Many people have some negative experiences with chihuahua dogs due to their growling and attempts to bite. But are all chihuahua aggressive dogs? To answer this question, let’s talk a little about the chihuahua breed.
Aggressive chihuahua
The Chihuahua breed is characteristic for small dogs that became popular in the 50s and today many owners keep animals of this breed. These dogs are docile with their owners but can be reserved and even aggressive with strangers.
What Makes Chihuahuas Aggressive
The aggressiveness of these dogs may be related to their self-defense behavior and to defending the territory, and their owners. They are dogs that were bred to perform the role of guard dog, thus always trying to protect their home.
Another factor that can help in the aggressiveness of these dogs is the size. A 2015 survey by Sandri and colleagues showed that small dogs may be more anxious and stressed when compared to large dogs. This can justify the aggressiveness of some of these little ones.
About the Chihuahua breed
One of the theories about the origin of the Chihuahua believes that these dogs lived wild in Mexico. These small dogs were captured and domesticated by the indigenous people of the region.
Physical characteristics
The head is very round and small, and the eyes are round. The ears are large and are always on alert. It is a dog with a compact body, short and muscular limbs, its tail is moderately long, carried high, arched or in a semicircle.
The Chihuahua’s coat can be short-haired or long-haired and can be found in many shades and combinations except for the merle color.
Behavior / Temperament
Chihuahuas have a strong personality. They are small dogs but agile, alert, restless and very courageous. It’s a dog that can bark a lot. They can react to any strange movement, always calling the tutor’s attention. Therefore, it is considered a good guard dog.
Breed health
Chihuahuas are very healthy animals, but they need to do physical activities such as playing and going for walks to burn off some energy. This breed can have some genetic diseases such as:
- Patellar deviation;
- Cryptorchidism;
- Hydrocephalus.
Patellar deviation is a disease where the animal may limp and feel local pain, as the patella leaves the anatomical place, which may lead to injuries from temptation and other complications.
Cryptorchidism is the disease present in males where one or both testicles are not observed in the scrotum. The puppies are born with the testicles in the cavity and until 8 months these testicles tend to be in the scrotum.
After 8 months of the absence of one or more testicles the animal is considered a cryptorchid. In these cases, castration of the animal is indicated, since the testicle in the cavity has a greater predisposition to become a tumor that can worsen the health of the animal.
Hydrocephalus, on the other hand, has no well-described causes. It is the disease that happens in the intra uterine life where there is a large accumulation of liquids in the puppy’s skull. Thus, the bitch may have difficulties when giving birth to the animal in a natural way, being a necessary cesarean section. Puppies often die due to neuronal complications generated by hydrocephalus.
Dogs with these genetic disorders are discouraged from breeding. And there must be veterinary monitoring for better resolution of the cases.
These animals do not have so many reproductive problems, but gestational follow-up with a veterinarian is advised due to the high incidence of hydrocephalus, which can lead to dystocia, resulting in the mother and the offspring’s death.
Animals must have a routine of being vaccinated and dewormed. In addition to care with ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks. When these preventive cares are not applied, the animals can present health problems.
Illness, happiness, excitement, or fear can cause the animal to shiver; this same sign can be seen when they are cold. If constant tremors are observed, a veterinarian should be sought.
Conclusion
Chihuahua dogs can be a little aggressive towards strangers. But this characteristic is linked to the animal’s act of defense. These dogs can be aggressive towards animals and humans that pose any risk to Chihuahua dogs and their owners. Despite being aggressive towards strangers towards their owners, Chihuahuas tend to be docile and friendly and are excellent companion dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Aggressive chihuahua
How heavy is a chihuahua?
The Chihuahua’s weight should be between 1 and 3 kg.
How long does a chihuahua live?
Chihuahuas usually live between 12 and 20 years, depending on their genetics and general care.
Do the chihuahua bark a lot?
Yes, because they are dogs that have great hearing and any noise they find suspicious they will bark. Thus making them good dogs to guard.
Reference
CBKC – Brazilian Canine Confederation, 2015 Official Breed Standard: chihuahua. Available at: https://cbkc.org/application/views/docs/padroes/padrao-raca_187.pdf, accessed January 22, 2022.
Sandri, M., Colussi, A., Perrotta, M. G., & Stefanon, B. (2015). Salivary cortisol concentration in healthy dogs is affected by size, sex, and housing context. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 10(4), 302-306.
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