Why Your Chihuahua Acts This Way

Chihuahuas rank among the world’s tiniest dog breeds at just 1.5 to 2.5 kg, yet their personalities tell a completely different story. These small dogs boast an impressive lifespan of 14 to 16 years and carry a rich heritage. The Aztecs even believed these diminutive creatures possessed mystical powers.

These small yet mighty dogs often show above-average aggression toward people and other dogs, while maintaining their characteristic “saucy expression.” Their strong attachment to owners stems from deep-rooted instincts and breeding patterns. The breed’s vocal nature and tendency toward separation anxiety reflect these same ancestral traits.

Your tiny companion’s hidden behaviors deserve a closer look. Understanding their unique characteristics will help explain why your Chihuahua behaves the way it does.

The Ancient Origins of Chihuahua Behavior

The Chihuahua’s ancestors can be traced to an ancient dog called the Techichi. This breed was a bit larger and nowhere near as vocal as today’s Chihuahuas. These early companions were favorites of pre-Columbian Mexican civilizations. Your small friend’s unique behaviors today stem from this ancestral connection.

Aztec heritage and its effect on temperament

Chihuahuas weren’t always fashion accessories. Their ancestors played a deep spiritual role. The Toltec people around 900 AD kept Techichis as sacred animals with mystical qualities. The Aztecs took over Toltec territories in the 1300s and made these small dogs even more important.

The Aztec nobles managed to keep hundreds of these dogs in large packs. They believed the dogs had magical powers and performed special rituals with them. These dogs were thought to help guide dead nobles’ spirits through the afterlife. This sacred role came at a price – when an aristocrat died, their Techichi would be killed and buried or cremated with them.

This rich history explains several traits we see in modern Chihuahuas:

Intense loyalty and attachment – Their ancestors bonded closely with shamans and nobility

Alertness and protectiveness – Their role as spiritual guardians needed constant alertness

Confident demeanor – Their high status gave them security and dignity

These small dogs were so precious that people used them as currency in trades. This elevated position in society helped create the confident temperament that Chihuahuas are known for today.

Survival instincts of small-sized dogs

A Chihuahua’s tiny size—usually 2 to 6 pounds—shapes how they behave and survive. Their ancestors had to develop specific ways to make up for being so small.

Mexican warm climate suited these dogs perfectly. Their small size made them easy targets for bigger predators. They developed sharp alertness and a “guard dog” mindset that modern Chihuahuas still show.

Modern Chihuahuas can’t survive well in the wild, even though they have some helpful traits. They need companionship, just like their ancestors needed human families or packs. That’s why today’s Chihuahuas build strong bonds with their families and often choose one person as their favorite.

Chihuahuas shake and tremble in part because of their size—they lose heat fast and find it hard to stay warm. This trembling also helps them communicate when they feel anxious or excited, a behavior that evolved through generations of survival.

How selective breeding shaped modern Chihuahua traits

Breeders made specific choices to turn the Techichi into today’s Chihuahua. Experts think they mixed Techichis with Mexican hairless dogs called Xoloitzcuintli. This created the lighter, more energetic, apple-headed Chihuahuas we know now.

The early Techichis were plumper and much quieter. Breeders chose more alert and vocal traits that the Aztecs liked. Mexican merchants later sold these dogs to American tourists in the mid-to-late 1800s. They focused on breeding small, confident companions.

Most breeds were developed to hunt, herd, or work. Chihuahuas, however, were bred just to be companions. This focus on human-dog bonding explains why they’re so loyal and always want to be near their owners.

Today’s Chihuahua keeps many old traits while fitting into modern life. Their smarts and problem-solving skills come from their ancient past. Some challenging behaviors—like being stubborn, barking at territory invasions, and getting anxious when alone—show the survival instincts of a small dog bred to stay close to humans.

Good breeders now care more about health and temperament than looks. They work to keep the Chihuahua’s unique personality while reducing problems from intensive breeding.

FAQs

Q1. Why does my Chihuahua shake so much? Chihuahuas often shake due to their high metabolism and small size, which makes it difficult for them to regulate body temperature. They may also tremble when excited, anxious, or processing excess energy. In some cases, shaking could indicate stress or medical issues like hypoglycemia.

Q2. How do Chihuahuas choose their favorite person? Chihuahuas typically form an intense bond with one family member, often selecting the person who provides the most attention, care, and affection. This deep attachment stems from their breeding history as companion animals and their need for close human relationships.

Q3. Are Chihuahuas really as aggressive as they seem? While Chihuahuas may appear aggressive, their behavior is often a defense mechanism due to their small size. They’re not inherently aggressive but can become protective or fearful without proper socialization. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help manage these behaviors.

Q4. How intelligent are Chihuahuas compared to other dog breeds? Chihuahuas are highly intelligent dogs with excellent problem-solving abilities and memory. They can learn commands quickly and even participate in canine sports. Their intelligence, combined with their strong-willed nature, can sometimes make training challenging but rewarding.

Q5. Why does my Chihuahua bark so much? Chihuahuas bark frequently due to their alert nature and protective instincts. They use barking to communicate various emotions, from excitement to anxiety. The pitch, frequency, and duration of their barks convey different messages. Proper training can help manage excessive barking.