Do Chihuahuas get along with other Chihuahuas?
What’s better than one Chiwawa? Two Chiwawas!
I love Chihuahuas as do many dog lovers. In fact, according to American Kennel Club ranking, Chis are 11th in popularity among the 155 recognized dog breeds.
So if you are considering bringing one more Chihuahua when you already have one at home, go ahead! Most Chihuahuas love other Chihuahuas and your life will be filled with so much love and affection.
Naturally, proper training, socialization, and gentle introduction are some key factors in ensuring that your Chis get along with each other.
Read on: I have valuable information for you.
Do Chihuahuas Get Along with Other Chihuahuas?
The good news is that most Chihuahuas love other Chihuahuas and this includes smooth coat Chihuahua, and short and long-haired Chihuahuas.
You can introduce two Chihuahuas and mostly there won’t be any problem. It is a good idea to do these introductions at an early age – earlier the better.
Rarely, an aggressive Chihuahua might not tolerate another Chi encroaching upon its personal space. This may be due to past trauma or it could be that the dog in question is inherently quite aggressive.
However, most Chihuahuas love having another Chi for company and will gladly engage in comical ‘Chihuahua play’ and ‘Chihuahua antics’.
In fact, many Chihuahua breed owners have mentioned to me that when they decided to get another companion dog for their Chi and they let their pet ‘pick’ the dog, it naturally picked its own kind.
So there is a very good chance that your new Chihuahua dog will be welcomed warmly by your existing Chi.
Also read: Are Chihuahuas Better in Pairs?
Why Do Most Chihuahuas Get Along with Other Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas love other Chihuahuas for the following reason:
1. Matching energy levels
Chihuahuas generally are energetic and playful dogs. When you have two Chis, you will take them both on walks and chances are they will need the same amount of exercise on a daily basis.
This means that they will also nap at the same time and do other activities together as well.
And since Chis tend to get cold, they will likely cuddle up together even if you provide them separate beds!
2. Similar personalities
Since Chihuahuas are friendly, playful, and often comical creatures, they love having a buddy to get into mischief with.
Being one of a kind helps since any other breed might be too serious, too big, or conversely too ‘different’ for a Chi.
Having a dog whose personality closely matches with its own can help them get along a lot better and could greatly reduce the introduction phase stress.
3. They are companion dogs
Chihuahuas are mainly companion dogs. That is why they hate being left alone.
If you and your family members are always outside for work, then having two Chihuahuas will be very helpful for both dogs and can reduce separation anxiety and stress in either pet.
Also, unlike many dog breeds, Chihuahuas are not hunting or herding dogs. That is why they do not really have the tendency to herd or chase other house pets.
Also Read: Are Chihuahuas Good with Kids
Do Adult Chihuahuas Get Along with Chihuahua Puppy?
In most cases, an adult Chihuahua will get along with a Chihuahua puppy.
In fact, a well-socialized and trained adult Chihuahua will welcome the new puppy and even start feeling the same loyalty and protectiveness as it feels towards its humans.
One thing to take care of is to ensure that you do not have an aging or senior Chihuahua if you plan on bringing an energetic and noisy puppy into your house.
Chihuahua puppies can be quite spirited and they love to explore their world. Resultantly, they might disturb your senior or aging Chihuahua which could result in the latter snapping, growling, or even biting the young one.
So always make sure that the two dogs are of more or less the same age or at least avoid getting a very young dog when you are already looking after a senior Chihuahua.
Do Male and Female Chihuahuas Get Along?
Yes, canine behaviorists often recommend getting dogs of the opposite gender as their likelihood of getting along are a lot more than that of two Chihuahuas of the same sex.
Avoid bringing two female Chihuahuas together as they are more likely to bark and argue all the time.
Two male Chihuahuas will also get along alright, however, both need to be trained, socialized, and accustomed to sharing space and resources.
How to Ensure that your Chihuahuas Get Along?
Thinking of adding a new Chihuahua to your family? Then the following pointers can help you increase your likelihood of both getting along:
1. Think about their compatibility
As stated before, avoid getting a pair of Chihuahuas where one is a senior and the other is a puppy. Try to buy/adopt a Chi that is closer in age to your existing pet. This will help ensure that both dogs have similar energy levels.
It is sometimes a good idea to get two Chihuahuas from the same litter. However, there are some issues with littermate puppies, so check them out here and be informed.
2. Get dogs of opposite sex
Male and female Chihuahuas are more likely to get along peacefully. So if you have a male, consider adopting/buying a female Chihuahua and vice-a-versa.
If you do not want puppies, have them fixed before bringing them together.
3. Consider the other dog’s size too
A large dog (Chihuahua mix) could intimidate your purebred small Chi. Even a moment’s unsupervised play could cause the larger dog to maim or seriously injure your smaller dog.
Therefore, do consider the sizes of both dogs as well. Of course, there are instances where a small Chihuahua is known to enjoy cuddling up with the larger dog (including with a German shepherd!). So it all depends on your pet’s socialization.
4. Have a ‘game plan’ ready
You cannot simply bring home your new Chihuahua and spring a surprise on your existing Chi.
In the first few days, try to conduct supervised meetings in a neutral space. Introduce your Chi to your potential Chihuahua at the shelter, at the breeder’s, or at a friend’s house.
Observe the interaction. Even if both dogs ignore each other, it is actually a good sign. The important thing is that they should not chase, growl, or show aggression towards each other.
5. Keep both dogs on leash
The first time your pets meet, make sure you leash them both.
Closely observe their body language and ensure that there is no raised heckles, tensed body posture, baring of teeth, or other signs of aggression.
6. Provide separate accessories
Once you actually bring your second Chihuahua home, ensure there is plenty of water and food in separate bowls for both pets.
Do not have your dogs share their bowls. Most Chihuahuas are very possessive of their belongings and will not take it kindly to having their stuff taken up by another dog.
It is also a good idea to feed the two Chihuahuas in different rooms – at least in the beginning.
This way there won’t be any fighting over food. Many Chihuahuas get extremely anxious about meal times if the other pet steals their food.
Give them separate beds too since a struggle can occur over the sleeping place as well. Minimize the chances of this occurring by providing separate sleeping areas and beds. Soon your two pets will be cuddling together!
7. Train them
It is a good idea to train your existing Chihuahua some basic commands like ‘Stop It’, ‘Leave it’, ‘No’, ‘Come’, etc.
These can come in handy should there be a fight or chase. Do correct any snarling or growling right away using the Stop It command. This way you can control things before they escalate.
8. Do not punish
If your dogs do not get along or conflict arises, do not punish or hit any of your pets. This would only lead to more aggression.
Instead, separate the two dogs for a while and only bring them together once they start to get along.
9. Never leave interactions unsupervised
Never leave your Chihuahuas alone in a room at least in the beginning. Sometimes, two dogs might behave when their owner is around but might start misbehaving once they leave.
Supervise the two pets until they can learn to play agreeably. In time, most dogs get along better.
10. Physically and mentally stimulate them
Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to both the dogs. This will help them expend energy and reduce fights and chasing.
Provide them toys, dental chews, and activities for distraction when they start picking on each other.
What to Do if Your Chihuahuas Do Not Get Along with Each Other?
If despite all your efforts, your Chihuahuas do not get along with each other, then you may want to separate the two permanently.
It is not the dogs’ fault – some dogs simply want to be the only child and are not happy to share your attention with anyone.
Here are some steps to take when your Chihuahuas do not seem to get along:
1. Safety first
Always be mindful of the dogs’ safety. If needed, crate one or both dogs or keep them in separate rooms.
Do not let the two interact again until they both understand the ‘stop’ or ‘leave it’ commands.
2. Seek the help of a dog trainer/canine behaviorist
Engage the services of a dog trainer who can positively teach both dogs and also recommend a behavior modification program for you to implement at home.
3. Physical examination
Have your vet examine both dogs to rule out any physiological problems.
4. If nothing works, re-home one of your pets
If none of the above solutions work, please find a home for one of your Chihuahuas. Make sure you hand pick the family – every dog deserves a second chance.
Always be honest about why you are giving your dog away.
FAQs on Do Chihuahuas Get Along with Other Chihuahuas
1. Can Chihuahuas kill other Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas do not have adequate bite pressure force to kill another dog. However, if statistics are to be believed, a Chihuahua has been responsible for one human death.
Thankfully, there are no statistics or records showing that a Chihuahua has killed another Chihuahua or another dog. Remember this is the smallest dog breed in the world.
Also, we are sure you will train your pet so things will never come to that stage.
2. Do all Chihuahuas need a companion?
Yes. Chihuahuas are companion dog breed. They hate being left alone and are prone to separation anxiety.
That is why Chihuahuas do well with a companion dog. Many Chihuahuas also get along with cats. So you could even consider getting a house cat provided your Chi is trained and socialized with cats.
3. What other dog breeds get along well with Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas typically do well with dogs that match their energy and personality levels. So other small or medium dog breeds like Beagles, French bulldogs, Cocker spaniels, and Boston Terriers, etc. are good matches for your Chi.
Many Chihuahuas are known to love to snuggle and cuddle with larger dogs too. So you could also consider Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Alaskan Malamutes, etc. as companions for your Chihuahua.
4. Why is my Chihuahua showing aggression towards other dogs?
Most Chihuahuas that show aggression towards other dogs, cats, or other house pets need more training and socialization.
They also might suffer from insecurity stemming from the Small Dog Syndrome where they feel the other dog/cat/pet will encroach upon its territory. Your pet might also feel threatened by the presence of the other animal.
Conclusion
Do Chihuahuas get along with other Chihuahuas?
Yes, Chihuahuas are companion dogs and they mostly get along well with other dogs. If that dog happens to be another Chi, it could be better since their energy levels and personalities would match.
In order to ensure that your two Chihuahuas get along well, always introduce them gently and in a supervised environment – preferably a neutral territory. Also train your pet to follow the ‘Stop’ or ‘Leave it’ commands. Make sure both pets have different food bowls and other accessories.
We hope this guide helps your Chihuahuas get along well with each other.
