Chihuahuas are like French fries, it’s almost impossible to pick ‘just one’ of them.
Which makes you wonder:
Do Chihuahuas get along with other dogs?
Here you’ll discover the answer, plus:
- 4 dog breeds that get along with Chihuahuas.
- 9 simple tips to make your Chihuahua get along with other dogs.
- And more…
Table of contents
- Do Chihuahuas get along with other dogs?
- Do Chihuahuas get along with small dogs?
- Do Chihuahuas get along with big dogs?
- Tips to make your Chihuahua get along with other dogs
- Tip #1: Obedience training
- Tip #2: Mental and physical stimulation
- Tip #3: Inform yourself before you get another dog
- Tip #4: Allow your Chihuahua to choose a dog
- Tip #5: Don’t let your Chihuahua get away with snarling and gnarling
- Tip #6: Test your Chihuahua’s social skills
- Tip #7: Don’t leave a large dog unsupervised with your Chihuahua
- Tip #8: Introduce your Chihuahua to dogs of the opposite sex
- Tip #9: Meet your Chihuahua with dogs that have the same energy level
Do Chihuahuas get along with other dogs?
Most Chihuahuas do not get along with other dogs. This is mostly because Chihuahuas tend to be snappy. Whether your Chihuahua will get along with other dogs or not, depends if the Chihuahua has been socialized from early puppyhood.
There are some things you can do to help your Chihuahua get along with other dogs. Plus: there are also some exceptions.
Continue reading to discover more…
Do Chihuahuas get along with small dogs?
Chihuahuas do fine with most small dog breeds especially if they know the other dog since puppyhood.
It’s easier for a Chihuahua to associate with another toy breed.
Let’s discuss some small dog breeds…
#1: Do Chihuahuas get along with other Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas can get along very well with other Chihuahuas. That’s why it’s okay to have more than one Chihuahua in a household. It’s fine to leave them alone while away. When two Chihuahuas meet, one will likely drop in a bow and invite the other to play.
Tip: Check out these 101 Chihuahua Memes.
#2: Chihuahuas and Yorkies
In general, Chihuahuas do get along with Yorkies. The fact that they’re both small ensures that they’re not intimidated by each other.
#3: Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus
Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus are not amongst the most compatible breeds. That’s why you should be careful when you bring these two together. It’s a must to supervise them.
#4: Chihuahuas and Pitbulls
Chihuahuas and Pitbulls don’t get along. You shouldn’t expose a Chihuahua to a pitbull because it’s likely the Chihuahua will snap and end up hurt.
#5: Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs?
Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs can make great playmates because they usually get along just fine.
#6: Chihuahuas and Pomeranians?
Both Chihuahuas and Pomeranians have an attitude. Meaning they’re likely to get into a confrontation if left unsupervised or unleashed.
Read further: Do Pomeranians And Chihuahuas Get Along?
Do Chihuahuas get along with big dogs?
Usually, Chihuahuas don’t get along with big dogs. An exception is when both of the dogs have grown up together. Chihuahuas don’t realize how small they are and tend to be bossy. They can get along well if the Chihuahua is the alpha and the big dog is submissive.
Before introducing a big dog to your household and your Chihuahua, you should find out what type of personality the big dog has.
If you decide to adopt, it’s important the big dog doesn’t have a history of issues. That’s why it’s worth checking their background. Ask the shelter how well the dog gets along with other dogs, cats, kids.
Try to introduce both dogs on neutral grounds and look for any signs of aggression or tension.
Caution: When getting a bigger dog, always do the work so you can socialize them with your Chihuahua. Don’t assume it should be fine and hope for the best.
Read also: 7 interesting reasons why Chihuahuas are aggressive
#7: Chihuahuas and German Shepherds
Most Chihuahuas do not get along with most German Shepherds so it’s advisable to keep them apart from each other.
#8: Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers
The chances of Chihuahuas getting along with retrievers are 50-50. Although Golden Retrievers are friendly with a mild attitude, they’re not a suitable companion for a Chihuahua.
#9: Chihuahuas and Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus don’t get along with Chihuahuas too well. The reason is their size which makes them suitable to play with other big energetic dogs. While a Shiba Inu tries to dominate a Chihuahua, they could hurt them.
#10: Chihuahuas and Labradors
Chihuahuas and Labradors get along okay. You can’t expect them to become best friends but at least they won’t be in each other’s way.
Tips to make your Chihuahua get along with other dogs
I was walking my long-haired Chihuahua mix in the Dog Park the other day when we met a short-haired Chihuahua. Probably because both dogs were female, the other Chihuahua snapped and tried to bite Lissa…
The owner apologized and said that her girl always does that. Hence, the lady was afraid to let her Chihuahua close to other dogs. She stated her Chi has always been this way.
Well, if you want to avoid such development of events, here’s what you can do:
Tip #1: Obedience training
You want your Chihuahua to be obedient enough so they don’t get into trouble and (worse) into danger.
What you can do is enroll your Chihuahua in obedience training from an early age.
This will ensure you have a well-behaved little Chihuahua that you’re not afraid for each time another dog approaches.
Tip #2: Mental and physical stimulation
Exercise your Chihuahua when you go out.
Don’t carry them around in a bag or hug them all the time. Give them the ability to experience the world on their four feet. This will pay off.
Playing fetch, chasing around other dogs and vice versa, will drain energy from your Chihuahua. That’s what you’d like to do before introducing a bigger fellow dog to your petite Chi.
If during the walk your Chihuahua hasn’t exercised properly, it’s likely they’ll snap at another dog. They could also start destroying furniture or items at home.
Tip #3: Inform yourself before you get another dog
Getting a new furry family member is always exciting. But don’t get caught up in all the excitement just yet…
First, get to know what the potential new member is like. You can either choose a breed that goes along well with Chihuahuas or get a mixed breed from a shelter.
Whatever you settle for, do your research beforehand.
Tip #4: Allow your Chihuahua to choose a dog
Sure, you want your Chi to get along with other dogs. But take us, people – we sense who we get along with. Then, we hang out.
Let your Chihuahua make their choice. As long as they don’t act snappy towards another dog, both dogs don’t need to be best friends.
If you’re on the search for a new canine housemate, introduce the two dogs together on neutral grounds and see how they get on.
This should be done while both dogs are leashed and the distance between them should gradually decrease.
Tip #5: Don’t let your Chihuahua get away with snarling and gnarling
A lot of Chihuahua owners underestimate the ‘dog’ part in their toy dog. It’s easier to let a Chihuahua be aggressive towards other dogs if you think it’s cute.
If you do… think again. Not stopping this kind of behavior towards other canines could lead to long-term behavioral issues.
These could get your Chihuahua hurt when it snaps at a large dog in the dog park, on the street, or in your own home.
A great way to see how well your Chihuahua gets along with other dogs is to take it to a place with many dogs. This could be the dog park, the doggy daycare, or a garden where you gather with other dog people.
Observe if your Chihuahua reacts differently to bigger dogs than to smaller ones.
Refrain from letting your Chihuahua go unleashed near dogs they normally snap at.
Tip #7: Don’t leave a large dog unsupervised with your Chihuahua
Some large dogs could be the friendliest fluffballs you’ll ever meet. But they might still be a danger to your Chihuahua.
How?
Regardless of a dog being small or big, they all want to play.
So, even if your Chihuahua gets along with a larger dog breed, an incident can happen in seconds.
The result could even be death.
Some bigger dogs are not aware that they might hurt a smaller one. This means they can paw at your Chihuahua, jump on it, or even bite it (playfully).
A minor danger is the big doggo stepping on your Chihuahua.
One of the biggest dangers, when a large dog jumps on your Chihuahua, is that it can break their spine.
A bite from a big dog could fracture the Chihuahua’s skull even if the deed was not caused out of violence.
This can happen not only with two dogs that have recently been introduced to each other but also with life-long friends.
Tip #8: Introduce your Chihuahua to dogs of the opposite sex
One thing that could help while allowing your Chihuahua to get to know other dogs is to test their reactions with a dog of the opposite sex.
This will help reduce possible tension.
Tip #9: Meet your Chihuahua with dogs that have the same energy level
When your Chihuahua likes the other dog they meet, they can become playmates.
This works if the other dog has more or less the same energy level.