different types available, trying to narrow your selection down to one can be difficult. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of things you should consider when shopping for a new Chihuahua sweater.
What material is the sweater made of? Arguably the most important thing you need to be aware of when shopping for a Chihuahua sweater is the material it’s made of. You really can’t go wrong with a soft cotton, wool or cotton/wool blend, as these are super-comfortable and tend to hold up well on even the most active Chihuahuas. If you’re unsure whether or not a certain material will cause discomfort, take a minute to feel it with your hands. Just run your hands down the side of it to see if it’s soft.
Does it have pockets, hoods or other neat little features? There’s nothing wrong with a plain old basic sweater, but some of them can have neat little accents that really add a stylish flair to your Chihuahua’s look. If it contains extra zippers, pockets, hoods or anything else, you need to be aware of how it affects your Chihuahua’s comfort level when worn. Some poorly made sweaters may have zippers or stitching that pokes and irritates a Chihuahua.
What color and designs does it feature? Chihuahua sweaters come in a countless number of designs, colors and styles. Whether you want a basic single-color sweater or one with a more uniquely stylish design, chances are there’s something out there for your Chihuahua. Take your time to browse through the available selections until you come across one that stands out from the rest. Ideally, you want a sweater that reflects your canine companion’s personality and characteristics.
How does it fit on my Chihuahua? Of course you’ll have to consider the size of any sweater you’re thinking of purchasing for your Chihuahua. Just like our shirts and sweaters come in different sizes, so do those made for Chihuahuas. Depending on who manufactured it, there may be a simple sizing of small, medium and large. Carefully read the description to see what size dogs the sweater is intended to fit and choose the one that your Chihuahua falls under.
When To Dress Your Chihuahua Up In a Sweater
Some owners are under the impression that sweaters are meant only for the winter months when temperatures start dropping. While they are certainly useful for the winter, sweaters can also be worn year-round under the right circumstances. In fact, a lot of smooth-coat Chihuahuas seem to enjoy the soft feel of a nice sweater against their body. It creates a protective layer against the wind, rain and other elements that Chihuahuas are naturally susceptible to.
If you plan on dressing your Chihuahua up in a sweater on non-winter months, make sure it’s relatively thin and not too constricting. You don’t want to force them to wear a thick sweater that’s only going to trap too much of their body heat when it’s still warm outside, as this may cause them to overheat. Instead, look for a soft, thin sweater that’s breathable and not constricting.
You can check all of the pet stores and retailers in your area and still not find a single set of Chihuahua paw-wear, so how are you supposed to get them for your Chihuahua? We make the process quick and easy by connecting you to one of the largest selections of Chihuahua boots, booties, shoes and paw-wear for sale.
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If you’re looking to give your Chihuahua a stylish edge over other well-dressed canines, you should consider purchasing a set of boots or similar “paw-wear” for them. They add a naturally stylish element to your Chihuahua’s look that’s sure to turn heads as you walk them in the neighborhood or park. After all, how many dogs do you see sporting a set of shoes or booties on their paws? Most people have never even heard of such things, let alone use them on their canines. You can use this to your advantage by dressing your Chihuahua up to set them apart from the rest.
Benefits of Chihuahua Paw-Wear
Naturally, one might assume that Chihuahua paw-wear is a novelty item with no real benefits. While many owners dress their Chihuahuas up in them for this reason alone, the fact is that paw-wear does offer some unique benefits that shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re trying to decide whether or not to use them on your Chihuahua, just take a look at some of the advantages listed here.
Helps to protect your Chihuahua’s paws from cuts, scrapes and other injuries.
Offers a valuable layer of thermal insulation that keeps your Chihuahua’s paws warm during the cold winter months.
Creates a barrier between your Chihuahua’s paws and the snow, rain or other elements.
Dressing a Chihuahua up in paw-wear is a fun bonding time for both the owner and the Chihuahua.
Everyone loves seeing a cute Chihuahua wearing a set of booties or shoes!
Which Type of Paw-Wear Should I Choose?
Because it’s going on your Chihuahua’s paws, you’ll want to make sure they are soft and comfortable. This may be somewhat difficult to accomplish if you’re purchasing them online, but you should still be able to see what material they are made of. Ideally, paw-wear for your Chihuahua should be made with a soft interior material and a tougher exterior material. Whether they are shoes, boots or booties, they must be made to endure and withstand anything that mother nature throws their way; otherwise, you could end up having to replace them a couple of months down the road. A good vinyl, polyester or even rubber outer material should hold up well in most weather conditions, which is exactly what you want in a set of paw-wear.
While the exterior of your Chihuahua’s paw-wear needs to be tough and durable, the interior needs to be soft. Remember, Chihuahuas have small and delicate paws, and trying to force the wrong boots or shoes on them can easily cause discomfort. So how do you know if a set of paw-wear is comfortable or not? You can usually tell by simply looking at a picture of them, as comfortable sets will have a visible fur or cotton lining inside them. The ones you should avoid are paw-wear sets with no extra “comfort” layer inside them. Stick with the ones that look well-made and have a fur or some other type of lining inside them and your Chihuahua should naturally fall in love with their new shoes.
Tips on Using Chihuahua Paw-Wear
Since paw-wear isn’t used as frequently as Chihuahua shirts or other forms of apparel, you might have some questions about using them. First and foremost, take a minute or two to closely inspect the shoes or boots to see how they fit on a Chihuahua’s paws. Most of them should slide right on without a problem, but others may require some laces or straps to be removed. It should be fairly easy to determine how the paw-wear fits on a Chihuahua, but if you’re unable to figure it out, contact the manufacturer and ask them. Trust me, you don’t want to force shoes or boots on your Chihuahua’s paws in a manner they weren’t intended for.
When placing paw-wear on your Chihuahua, always use extreme caution and be as gentle as possible. As previously stated, Chihuahuas have small and fragile paws that can be injured if they are mishandled. To prevent this from occurring, you must never try and move their paws in unnatural ways. If your Chihuahua is pulling their paw away from you, don’t force it but instead put the boots down and try again later. Petting and talking to your Chihuahua may help them grow more relaxed and accepting of their new paw-wear. Once you get it on their paws, be sure to give them a treat as a reward.
Chihuahuas are one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world. Known for their tiny size and big personalities, however, they require special care and attention when it comes to traveling. Whether you’re going on a short trip to the vet or embarking on a long vacation, having the right carrier or tote is essential to your Chihuahua’s comfort and safety.
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Chihuahua Carrier Uses
A carrier is an essential item that all Chihuahua owners need to own. Even if your Chihuahua stays cooped up inside the house most of the time, there will still be occasions when you need to take him for a car ride.
If you’re headed out of town for vacation, you may need to take your Chihuahua to a friend’s house. Alternatively, you may need to take your Chihuahua to the veterinarian for an annual checkup.
friend’s house or just taking them to the veterinarian for an annual checkup, your Chihuahua will have to leave the house as some point or another. Using a specialized carrier or travel bag will offer a safe and convenient way to transport your Chihuahua.
Making the decision to purchase a Chihuahua carrier is an investment that is certain to pay off in the long run. Many owners don’t realize just how useful they are until they own one. While the most obvious use is that it allows you to travel with your Chihuahua in a safe manner, but there are some other uses that you may be unaware of. Let’s take a look at some of the main uses for a Chihuahua carrier.
One of the greatest benefits of using a Chihuahua carrier is that it allows you to keep them safe and secure when making trips to the veterinarian. Most vet offices are filled with dogs, cats and other family pets, and this may create a dangerous situation for Chihuahuas that are allowed to roam free. If your Chihuahua instinctively runs up and acts aggressively towards other pets in the waiting area (this actually happens a lot), they could start a fight that ends in a serious injury. As you probably know, Chihuahuas have the Napoleon Complex and try to pick fights with dogs much larger dogs. This can all be prevented, however, by keeping your Chihuahua secure in a carrier or travel bag when you take them to the vet.
Being that Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world, and arguably the cutest as well, many owners prefer having them by their side when running errands, picking up food or just for a drive around the neighborhood. Like most dogs, Chihuahuas love the attention and opportunity to get outside the house for a while. This creates a valuable bonding experience that naturally strengthens the relationship between you and your Chihuahua. Of course, you’ll need a proper carrier or tote if you plan on taking them with you, but that’s where we come in!
What To Look For In a Chihuahua Carrier
When shopping for a Chihuahua carrier, you might be surprised to see just how many different types there are. Some of them are small over-the-shoulder straps that mimic a pouch, while others are designed in a style similar to a backpack. However, these are just two of the many different types of carriers available. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. If you’re having trouble choosing one, use the following criteria to help narrow your selection down.
First and foremost, identify how the carrier itself is transported. For instance, bikers or those who frequently travel on food will likely want a backpack-style carrier. On the other hand, a traditional briefcase-style carrier would work fine for those traveling by car.
You’ll also need to factor in size when choosing a Chihuahua carrier. Ideally, it should be just large enough for them to stand up and turn their body around in. While you can still use carriers larger than this, it makes transportation more difficult and increases the chance that your Chihuahua will use the bathroom in their carrier.
Airflow is something that’s oftentimes overlooked by those searching for a new Chihuahua carrier. Unless it’s an open-top carrier, it needs to have a mesh screen or holes poked in the sides to allow fresh air in.
It’s not pleasant to think about, but accidents will likely happen inside your Chihuahua’s carrier. Thankfully, some carriers are designed with ease of cleaning in mind, so you’ll want to factor this into your decision. When your Chihuahua has an accident in their carrier, and they will, you’ll want to be able to clean it out quickly and easily.
Lastly, comfort should always be considered when purchasing a new Chihuahua carrier. Remember, these accessories are primarily used to transport Chihuahuas, so they will probably be spending quite a bit of time in it. You can make their temporary living quarters more comfortable by offering them a soft interior lining with a blanket or two added.
It’s every Chihuahua owner’s worst nightmare: You open the back door so that your four-legged companion can go potty, only for a hawk to swoop down and attack him. With their dagger-sharp talons, hawks can deal some serious damage, potentially maiming or killing your Chihuahua. You can still let your Chihuahua outside, but you should consider taking some precautions to protect him from these majestic yet fierce birds.
Do Hawks Really Attack Chihuahuas?
Red-tailed hawk swooping down in attack mode.
It’s not just an urban legend; hawks have been known to attack Chihuahuas.
Hawks are birds of prey, meaning they hunt other animals for food. Most hawks hunt twice a day: once in the morning and again in the afternoon. They will either sit atop a perch or soar over an open landscape while looking for their next meal. Upon spotting a target, they will swoop down to attack it.
Hawks don’t discriminate between domesticated and wild animals. Assuming an animal is small enough to consume and doesn’t pose a threat, hawks may attack it.
Hawks commonly prey upon the following animals:
Rabbits
Squirrels
Chipmunks
Mice
Voles
Fish
Crayfish
Lizards
Frogs
Grasshoppers
Other birds
Chihuahuas are small, so hawks may view them as targets as well. Hawk attacks involving Chihuahuas are uncommon, but they can and do occur.
Can Hawks Carry Chihuahuas?
Hawks can injure or kill Chihuahuas, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can carry Chihuahuas. The amount of weight a hawk can carry is proportional to the hawk’s own body weight.
There are over 200 known species of hawks worldwide, about two dozen of which live in North America. Some of these species are larger than others, and the larger the hawk, the more weight it can carry.
The largest hawk species in North America is the ferruginous hawk. Ferruginous hawks stand 20 to 26 inches tall and weigh 3 to 4 pounds on average. The most common hawk species in North America, on the other hand, is the red-tailed hawk. Red-tailed hawks are found year-rear throughout most of the continental United States and Central America. They stand 18 to 24 inches tall and weigh 1.5 to 3.5 pounds on average.
Hawks can’t carry more than their own body weight. According to the University of Missouri’s Raptor Rehabilitation Project, in fact, most hawks can only carry up to half of their body weight. They can still use their curved talons to attack heavier animals, but hawks will struggle to lift them off the ground.
Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds on average. While small, Chihuahuas are still heavier than most hawks, including the all-too-common red-tailed hawk. Therefore, hawks typically can’t carry Chihuahuas.
In some instances, a large hawk may be able to lift a small Chihuahua off the ground. Even then, however, it won’t be able to carry the Chihuahua very far. The hawk will release the Chihuahua shortly after picking him up, at which point the hawk will fly off in search of a lighter and more suitable target upon which to prey.
Beyond Hawks: Other Birds of Prey That Can Attack Chihuahuas
Hawks are just one of several birds of prey that pose a threat to Chihuahuas. There are other types of birds of prey that can attack Chihuahuas, including falcons, eagles and owls.
#1) Falcons
American Kestrel sitting atop a perch.
Falcons are birds of prey that inhabit all continents except for Antarctica. North America is home to eight species of falcons, the most common of which is the American Kestrel.
When compared to hawks, falcons are smaller. The American Kestrel, for instance, only weighs about 3 to 6 ounces on average. What they lack in size, though, they make up for in speed. Falcons are fast and agile. American Kestrels can fly at speeds up to 40 mph, and they can dive at speeds up to 60 mph.
Falcons also primarily use their beaks to attack prey, whereas hawks use their talons. After identifying a target, falcons will swoop down to attack it. They will grab the prey with their talons, but falcons will use their beaks to bite and kill the prey.
#2) Eagles
Golden eagle soaring through the sky.
Eagles are birds of prey of the Accipitridae family. Colloquially known as “the king of birds,” they are at the top of the food chain.
Eagles are significantly larger and heavier than hawks. There are only two species of eagle in North America: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. The former is the national bird of the United States, whereas the latter is the national bird of Mexico. While their other nuances between them, bald eagles and gold eagles are roughly the same size. They stand about 3 feet fall and weigh 6 to 14 pounds on average.
According to HawkQuest, bald eagles have a gripping force of 400 pounds per square inch (PSI), which is about 10 times that of the average person’s gripping force. Red-tailed hawks, in comparison, have a gripping force of roughly 200 PSI.
#3) Owls
Barn owl with his head turned searching for prey.
Owls are birds of prey from the order Strigiformes. There are 20 owl species in North America, some of the most common being the barn owl, great horned owl, burrowing owl, spotted owl and western screech owl.
While hawks, falcons and eagles are all diurnal, owls are nocturnal, meaning they hunt at night. Many owl species also have the ability to turn their head 135 degrees in both directions, resulting in a 270-degree field of view.
Owls aren’t particularly agile, but they are incredibly strong. Some owl species, such as the great horned owl, can carry up to three times their body weight. Considering that great-horned owls weigh 3 to 4 pounds on average, they can carry some rather heavy animals. Fortunately, owls generally don’t target Chihuahuas or other small pets.
How to Protect Your Chihuahua From Hawks and Other Birds of Prey
Large dogs are typically safe from hawks, but small dogs may be viewed as prey. These predatory birds may swoop down and attack an unsuspecting Chihuahua. They may not be able to carry Chihuahuas, but they can still cause serious injury or death. Here’s how to protect your Chihuahua from hawks and other birds of prey.
#1) Always Supervise
You can protect your Chihuahua from hawks and other birds of prey by supervising him. Don’t just open the door when your Chihuahua needs to go potty. Instead, walk outside with your Chihuahua while he does his business.
Unless they are defending their nest, hawks generally try to keep their distance from humans. They view humans as hazards and not prey. As a result, your presence will ward off these predatory birds.
#2) Keep on a Leash and Harness
When walking your Chihuahua outdoors, keep him on a leash and harness. It will give you more control over your Chihuahua while simultaneously preventing him from straying too far.
The farther your Chihuahua strays from your side, the greater the risk of him being attacked. Hawks may feel emboldened if they see your Chihuahua alone. With a leash and harness, you can keep your Chihuahua by your side at all times so that hawks won’t view him as an easy target. And if you see a hawk swooping down, you can pull the leash to retrieve and protect your Chihuahua.
#3) Create Coverage
Coverage can protect your Chihuahua from hawks and other birds of prey. Birds of prey hunt primarily by sight. Hawks can spot animals from up to 100 yards away, whereas eagles can spot animals from up to two miles away.
Owls have excellent eyesight as well, but their vision is particularly keen at night. They have more rods and fewer cones in their eyes. Rods affect night vision, and cones affect color. Therefore, owls have super-strong night vision, but they can only see shades of black, white and gray.
Coverage consists of various shelter structures that obstruct birds’ vision. You can construct an awning or pergola, for example, or you can set up a shade sail. By creating coverage in your yard, hawks and other birds of prey won’t be able to see your Chihuahua — assuming your Chihuahua is underneath it.
An alternative solution is bird netting. Bird netting is a mesh-like netting that’s designed to prevent birds from accessing a given area, such as a vegetable garden. Birds can see through it, but they won’t be able to fly through it.
Make sure your Chihuahua knows a recall command. Recall commands are verbal commands that direct dogs to return to their owner. You can use any word or combination of words as a recall command, such as “here,” “come,” “now” or “quick.” As long as your Chihuahua knows what it means, he will come to you when you speak it.
A recall command will allow you to recall your Chihuahua if you notice a bird of prey circling above. Your Chihuahua, of course, should remain by your side if you walk him on a leash and harness. But there’s always the chance that he’ll slip out of his harness, in which case you can use the recall command.
#5) Ditch the Birdfeeders
If you have any birdfeeders in your yard, you may want to ditch them. Hawks and other birds of prey typically don’t eat birdfeeder seed or mix, but they do eat the animals that birdfeeders attract.
Birdfeeders attract small birds and squirrels. As more of these animals venture into your yard in search of an easy meal, hawks may follow them. You can discourage birds of prey from circling over your yard by removing all birdfeeders.
#6) Invest in a Bird-Proof Vest
There are bird-proof vests available to protect dogs from birds of prey, some of which include the HawkShield, Raptor Shield, and the Hawk Star Pet Protection Vest. They are wearable vests with built-in protection mechanisms. Some of them feature deterrent spikes. Others feature a reflective design that confuses and disorients birds of prey.
There are also bird-proof vests that are designed to detach. They consist of multiple pieces. If a hawk attempts to lift a Chihuahua wearing one of these vests, the outer piece will detach from the inner piece. The hawk will then fly away with the outer piece, leaving the Chihuahua with the inner piece safely on the ground.
#7) Set Up a Scarecrow
You can set up a scarecrow to keep hawks and other birds of prey out of your yard. Scarecrows, of course, look like people — at least from the perspective of many birds. If a hawk believes your yard is occupied, it may stay in the sky.
Don’t just set up a plain scarecrow consisting of a clothed silhouette of a person. Instead, make it reflective. You can hang some old CDs from the scarecrow, or you can stick a few strips of reflective “Scare Tape” to the scarecrow. Reflective surfaces repel hawks by disorienting them. In addition to making it reflective, you should move the scarecrow at least once a week. The scarecrow will be more effective at deterring hawks if it’s reflective and moves around.
Consider adding an owl decoy to your scarecrow setup. Hawks are afraid of owls. If they see an owl decoy sitting in your yard, they may keep their distance. Furthermore, an owl decoy will ward off snakes and other small animals that predatory birds, including owls and hawks alike, target as meals.
#8) Walk Your Chihuahua in a Group
If you own one or more other dogs, consider walking all of them together. Hawks are less likely to attack your Chihuahua if he’s part of a larger group.
As the adage goes, “There’s strength in numbers.” A group of three dogs poses a greater threat to hawks than a single, alone Chihuahua. Dogs are pack animals by nature. If a hawk approaches, they will likely band together to fight it off. Unless a hawk is starving or nesting nearby, it will probably avoid this confrontation.
#9) Eliminate Perches
Another way to protect your Chihuahua from hawks and other birds of prey is to eliminate perches. Perches are elevated spots that hawks use as a vantage point. Rather than flying all day, hawks will land on a perch to rest while simultaneously scanning the surrounding landscape.
Tall posts, fences and branches are all potential perches. Eliminating these spots will create a safer environment for your Chihuahua.
Rather than removing perches, you can line them with bird spikes. Bird spikes consist of metal or plastic spikes that are designed to ward off birds. They don’t actually harm birds. Instead, bird spikes deter birds from landing on potential perches.
#10) Install an Ultrasonic Pest Deterrent Device
There are ultrasonic pest deterrent devices that can keep birds out of your yard. They work by emitting sound waves with a frequency that’s outside that of human hearing. Many birds can hear these sound waves, which they may find to be annoying.
Ultrasonic pest deterrent devices are most effective at warding off small birds like pigeons, crows and starlings. Nonetheless, hawks prey upon these small birds. By installing an ultrasonic pest deterrent device, you can repel these small birds from your yard.
What to Do If You See a Hawk Near Your Chihuahua
If you happen to see a hawk circling over your Chihuahua, run toward your Chihuahua while making as much as noise as possible. You can yell the recall command, which may result in your Chihuahua stopping what he’s doing and coming to your side. If your Chihuahua doesn’t know a recall command, you can yell just about anything. As long as you are loud — and you are running toward your Chihuahua — the hawk should abandon its attack.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t attempt to harm hawks. All hawks and other birds of prey in the United States are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Established in 1918, the MBTA prohibits the killing, injuring, capturing, selling, trading and transport of certain migratory birds without authorization from the U.S. Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
In Conclusion
A fenced-in yard isn’t enough to protect your Chihuahua from predators. It may prevent foxes, coyotes and other common land predators from reaching your Chihuahua, but it won’t offer any protection against birds of prey. Hawks and other birds of prey have been known to attack Chihuahuas. They may not be able to carry a small Chihuahua, but they can still cause serious injury or death.
Chihuahuas love to chase small animals. After spotting a squirrel or chipmunk, their predatory instinct will kick in. Many Chihuahuas will stop what they are doing and begin chasing the small animal — just like their ancestors did to hunt for food in the past.
This desire to chase small animals leads many people to believe that Chihuahuas are terriers. Chihuahuas may exhibit similar behaviors and characteristics, however, but that doesn’t mean they are terriers.
What Are Terriers?
Terriers are purpose-bred dogs that were originally used to hunt vermin, especially burrowing vermin that build underground tunnels. The word “terrier” comes from the Latin word “terra,” meaning “earth.” Terriers are adept at digging into the earth, which allows them to hunt burrowing vermin.
In the past, dogs were often bred to perform specific tasks. Some were bred to guard their owners’ homes or herd livestock. Terriers were bred to hunt rats, field mice, gophers, voles and other types of vermin.
Farmers have struggled to protect their livestock and crops from vermin for centuries. Vermin can devour entire crops, and they can spread diseases and parasites to livestock. A report by the U.S. National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) states that 20% to 40% of all crops are lost annually due to vermin and pests.
Terriers offer a solution. They’ve been selectively bred to hunt vermin. Terriers can dig into the ground or squeeze into vermins’ underground tunnels to force them out. Upon surfacing, most vermin won’t be able to outrun a skilled terrier. The terrier will instinctively chase it down. Most terriers today are now raised for companionship, but they still possess this same instinct to chase down vermin as their farm-raised ancestors in the past.
Terrier Behaviors and Characteristics
Terriers are excellent hunters. They are alert, agile, fearless and have a strong bite. When terriers see a small animal, their vermin-hunting instinct will kick in.
Most terriers are small. There are a few exceptions. The Kerry Blue Terrier, for instance, weighs 30 to 40 pounds on average, whereas the Bull Terrier weighs 49 to 84 pounds on average. Nonetheless, most terriers are small. Their small size allows them to fit into the otherwise narrow burrows of vermin.
Terriers are independent. They aren’t particularly clingy, nor do they demand the companionship of their owners or other dogs. Terriers can still develop separation anxiety, but they are highly independent and free-spirited when compared to other types of dogs.
Terriers are very vocal. They will bark at passing cars, other animals and even their owners. Their vocal nature can be attributed to two things: terriers’ high energy levels and their vermin-hunting indistinct. Terriers will bark to release their energy, and they will bark to scare vermin out of burrows.
Terriers are stubborn. Many first-time owners struggle to train them because of their stubbornness. Terriers can still be trained, but doing so requires an understanding of their natural instincts. Terriers are driven by a desire to hunt and chase vermin, which can cause them to become distracted during training sessions. Owners must focus on short, consistent training sessions while using positive reinforcement to achieve success.
Terriers are energetic. You can’t keep a terrier cooped up in a cage all day long. With hunting being hardwired in their DNA, they require a lot of exercise to expend their pent-up energy. Most terriers should receive 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day.
Are Chihuahuas Terriers?
Terriers don’t consist of a single breed. Rather, they are a group of breeds with vermin-hunting origins. The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes over two dozen terrier breeds. The oldest is the Fox Terrier, which was added to the AKC’s list of breeds in 1885. The latest is the Biewer Terrier, which was added to the AKC’s list in 2021.
Chihuahuas are not terriers. They may chase small animals and share other common characteristics, but Chihuahuas aren’t classified as terriers by the AKC or any other reputable kennel club.
AKC-recognized terriers include:
Airedale Terrier
American Hairless Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Biewer Terrier
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Cesky Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Irish Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Lakeland Terrier
Manchester Terrier
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Norfolk Terrier
Norwich Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier
Rat Terrier
Russell Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Skye Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Terrier breeds are further divided into three subgroups: short-legged, long-legged and bull-type. Short-legged terriers are characterized by a small and flexible frame with short legs. Long-legged terriers are characterized by straight and long legs that allow them to dig into the dirt when hunting vermin. Finally, bull-type terriers are characterized by their exceptional strength and fighting skills.
Notice a pattern with the AKC-recognized terrier breeds listed above? They all contain the word “terrier” in their name. There is no “terrier” in “Chihuahua,” so it’s safe to assume that Chihuahuas don’t fall under this category. Why aren’t Chihuahuas classified as terriers exactly?
There’s a lot of speculation surrounding the Chihuahua’s origins. Some experts believe the Chihuahua is a descendant of a Mexican dog known as the Techichi. Others believe the Chihuahua originated as a mixed breed between the Techichi and the Xoloitzcuintle or Chinese Crested. Regardless, Chihuahuas weren’t bred to hunt vermin, so they aren’t classified as terriers.
The breed receives its namesake from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico from which it originated. In the mid-1800s, dog fanciers in the United States would travel to Chihuahua, Mexico to purchase Chihuahuas from local merchants. Back then and even today, Chihuahuas were bred primarily for companionship. Terriers, in comparison, were bred to protect livestock and crops from vermin.
How Chihuahuas Are Like Terriers
They may not be classified as terriers, but Chihuahuas share some key characteristics with these vermin-hunting dogs. Both the AKC breed standard and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) breed standard, in fact, describe the Chihuahua as having “terrier-like” qualities.
Chihuahuas and terriers are energetic. They have high energy levels and enjoy running and playing.
Chihuahuas and terriers are alert. If they hear a strange noise or see an unfamiliar person or animal, they will likely bark. Their always-on-the-lookout demeanor makes them excellent watchdogs.
Chihuahuas and terriers are courageous. They aren’t afraid of potential threats, including other animals. Chihuahuas and terriers will often stand their ground to protect their territory from other animals.
While there are different terrier breeds, many of them are small. The Yorkshire Terrier weighs an average of 3 to 7 pounds, whereas the Rat Terrier weighs an average of 10 to 25 pounds. Chihuahuas, of course, are also small.
Chihuahuas exhibit many of the same behaviors as terriers. They have a natural instinct to chase small animals. Whether it’s a squirrel, chipmunk or another small dog, Chihuahuas and terriers will often dart after it without thinking twice.
Chihuahuas and terriers have a natural instinct to burrow. Terriers have been trained to hunt vermin — a task that often requires burrowing or digging. While Chihuahuas weren’t originally bred to hunt vermin, many of them possess this same instinct. Their ancestors would dig at the ground to hunt small animals, so many modern-day Chihuahuas continue to dig.
Popular Chihuahua-Terrier Mixed Breeds
There are many popular Chihuahua-terrier mixed breeds. One of the most well-known Chihuahua-terrier mixed breeds is the Chorkie. A cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, the Chorkie is an affectionate and playful small dog.
The Rat-Cha is another popular Chihuahua-terrier mixed breed. It’s a cross between a Chihuahua and a Rat Terrier. Rat-Chas are known for their unwavering loyalty, courage and high energy levels.
Along with the Rat-Cha, there’s the Jack-Chi. Also known as the Jackahuahua, it’s a cross between a Chihuahua and a Jack Russel Terrier. Jack-Chis inherit qualities from both Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. They are smart, friendly, affectionate and playful.
We can’t talk about popular Chihuahua-terrier mixed breeds without mentioning the Wire Chiwoxy. It’s a cross between a Chihuahua and a Wire Fox Terrier. Wire Chiwoxies are curious, fun-loving and feisty.
In Conclusion
They may exhibit similar behaviors and characteristics, but Chihuahuas aren’t terriers. Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin. Chihuahuas lack this vermin-hunting lineage. There are many popular Chihuahua-terrier mixed breeds — the Chorkie, Rat-Cha and Jack-Chi — but Chihuahuas aren’t terriers.
Chihuahuas are known for being loyal and affectionate, but are they smart? As social creatures, all dogs exhibit some degree of intelligence. They must socialize with their pack in the wild, and they must socialize with their human counterparts in domestic environments. As they interact with their pack or family members, they become more intelligent. To learn more about the IQ of Chihuahuas and whether they are smart, keep reading.
Are Some Breeds Really Smarter Than Others?
Canine intelligence is difficult to measure. We can measure human intelligence using IQ tests like the Stanford-Binet and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) tests, but there is no universally recognized IQ test available for dogs.
According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland, however, some breeds are smarter than others. For the study, researchers performed a battery of smartDOG cognitive and behavior tests on 13 popular breeds.
Researchers discovered “significant differences” between the tested breeds for five of the seven cognitive tests. The Border Collie, for instance, scored higher on the inhibitory control test than the Malinois. The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, scored higher on the unsolvable task test than the Golder Retriever. The Chihuahua wasn’t included in this particular study, but the team’s findings indicate that some breeds are smarter than others.
Researchers didn’t find any difference between the breeds for the short-term memory and reasoning tests.
The Intelligence of Dogs: Where the Chihuahua Stands
Research published in “The Intelligence of Dogs” suggests the Chihuahua is the 127th smartest breed out of 140 breeds surveyed, earning it a working and obedience intelligence ranking of #67.
Originally published in May 1994 — and later republished in 2006 with new insights and a new preface — “The Intelligence of Dogs” is an international best-seller that delves into the intelligence of man’s best friend. It was authored by Stanley Coren, PhD, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia.
After transitioning from neuropsychology to the study of dogs and the relationships between people and dogs in the early 1990s, Coren began working on “The Intelligence of Dogs.” At the time, there were only guides on canine health, training and breed information; there weren’t any guides on canine intelligence. This prompted Coren to investigate the intelligence of dogs, ranking 140 breeds by working and obedience intelligence based on survey responses.
Other notable dog books authored by Coren include:
“The Pawprints of History: Dogs and the Course of Human Events”
“The Wisdom of Dogs”
“Do Dogs Dream? Nearly Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know”
“Born to Bark: My Adventures with an Irrepressible and Unforgettable Dog”
“Dogs All-In-One for Dummies”
“The Modern Dog”
“How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication”
“Why We Love The Dogs We Do”
“What Do Dogs Know?”
The 3 Types of Canine Intelligence
Canine intelligence is closely correlated with a dog’s ability to perform tasks. Dogs that quickly and easily perform tasks are generally considered more intelligent than those that take longer or struggle to complete tasks. In “The Intelligence of Dogs,” Coren notes that there are three specific types of canine intelligence.
Instinctive Intelligence: The innate ability to perform the tasks for which it was bred, such as retrieving waterfowl, herding livestock or guarding property.
Adaptive Intelligence: The ability to adapt and learn how to perform tasks independently through experience and the dog’s environment, such as finding hidden treats or knocking over toy containers.
Working and Obedience Intelligence: The ability to learn how to perform tasks from humans, such as standing or sitting in place on command. Working and obedience intelligence is essentially trainability, or how easy a dog is to train to compete in obedience trials.
According to Coren, 51% of a dog’s intelligence comes from its genes and 49% comes from environmental circumstances.
“The Intelligence of Dogs” author Stanley Coren. Photograph by CaptainPsychology, distributed under a 3.0 CC license.
The working and obedience intelligence rankings in Coren’s international best-seller are based on survey responses from American Kennel Club (AKC) and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) judges. Coren sent an extensive questionnaire to all AKC and CKC obedience trial judges.
The questionnaire asked the judges to rate breeds based on the following criteria:
The number of repetitions a breed needs to learn a new command given by a human trainer.
The success rate of a breed obeying an already-taught command on the first attempt.
The questionnaire also asked the judges to rate which breeds they believe to be the 10 most intelligent and the 10 least intelligent. Coren received responses from 208 judges. He then ranked all of the breeds for which he received adequate response data. If a breed wasn’t included in at least 70 responses, Coren didn’t rank it.
Coren ranked a total of 140 breeds based on the judges’ scores. Some breeds earned identical scores, in which case they shared the same ranking. The Giant Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog, for instance, both ranked #28, whereas the Border Terrier and Briard both ranked #30. When accounting for ties such as this, the working and obedience intelligence rankings for 140 breeds ranged from #1 to #79.
Working and Obedience Intelligence Rankings
A photo of a Border Collie and Afghan Hound, which rank as the most and least intelligent breed, respectively.
Coming in at #1, the top-ranked breed for working and obedience intelligence is the Border Collie. Border Collies are herding dogs. They were originally bred to herd sheep along the border of England and Scotland. Their long history of working with and obeying humans’ commands makes Border Collies exceptionally obedient.
There was a Border Collie named “Chaser” with a vocabulary equal to that of a three-year-old child. Chaser was the main subject of a study into canine intelligence spearheaded by John W. Pilley, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Psychology at Wofford College.
During the years-long project, Piley and his associates were able to teach Chaser the names of 1,022 objects. Coren’s findings in “The Intelligence of Dogs” reinforce the belief that the Border Collie is among the smartest, if not the smartest, breed on the planet.
At the bottom of Coren’s list is the Afghan Hound at #79. While elegant and affectionate, Afghan Hounds exhibit poor obedience based on the criteria based on Coren’s criteria. When compared to other breeds, they require more repetitions to learn new commands and have a lower success rate of obeying known commands on the first attempt.
The Chihuahua ranks #67 out of #79 for working and obedience intelligence. There are still 126 breeds with higher scores and 13 breeds with lower scores, though, suggesting the Chihuahua is the 127th smartest breed out of the 140 breeds surveyed.
According to Coren, rankings generally indicate the following:
Breeds that rank #1 to #10 learn new commands in fewer than five repetitions and obey known commands on the first attempt 95% of the time or better.
Breeds that rank #11 to #25 learn new commands in five to 15 repetitions and obey known commands on the first attempt 85% of the time.
Breeds that rank #26 to #39 learn new commands in five to 25 repetitions and obey known commands on the first attempt 70% of the time.
Breeds that rank #40 to #54 learn new commands in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey known commands on the first attempt 50% of the time.
Breeds that rank #55 to #69 learn new commands in 40 to 80 repetitions and obey known commands on the first attempt 40% of the time.
Breeds that rank #70 to #79 may require hundreds of repetitions to learn new commands, and they obey known commands on the first attempt 30 percent of the time.
Why the Chihuahua Ranks So Low for Working and Obedience Intelligence
Chihuahuas certainly aren’t dumb, so why do they rank so low for working and obedience intelligence? Intelligence is unique to each dog. Just like some people are smarter than other people, some dogs are smarter than other dogs. This applies to all breeds, including the Chihuahua. There are super-smart Chihuahuas that are brighter than the rest.
No methodology for testing canine intelligence is perfect, including Coren’s. Coren relied on responses from AKC and CKC obedience trial judges. If a breed performed poorly in obedience trials, it would typically receive low scores from judges and, thus, receive a low working and obedience intelligence ranking.
Obedience trials really only show how well a dog obeys his handler’s commands. Working breeds, such as the Border Collie and Golden Retriever, were originally bred to perform practical tasks, so they tend to have an innate ability to learn and obey human-instructed commands — more so than companion breeds like the Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua still ranks higher for working and obedience intelligence than many other breeds. Coren only ranked breeds for which he received adequate response data. There are 200 breeds recognized by the AKC, but Coren only ranked 140 of them. He ranked the Chihuahua #67, indicating that the Chihuahua is the 127th smartest breed out of 140 breeds for which he received adequate response data or 200 total breeds.
The Chihuahua’s low working and obedience intelligence ranking may be attributed to the breed’s stubbornness. These small dogs are known for being headstrong and stubborn, which can prove counterproductive during training sessions. You may give your Chihuahua a command, only for him to ignore you.
But you can’t blame Chihuahuas for being stubborn. Most Chihuahuas are stubborn because of the way in which they are trained. Owners either use punishment-based training or are inconsistent with their training approach, both of which Chihuahuas respond poorly to.
Are Chihuahuas Smart?
They may rank low for intelligence based on Coren’s research, but Chihuahuas are still smart. The AKC says the Chihuahua is “a very alert little dog of high intelligence” that can “excel in obedience training and other canine sports.” The CKC describes the Chihuahua’s temperament as being “saucy, superior intelligence.” If they weren’t smart, they wouldn’t be described as such by two of the world’s leading kennel organizations.
Memory and Retention
Chihuahuas have excellent memory and retention. They can remember routines, such as eating, walking and sleeping routines. Your Chihuahua, for instance, may go to his food bowl at the same time each day, expecting you to feed him, and he may lie down in his at the same time each night.
Chihuahuas can also remember the location of objects. Your Chihuahua may hide his favorite toy under a couch cushion, only to retrieve it the following day. Some Chihuahuas can remember the location of places like parks and veterinary clinics.
Chihuahuas can even remember the purpose of objects. When you grab your car keys, your Chihuahua may jump and bark with joy, believing he’s about to go for a car ride. If you bring home a tube of topical flea medicine, he may run and hide, believing you’re about to apply it. Excellent memory and retention is a sign of intelligence.
Perceptive of Emotions and Body Language
Chihuahuas are adept at reading their owners’ emotions and body language. By observing subtle cues, they know how their owners feel.
A study published in the journal Learning & Behavior found dogs can sense six human emotions: anger, happiness, sadness, fear, surprise and disgust. Chihuahuas, though, are more attuned to their owners’ emotions than many other breeds.
As companion dogs, Chihuahuas develop strong bonds with their owners. Your Chihuahua will probably spend most of his time by your side or in your lap. All the time your Chihuahua spends with you will improve his ability to sense your emotions and body language. Changes in your facial expression or the tone of your voice, for example, may convey a particular emotion that your Chihuahua is able to sense.
Fast Learners
Chihuahuas are fast learners. According to Coren, it typically takes 25 repetitions before they begin to understand a new command and 40 to 80 repetitions before they consistently respond to the command. That may sound like a lot, but you can easily reach 80 repetitions in just a handful of training sessions.
Because they learn so quickly, Chihuahuas often compete in obedience and agility trials. Obedience trials require participating dogs to obey their handler’s commands, such as heel, sit and stay. Agility trials, in comparison, require participating dogs to complete a timed obstacle course.
Eager to Please
Chihuahuas love to please their owners. When their owners are happy, they are happy. In addition to being a sign of intelligence, the breed’s eagerness to please plays a key role in their ability to learn so quickly.
You can train your Chihuahua with positive reinforcement. Rather than scolding or punishing your Chihuahua when he fails to obey a command, reward him when he does obey the command. You can pet and praise him, or you can give him a treat. Positive reinforcement will show your Chihuahua that you are happy with his behavior. And since he wants to please you, your Chihuahua will continue to perform the desired behavior.
Problem-Solving
In “The Intelligence of Dogs,” Coren notes that Chihuahuas are good at solving problems. They don’t always need the assistance of their owner or solve problems. Rather, Chihuahuas can often solve problems on their own, indicating a high level of adaptive intelligence.
Chihuahuas develop problem-solving skills at a young age. As puppies, they may learn how to escape a gated indoor area or how to open a treat jar. Chihuahuas will continue to refine their problem-solving skills as they enter and progress through adulthood.
Communication
They may not speak our language, but Chihuahuas can still communicate with us. Chihuahuas, in fact, exhibit some of the best dog-to-human communication skills in the canine kingdom. Using both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication, they can let their owners know what they need.
If your Chihuahua wants to be covered up, he may scratch at the blanket, waiting for you to pull it over him. If your Chihuahua is hungry but has an empty food bowl, he may push it toward you, believing you will refill it. If he wants you to wake up in the morning, he may lick your face. These are examples of nonverbal communication.
Verbal communication involves barking or other noises. If your Chihuahua needs to go potty, he may bark at the door. If your Chihuahua is about to have a seizure, he may whine or whimper at your feet. If he wants to play, he may perform a high-pitched, energetic bark. If there’s a stranger walking by the front of your house, your Chihuahua may perform a low-pitched bark or growl while looking out the window.
Name Recognition
Chihuahuas can recognize names — and not just their own names. They can recognize the names of people, toys and other pets.
You can teach your Chihuahua new names through repetition. Repeating the name of the person, toy or other pet over and over will allow your Chihuahua to develop an association between the two. He will begin to associate the name with the person, toy or other pet.
Big Brain
Chihuahuas have the largest brain relative to their body size in the canine kingdom. A typical Chihuahua’s brain measures about 2.25 to 2.5 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 1.94 grams (55.1 grams). That’s about the same size as a small lemon and the same weight as a dime.
Other breeds may have larger brains, but they fall short of the Chihuahua’s brain-to-body ratio. The average brain-to-body for all breeds is about 1:125, meaning the brain of a typical dog is about 125th the size of the dog’s body. There are slight variations in brain-to-body ratios from breed to breed, however. Because Chihuahuas are so small, their brains are proportionally larger, compared to their body size, than all other breeds.
Skilled Watchdogs
Chihuahuas are naturally skilled watchdogs. They are alert, protective dogs that will sound the alarm for potential threats. Whether there’s a wild animal roaming in your backyard, a burglar trying to break in through a window or even a fire starting in your kitchen, your Chihuahua will probably let you know.
Watchdogs alert their owners to the presence of threats by barking. In “The Intelligence of Dogs,” Coren lists Chihuahuas as #6 on his list of the top #15 watchdog breeds. Coren contacted over a dozen canine experts to create this list, many of whom were professional trainers and dog masters for police departments. After analyzing their responses, Coren concluded that the Rottweiler was the #1 watchdog breed among the experts, with the Chihuahua coming in at #6.
Sounding the alert for potential threats requires a certain level of intelligence. Watchdogs must be aware of their surroundings, have a loud bark, have excellent vision and hearing, and they must be able to distinguish between normal and not-normal sights and sounds. Their small size makes them less-than-ideal guard dogs, but Chihuahuas make excellent watchdogs.
Brain Games for Your Chihuahua
Looking to mentally stimulate your Chihuahua? There are a variety of brain games you can play with him. Brain games are toys or activities that require your Chihuahua to think. Brain games are essentially problem-solving exercises for the brain.
You can challenge your Chihuahua’s cognitive capabilities with a hidden treat toy. As the name suggests, hidden treat toys are toys that contain a hidden treat (or food). They require dogs to solve a puzzle to access the treat. Your Chihuahua may have to knock or roll a hidden treat toy in a certain way, for instance.
There are also snuffle mats. Snuffle mats are large mats with pockets or strips of fabric where you can hide treats. They aren’t necessarily toys, but snuffle mats work in the same way. Your Chihuahua will have to use his nose to search for the treat within the snuffle mat.
Scent games can keep your Chihuahua mentally sharp. They involve hiding one or more scents and allowing your Chihuahua to sniff it out. All dogs have a keen sense of smell. A typical dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than that of a human’s. Scent games will encourage your Chihuahua to use his sniffer to find treats.
You can hide treats around your home. Alternatively, you can hide a treat in a closed fist, followed by extending both of your hands in front of your Chihuahua. Your Chihuahua will then have to sniff out the hand holding the treat. There are even scent game kits available for sale that contain scented bean bags, sprays or other items for your Chihuahua to sniff out.
Obstacle courses are brain games. Chihuahuas must exhibit both physical and mental skills to complete them. They must walk and balance through the course while mentally processing the obstacles they encounter.
You can create an obstacle course using common items around your home, such as chairs, blankets, pillows, hola hoops, doggie gates and empty cardboard boxes. If you’re going to create an obstacle course, though, make sure it doesn’t pose a risk of injury to your Chihuahua.
Teaching your Chihuahua new names is a form of mental stimulation. He probably already knows his name, but how many other names does your Chihuahua know? You can teach your Chihuahua the names of toys. You can then command your Chihuahua to fetch a particular toy. If he successfully retrieves the right toy, reward him with praise and a treat.
In addition to new names, you can teach your Chihuahua the “drop it” command. It’s an obedience command that involves a dog dropping an item in his possession. If your Chihuahua is holding a treat or toy, the “drop it” command should prompt him to release it.
Not only will the “drop it” command mentally stimulate your Chihuahua; it can keep your Chihuahua from chewing on things he shouldn’t be. If you notice your Chihuahua chewing on the side of your couch or one of your shoes, the “drop it” command will make him stop — assuming you’ve taught your Chihuahua this obedience command.
Hide-and-seek is a multigenerational childhood game that’s popular throughout the world. You can play it with your Chihuahua to keep him mentally sharp while simultaneously building a stronger bond with him. Just find a hiding spot and wait for your Chihuahua to find you.
When playing hide-and-seek with your Chihuahua, don’t hide in the same place each time. Chihuahuas are fast learners. After hiding in the same place two or three times, your Chihuahua will probably remember. For a more mentally stimulating game of hide-and-seek, choose a new hiding spot each time.
Does Age Affect Intelligence?
The age of any dog can affect his intelligence. Puppies are like sponges and rely heavily on social learning. They watch their littermates and parents. As they absorb this information, puppies learn how to perform the same tasks, resulting in a higher level of intelligence.
Senior dogs, in comparison, have more experience. They’ve learned how to adapt to their environment and, ultimately, survive. However, senior dogs may experience age-related cognition decline. Their cognitive capabilities may decline as they grow older.
With that said, you can still teach an old Chihuahua new tricks. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found that all dogs were able to learn; senior dogs simply learned more slowly than younger dogs.
Diets high in antioxidants, selenium and fatty acids have been shown to protect against age-related cognitive decline in dogs. If you have a senior Chihuahua, talk ask your veterinarian for dieting advice.
Don’t let their small size fool you into thinking Chihuahuas aren’t smart. While individual variation exists within the breed, Chihuahuas are absolutely smart. They have excellent memory and retention, are perceptive of body emotions and body language, are fast learners, are eager to please, can solve problems on their own, can communicate using verbal and nonverbal methods, can recognize names, have larger brains and make excellent watchdogs.
American Canine Association (ACA) – America’s largest veterinary health-tracking canine registry in the U.S. The ACA isn’t as old as some of the other purebred dog registries since it originated in 1984; however, it has made quite a name for itself with multiple dog shows throughout North and South America, as well as recognition from President George W. Bush for its rescue efforts during the tragic events of 9/11.
American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) – a U.S.-based organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of rare canine breeds. The ARBA works closely with its sister organization the Kennel Club USA to achieve this goal.
American Kennel Club (AKC) – Leading register of purebred dogs in the world. Founded in 1884, the AKC operates over 5,000 clubs and chapters throughout the world, all of which work to promote good health and ethics among dog owners. In order to register a purebred dog with the AKC, the owner must first register the pup’s respective parents.
Animal Legal Defense Fund – Founded in 1979 by a group of attorneys, the Animal Legal Defense Fund works to protect the rights and overall well-being of animals through the legal system. It provides free legal consultation to prosecutors handling cases of animal cruelty and neglect. Currently, the Animal Legal Defense Fund operates with over 200,000 active members.
Animal Society For The Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (ASPCA) – Nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing the abuse, negligence and overall cruelty towards animals. Founded in 1886, the ASPCA has remained true to their goal by setting up numerous chapters throughout the U.S. focusing primarily on family pets, such as dogs, cats, horses, etc.
Arizona Chihuahua Rescue – Arizona-based nonprofit Chihuahua organization. The Arizona Chihuahua Rescue organization is ran exclusively by volunteers who dedicate their time and energy into rescuing injured and/or neglected Chihuahuas. Once rescued, they work hard to rehabilitate the Chihuahua, as well as look for a loving new owner for them.
Chihuahua Club of America (CCA) – Nonprofit organization dedicated towards the promotion of purebred Chihuahua breeding qualities. They work closely with the AKC and recommend all owners to accept their standards for the Chihuahua breed. The CCA offers a wide variety of resources on Chihuahua health, temperament and general breed information.
International Fund For Animal Welfare (IFAW) – Nonprofit animal conservation organization founded in 1969. The IFAW operates in over 40 countries throughout the world to provide hands-on approach to protecting a wide range of animal species, only one of which are dogs.
PetSmart Charities – Nonprofit organization owned by one of the nation’s largest pet supply retailers PetSmart. They offer a wide variety of services including adoptions, spays, neutering, emergency relief programs and financial grant programs.
Petfinder – Owned by the Discovery Network, Petfinder.com is a searchable database of over 13,000 animal shelters and rescue organizations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Note: only nonprofit shelters are allowed to join Petfinder’s database.
Stray From The Heart – Non-profit dog rescue organization specializing in homeless dogs. They work with a network of volunteers who provide their services to help rehabilitate these neglected dogs, helping them recover and find new homes.
The Humane Society of The United States – The largest and most effective animal organization in the United States. They strive for better animal and pet laws, education, emergency response, and deal with cases of animal cruelty. Like most nonprofit animal organizations, they accept donations to help cover their ever-growing operating costs.
United Kennel Club (UKC) – Founded n 1898 by Chauncey Z. Bennett, the UKC is a world-renown purebred canine registry. As of 2012, they receive nearly a quarter of a million registrations worldwide, making them the second largest registry.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – world-renown nonprofit organization dedicated towards the conservation and restoration of nature. With over 5 million supports, WWF remains one of the world’s largest conservation organizations.
Please note – we are not interested in link exchanges, so please don’t waste your time sending us requests, as they will simply be marked as spam and ignored. With that said, we are willing to add reputable sites to our link page that we believe would be helpful to Chihuahua owners. These include nonprofit organizations, rescues, animal shelters, etc. If you know of a website not mentioned here that falls under that category, feel free to contact us with the details. We’ll review the site and add it to our listings here if we deem it useful.
Chihuahuas are known for their fun personalities. They are some of the sweetest yet fiercest dogs on the planet, which typically makes them the center of attention. You can express your Chihuahua’s personality to the world by dressing him in a costume. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a holiday celebration, or if you simply want to add some flair to your furry friend’s everyday life, the perfect Chihuahua costume is just a few clicks away.
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Occasions For Chihuahua Costumes
While shirts, sweaters, hoodies and dresses are the most common types of Chihuahua clothes purchased by owners, you shouldn’t rule out costumes from your tiny canine’s wardrobe. It’s a simple and fun way to give them an entirely new look. Whether you’re dressing them up for a party or for no reason at all, seeing a Chihuahua wearing a cute costume is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face, regardless of what kind of day you’re having.
There are certain occasions that are perfect for dressing up your Chihuahua in a cute or funny costume, such as Halloween for example. This spooky time of year gives you the opportunity to dress up and pretend you’re someone or something else. You can allow your Chihuahua to experience the same by dressing them up in a costume as well. When you’re sitting around the house waiting for trick-or-treaters to come to the door, why not dress your Chihuahua up in a costume? Kids eagerly searching for candy will get a kick out of your festive-dressed Chihuahua.
So, what types of costumes should you dress your Chihuahua up in on Halloween? The choice is entirely up to you, but a simple “devilish” costume is downright funny and perfect for this occasion. It’s simple, easy to put on, and gives your Chihuahua a funny look that’s sure to draw some compliments from trick-or-treaters. Alternatively, you can go with something less spooky, such as a ladybug or shark costume. Your imagination is really the only thing holding you back when it comes to a Halloween costume for your Chihuahua. You can even take it one step further by sewing together something entirely new and unique, but this of course requires some knowledge and experience on the sewing machine and tailoring in general.
Halloween isn’t the only time when it’s appropriate to dress a Chihuahua up in a costume. Here are a few of the many other occasions to consider:
Get-togethers with friends and family members. After all, seeing a Chihuahua wearing a funny costume is an instant conversation starter.
Throwing a masquerade party with other guests coming over in full costume. Why not let your Chihuahua join in on the fun?
Most people wouldn’t think of costumes as your everyday Chihuahua clothes, but some of them are practical enough to wear just about anywhere. If it’s simple and easy to put on, you can dress your Chihuahua up in it anytime.
Sometimes it’s just fun to dress your Chihuahua up in a costume for no reason at all. If you’re sitting around the house bored one evening, try dressing them in a fun new costume. Doing so creates a valuable bonding experience for both of you.
These are just a few times when Chihuahua costumes are suitable. Have some fun and experiment with different looks to see which one works best on your Chihuahua.
Tips on Using Chihuahua Costumes
Because they aren’t as “traditional” as shirts or sweaters, some of the Chihuahua costumes on the market may go on in different ways. Before purchasing any new costume for your Chihuahua, take the time to find out how it goes on. Most of the quality ones made by trusted manufacturers are designed with comfort in mind; therefore, they should naturally slide on and off your Chihuahua. On the other hand, cheap, low-quality costumes that are poorly made can cause discomfort when worn. Unfortunately, your Chihuahua isn’t able to tell you if their costume is hurting them, so it’s up to you to check and make sure it’s comfortable. Don’t force a costume on them if it doesn’t fit and always handle their legs and paws gently. Chihuahuas are small and fragile, and even small amounts of pressure in the wrong direction may injure them.
The key thing to remember when dressing your Chihuahua up in any type of costume is to make sure they are comfortable and that it isn’t causing them discomfort. Whether it’s a ladybug, devil outfit or any other costume, it needs to be made with a soft material that’s naturally comfortable when worn. Cotton, wool and cotton/wool blends are generally the best all-around materials for costumes, so try to stick with these. However, there are certain micro-fiber and polyester blends that are also soft and comfortable when done right. Feel the material yourself to get a first-hand impression of just how soft it is. As long as it doesn’t feel dry, rough or leathery, it should be okay to use on your Chihuahua.
Don’t Forget About Accessories!
When you’re busy having fun with all of the costumes in your Chihuahua’s wardrobe, it’s easy to overlook the importance of accessories. Although they are technically necessary for your Chihuahua to sport a cool-looking costume, they do add to their overall appearance and style. Ideally, you should try to use accessories that complement their character. Say, for instance, your Chihuahua is wearing a ladybug outfit, well you could accessorize them in a cap with antennas on it. Think about what types of accessories would naturally go well with their costume and then choose the ones that are most practical for them to wear.
Red-tailed hawk swooping down in attack mode.
American Kestrel sitting atop a perch.
Golden eagle soaring through the sky.
Barn owl with his head turned searching for prey.
“The Intelligence of Dogs” author Stanley Coren. Photograph by CaptainPsychology, distributed under a 3.0 CC license.
A photo of a Border Collie and Afghan Hound, which rank as the most and least intelligent breed, respectively.
