Chihuahua

Small, alert and bold, the Chihuahua is a companion breed with roots in Mexico. It bonds strongly with one person and has a big personality.

Photo: Bonnie van den Born · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Bred for
Companionship, with roots in Mexico
Typical energy
Moderate
Size
Small

Where to start

Usually motivated by closeness, praise and tiny food rewards. Use that in training and keep sessions short and rewarded.

  1. First focus

    Train it like any dog: small size is no reason to skip manners.

  2. Next

    Use tiny, soft rewards and a gentle voice, and handle your dog confidently and kindly.

  3. Daily habit

    Practice calm greetings and a "quiet" cue early, because Chihuahuas can be vocal.

Breed notes describe tendencies in a group of dogs, not your dog. Every dog is an individual, and Dogify does not assess your dog. This is general training information and not a substitute for a qualified professional.