Are Chihuahuas better in pairs?
Yes, Chi-Chi pairing is a good one since both dogs have the same energy levels and similar personality.
Are you planning on getting two Chihuahuas? Then it is a good decision and soon you will be experiencing a lot of Chiwawa love!
If you already have a Chi at home and plan to add another Chi to your family, then please check out my guide on Do Chihuahuas get along with other Chihuahuas?
In case you plan on bringing home two Chis simultaneously, then read on to learn what to expect.
I have also discussed the pros and cons of having Chihuahuas in pairs so you can make an informed decision.
Are Chihuahuas Better in Pairs?
Having two Chihuahuas is a sometimes better for both the dogs.
You see, Chihuahuas are companion dog breeds. This means that they often hate being left alone and, at times, might even show signs of separation anxiety when alone for prolonged periods.
That is why even some vets recommend getting dogs in pairs.
Another reason why a Chi-Chi pairing is good is that their energy levels match. This helps both dogs do stuff together, exercise and eat together, and later even snuggle and cuddle together.
That is why Chihuahuas are sometimes better in pairs.
Also Read: Male Vs Female Chihuahua
When Are Chihuahuas Better in Pairs?
Dogs in general bring so much love and joy in our lives and Chihuahuas are even better in this aspect.
They are loving, comical, hilarious, and loyal and affectionate dogs.
Here are some more reasons why Chihuahuas are sometimes better to keep in pairs:
1. They keep each other entertained
Chihuahuas can recognize other Chihuahuas and can even revel in each other’s company.
They have the same energy levels and can keep each other entertained.
Chis typically need company and are often prone to anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. That is why they are likely to thrive when they have each other to lean on and give company in the absence of their owners.
2. They can get the vital physical and mental stimulation together
Playtime and exercise are extremely important for your Chihuahuas.
When they have each other for company, they will be more willing to walk, play, and chase each other.
They can also show overall development since they learn from each other and socialize with each other too. This releases endorphins and feel-good hormones that are good for both pets’ wellbeing.
Well-exercised Chihuahuas are usually healthier and can prevent obesity, health issues, and behavioral problems as well.
3. Makes training easier
It can be difficult to train an older dog but an older dog could easily train a younger Chihuahua puppy.
Chihuahuas –like all dogs – are pack animals. So if you happen to bring a Chi puppy, your adult Chihuahua might take it upon him/herself to train it.
Even if you get two Chihuahuas at the same time, it will be better from the point of view of training them. Both dogs will learn a lot faster and, in most cases, you might need to spend only half the effort.
House training can definitely become easier as you can take both dogs out at the same time. Most puppies tend to ‘go’ in the same spot where another dog has gone potty. This could make potty training go a bit faster.
4. Could reduce symptoms of separation anxiety
Since Chihuahuas were solely bred for being companion dogs, a single Chi is likely to get depressed when left alone at home for hours at a time.
With a companion around, they might be much better off and can look up to each other for company. This can reduce unwanted behaviors that stem from stress and loneliness – excess barking, chewing furniture, etc.
5. You might save a life!
When you adopt another Chihuahua to give your current dog company you’d be saving a life!
Chihuahuas are one of the dog breeds that often end up in shelters since they are prone to biting and aggression. A poorly trained and un-socialized Chihuahua may become a burden for lazy dog parents who would seek a second home for it.
By adopting such a Chihuahua, you’d be saving its life.
6. You can save money on resources
When you buy/adopt two Chihuahuas, you can buy resources like dog food, vitamins, treats, dental chews, dog beds, in bulk/large quantities. This could end up being cheaper.
Many vets also offer discounts to Chi parents for their second dog even more when the second dog is adopted or from an animal shelter.
7. You get double the love!
Chihuahuas are extremely loyal and affectionate dogs. They love cuddling with their humans and will even follow you around.
With two Chihuahuas, you will get double the love! Imagine coming home to two bundles of joys instead of one!
Now let us discuss some of the ‘not so good’ factors of owning a Chi-Chi pair.
When are Chihuahuas Not Good in Pairs?
Sometimes, it is simply better to have one Chihuahua instead of two or more Chis.
Here are some scenarios when you should not consider getting/adopting a second Chihuahua:
1. When your existing dog is fearful or aggressive
If your first Chihuahua is fearful, shy, or aggressive due to lack of training, inadequate socialization, or because it was rescued and has had a traumatic past, then maybe a second Chihuahua may be a bad idea.
It is unrealistic expectation on the part of a dog owner to think that a second Chihuahua can change the first one for the better.
If your Chihuahua has fear aggression, then please work with a dog behaviorist or dog trainer to correct it before bringing home another pet.
2. When your existing pet has severe separation anxiety
If your Chihuahua has severe separation anxiety, then getting a second dog may not always reduce it.
If you leave both the dogs home alone, then the Chi with severe anxiety might get even more scared and could even develop other behavioral issues.
In addition, it can be very difficult for your second Chi to adjust in a household where the existing pet has such behavioral issues.
3. When your existing Chi is a resource guarder
Has your dog bitten you, another family member, or another dog for taking its toys, food, etc.?
In such a case, your Chi is a resource guarder. Please avoid bringing another dog in such a case as your first Chihuahua will guard its resources tenaciously and might not hesitate to display aggression over it.
You might then have to take extreme care not to leave its stuff lying around as that can be a source of trouble. Worse still, it could cause fights and chasing sprees and one or both tiny dog could end up grievously injured too.
4. When you are on a budget
Having two dogs can obviously be quite expensive. Even a simple unexpected medical problem can run high bills.
So avoid getting another dog if you are on a tight budget.
5. When you don’t have time
Having two dogs can definitely be a time consuming project. You have to spend time exercising and training them and also taking them to the vet occasionally.
If you’d rather be going out with friends or binge watching Netflix shows, then perhaps getting another Chihuahua may not be such a good idea.
6. If you are considering getting littermates
Littermate Chihuahuas end up being the worst for many reasons:
Firstly, they become so dependent on each other that they may not be good with other dogs or house pets. This is called the littermate syndrome.
Secondly, they only give and take affection from each other and may not even develop a close bond with you or your other family members.
Training litter mates can also be a nightmare because they simply do not learn the independence that every dog is supposed to.
So please steer clear of getting two Chihuahuas from the same litter.
7. When you keep comparing every other Chi to your existing pet
If you think every Chihuahua will be sweet, loving, and affectionate like the bundle of joy you have at home: think again!
No two dogs are the same. A dog’s temperament depends on many factors and you simply cannot compare two dogs even if they are of the same breed.
If you are thinking a second Chihuahua will be just like your resident dog, then it isn’t a valid reason to bring home a second Chi.
Do Chihuahuas Get Lonely?
This is often the guilty thinking of a Chihuahua owner. Many pet parents feel that their poor Chi is lonely and needs a friend.
A lot of families fall into this trap as they have to leave their Chi home alone to go to work and their kids have to be at school.
Yes, some Chihuahuas are prone to separation anxiety but this issue can be solved through training and ‘desensitization’. If you diligently work in getting your young Chihuahua puppy used to being home alone for 6-8 hours from its puppyhood, then chances are that it won’t be lonely at all.
Secondly, most well-exercised Chis are too tired to feel lonely and will gladly sleep all day.
Therefore, the thought that a solo Chihuahua is lonely is usually the guilt of its owner – the dog could care less.
If your pet does have separation anxiety, then you can seek help of a dog trainer or a behaviorist to tackle the issue. You can also invest in some mental activities to stimulate your pet.
Do Some Chihuahuas Like Being the Only House Pet?
Yes, many Chihuahuas are known to be jealous when their owner simply pets another dog. They are often extremely possessive of their owners’ attention and would gladly be the solo dog in the entire planet!
Some Chis are resource guarders and may not take too well to having to share those resources.
Often times, an older Chihuahua might not appreciate another younger dog or house pet encroaching upon its personal space. Likewise, a female dog might not appreciate another female Chi around.
Then there are some Chis that are prone to separation anxiety that may not like being left home alone with another dog.
So please assess your Chihuahua’s personality first before you decide to bring home a second Chi.
It is also very important to teach your Chihuahua to get along with the second Chi before you bring it home permanently. You might want to carry out this introduction under supervised conditions and preferably in a neutral territory.
You may also have to keep the two dogs separate, at least in the beginning. Take all these factors into account before you decide to bring home your second Chihuahua.
FAQs on Are Chihuahuas Better in Pairs?
1. Do two Chihuahuas get along well?
Yes, Chihuahuas can recognize another Chi and often revel in each other’s company. However, no two dogs are the same.
While two Chihuahuas have the same energy levels, their temperaments and personalities might be totally different and could depend on many factors – breeding, genetics, past history, socialization, etc.
Whether or not two Chihuahuas get along well also depends on how you introduce them in the first place.
2. Do all Chihuahuas need companions?
No. Not all Chihuahuas need companions. Many Chis are used to living solo as house pets and will gladly remain so all their lives.
Often, the conception that a Chihuahua is lonely or needs a friend is the owner’s guilt at having to leave the dog alone. A well-exercised Chihuahua may not have the energy left to be lonely and would gladly spend all day under the covers!
3. Is it better to have 1 or 2 Chihuahuas?
This entirely depends on you. Do you have the budget and the time to spend on taking care of two dogs, etc.? If yes, and if your existing Chihuahua seems open to the concept of having a companion Chihuahua, then yes, 2 Chis could be a good idea.
Conclusion
Are Chihuahuas better in pairs?
Yes, Chihuahuas could be better in pairs but it also depends on the dogs in question, their energy, personality, and their socialization and training.
In some cases, two Chis can be better as they can give each other company and reduce boredom and separation anxiety. We hope this guide helps you make an informed choice.
