Are Chihuahuas Good With Other Dogs?
[The Definitive Guide]

author
Aaron Rice Expert Dog Trainer
Written: January 17, 2022

Chihuahuas are renowned for their stubborn mentality. Although once they get comfortable with the owner, they are affable and tender dogs. This dog breed is not the most sociable one when it comes to getting along with other dogs. With proper socialization from the puppy phase and systematic training, this inherent nature can be modeled.

If you are a Chihuahua owner and thinking about bringing home another canine companion, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will do a comparative study of your dog’s chemistry with some popular dog breeds. This section will be followed by some tested training techniques that will help the dog gel better with other dogs.

Sounds interesting? Then let’s move ahead without any further waiting.

Chihuahuas and Small Dog Breeds

Being a miniature breed themselves, Chihuahuas generally don’t face many problems mingling with other toy breeds. In this section, we will analyze how well they bond with some of the small dogs.

Chihuahua vs. Chihuahua

We will start with one of the most straightforward partners. The new Chihuahua has no issues befriending dogs of their breed. Two chihuahuas get along well in no time, and there is a sense of familial bond or treatment associated with a family member on display. 

As a dog owner, you are in for a fun show leaving your Chihuahua with another Chihuahua alone in a room. You will probably see each of them jumping in excitement, inviting the other dog to play; it will be a jolly ride and a fantastic sight. In short, they end up being best friends and keep each other company at all times.

Chihuahua vs. Pitbull

Unlike the previous combo, these two dog breeds are not suited for each other. The Pitbull’s muscular physique and serious demeanor can intimidate the tinier Chihuahua. They will snap, and due to the apparent difference in physical strength, this situation could lead to Chihuahuas ending up getting injured.

 

The bottom line is, do not bring a Pitbull home if you already own a Chi.

Chihuahua vs. Yorkie

The similarity in physical traits makes these two breeds a viable option for companionship. Both of them can share a loving and fun relation with some minor training activities.

Adult supervision is advisable in the initial introductory stage. But in a couple of weeks, they should be good at sharing a common space at home or a dog park.

Chihuahua vs. Shih Tzu

Chis and their high-pitched voice can be annoying to the Shih Tzu. These breeds are not generally the best of friends. We recommend you think twice before bringing them under the same roof.

We have witnessed rare cases of an amicable bond formation between them at our dog training center. Human supervision is crucial to prevent unwanted duels and injuries.

Chihuahua vs. Pomeranian

The average Chi and Pomeranian have a natural sense of attitude and pride associated with them. When these two breeds are brought together, a clash of personalities is likely to occur.

Without human supervision or left unleashed, the air seems to get tense, and things end in confrontation rather than bonding.

Chihuahua vs. French Bulldog

Their inclination towards playing games and energetic nature helps them be decent playmates. This combination is worth trying, provided you have the time and interest to engage the dogs in regular gaming sessions at home or outside.

 

So far, we have seen the Chihuahua’s chemistry with similar-sized pooches. What if the other dog is a large-sized breed? Let’s check that out in the upcoming section.

Chihuahuas and Large Dog Breeds

Chihuahuas, despite their tiny size, have a superiority complex and tend to be bossy. Being around a giant dog is not a comfortable experience for them in general. There are certain exceptions, though. If the larger dog is submissive who lets the Chihuahua be the Alpha dog, things can get cozier.

Before adopting a large-sized canine breed, we recommend you perform a basic background check. Check their history with dogs and other animals. Do not go ahead with dog ownership if they are aggressive and tend to have a violent nature towards other smaller animals.
Once the background check is satisfactory, the following approach would be to perform a supervised introduction in a neutral area. They can get uneasy at home territory due to the bossiness. Observe for any signs of discomfort or anger/fear in either party. 

Consider owning the second only if these prerequisites are adequately met.

Chihuahua vs. Labrador

This combination is mostly a neutral one. Do not expect them to be BFFs, but the air will be calm enough in each other’s presence. Both these breeds will end up minding their own business without causing a hindrance or grabbing the unwanted attention of the other.

Chihuahua vs. German Shepherd

We advise a strict “NO” for this pair. Most Chihuahuas do not get along with the German Shepherd. The latter’s stature, energy level, and intellect will drive the smaller breed to crazy levels of irritation and intimidation.

Chihuahua vs. Golden Retriever

The Goldens are generally easy-going, with a calm attitude in some of them. The bonding of this pair is downright average. Their chemistry won’t be magical, but they’re independent enough not to cause chaos.

You never know how your untrained Chi would react to another dog. Therefore, as a responsible pet parent, ensure you engage your dog in professional training routines to chisel away their personality traits’ rough edges.

We will address this aspect in the following section.

Methods to Make Your Chihuahua Get Along with Other Dogs

Obedience Training From A Young Age

We had mentioned this point in the introductory part of this article too. Behavioral modeling via obedience training is a game-changer for a Chihuahua dog to befriend other animals.
Seeking the guidance of a professional dog trainer can help improve the quality of results significantly. When trained from a young age, Chis turn out to be well-behaved when interacting with other dogs.

If you notice the pup growling and snarling at other animals, do not let it slide. Some owners think it’s cute when a toy breed displays signs of aggression. That is not the right mindset needed. Train them to calm down with proper reinforcements like tasty treats.

Physical and Cognitive Stimulation  

Do not restrict your Chihuahua as a mere showpiece. Ensure they get adequate physical activity in the form of a short duration of outdoor games and walks. Being a small breed, get prior approval from your veterinarian regarding the extent of exercise for the dog. The last thing you need is to grill and exhaust them by overdoing the workout.

Take time out to play dog puzzles with your Chi. This activity will help them remain mentally active and stimulated. Being bored and lonely makes their behavior unpredictable, and they tend to snap at other dogs/animals.

Research on the New Dog

Ensure the doggy companion you are about to bring home is suited for bonding with Chihuahuas. We recommend you perform sufficient research, assess the pros and cons of the dog’s genetic traits and the history of violent behavior before proceeding with adoption.

Create Socialization Opportunities

Test how your dog behaves in the company of other dogs. A helpful step would be enrolling your dog in the local daycare centers or get-togethers where people bring their dogs, like garden parties. 

Check how the Chihuahua reacts with larger breeds and smaller ones. Observe the frequency of behavior change or if there is a tendency to snap.

Introduction to the Opposite Sex

This method can be an excellent way to relieve tension. If you have a male Chi, observe how they behave with the same breed’s female dog. Males are usually calmer and gentler with the opposite sex. (And vice-versa)

Apart from these essential pointers, we have a couple more tips you need to keep in mind. Chihuahuas usually bond well with other dogs that have similar energy levels. 

Last but not least, never let your dog unsupervised with another dog breed during the introduction. This statement is applicable irrespective of the breed involved.  

Concluding Words

Chihuahuas inherently prefer to be the Alpha of the house. They do not like to get along with other dogs/animals as a rule of thumb. Having a canine friend is not their primary need. But this is not a final verdict. Proper training from a young age and frequent socialization can make the bonding favorable.

We recommend small-sized breeds to go with a Chi to be on the safe side. Their ego can get hurt even with a kind-hearted and gentle large breed being stubborn and bossy. This aspect may not be the case for all pooches. But it is always recommended to check their comfort levels in neutral venues before settling at home.

We hope you gained some much-needed insight/answer on selecting the fitting canine addition to your family. 

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