Weird Things Chihuahuas Do and Why They Do Them

Chihuahuas are known for their big personalities, but they also have some quirky habits that can be confusing to understand. One of the most common things Chihuahuas do is follow their owners everywhere, even to the bathroom.

This behavior is likely due to their pack mentality and instinct to stay close to their family members. In fact, research has shown that Chihuahuas are one of the most attached breeds to their owners.

Some Chihuahuas are also prone to "velcro dog" syndrome, where they stick to their owner's side like glue. This can be adorable, but it can also be overwhelming for the owner.

This attachment is often a result of their high anxiety levels, which can be caused by separation anxiety or other environmental factors.

Consider reading: Do Chihuahuas like to Sleep with Their Owners

Chihuahuas can exhibit intense guarding behavior over their food, toys, or even a favorite spot on the couch.

They may also guard their owner from other people or pets, which can stem from their inherent desire to protect their resources.

Teaching them to share and socializing them is essential to prevent this behavior from becoming a bigger issue.

Chihuahuas are a breed full of personality and peculiar habits that often surprise those unfamiliar with their spirited nature.

Their guarding behavior highlights their complex temperament and adaptability, making it crucial for owners to understand these unique habits.

By embracing their idiosyncrasies with appropriate management strategies, living with a Chihuahua can be as joyful as it is intriguing.

Chihuahuas are known to develop some pretty quirky habits, and it's fascinating to learn about them. Sindie's Chi Izabella will show her butt on command, which is quite a unique trick.

Some chihuahuas are obsessed with certain objects or activities. For example, Dawn Sones says her Charlie doesn't like it when she talks, and will lean on her face to cover her mouth. This behavior is likely a sign of stress or anxiety.

Chihuahuas also have a tendency to get excited when their owners come home, like Kimberly Kings' Theo, who grabs a toy and combat crawls across the carpet to play. This behavior is a natural response to the owner's presence and can be a sign of affection.

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Here are some common quirks and habits of chihuahuas:

Selective listening is a common quirk in Chihuahuas, where they choose to respond to commands based on their mood or environment. This can be especially pronounced if they're not properly motivated or find the command unrewarding.

In some cases, Chihuahuas may even get jealous when their owners interact with others, leading them to howl loudly. This was observed by Maria Val Miñambres-Walker, who noticed that her chi, Micki, gets jealous and starts howling during FaceTime calls with her grandsons.

Effective training techniques can help overcome selective listening by using positive reinforcement and consistency. This can help reinforce good behavior and obedience in Chihuahuas.

For example, if your Chihuahua, like Ethel's Mia, stands up and howls during TV time, hitting the mute button can help break the cycle and teach them to respond to commands.

Chihuahuas are known for their silly antics, and it's not hard to see why. They're small, energetic, and full of personality.

Some Chihuahuas are trained to do silly tricks, like showing their butt on command. Sindie's Chi Izabella is one of them.

Others have developed their own unique quirks. For example, some Chihuahuas will steal pacifiers, like Denise Newby's Fiona. Or, they'll sit on their owner's shoulder, like Leslie Nelle-Urinyi's Suzie Q.

Some Chihuahuas even have a favorite movie, like Debbie Cameron's Baby Love, who loves "Secret Life Of Pets Part One".

But it's not all fun and games - some Chihuahuas can get a little mischievous. Like Dawn Pyatt's Chihuahua Bambi, who likes to sniff her eyeballs. Or Loren Vinson's Chihuahua, who puts his nose up his owner's nose and howls like a coyote.

Here are some more examples of Chihuahua quirks:

Chihuahuas have a special way of showing love to their owners. They can be quite affectionate, as seen in the stories shared by Olivia Bănică and Sheryl Myers.

Some Chihuahuas love to be kissed on the cheek, with Sheryl Myers' girl Chi repetitively asking for kisses on both sides.

Hailee Brady's Chi takes cuddles very seriously, laying between her and her boyfriend to get all the snuggles.

Chihuahuas also have their own way of giving hugs, like Kelly Tice's Gidget, who wraps herself around Kelly's neck for a big squeeze.

Here are some ways Chihuahuas show love:

Tail-chasing is a normal way for puppies to explore their bodies, but problems can arise if the behavior becomes compulsive.

Puppies often engage in tail-chasing as a form of play, but if it becomes an all-consuming behavior, it may be a sign of a compulsive disorder.

A veterinary assessment may be needed if your dog would rather chase their tail than go for a walk, indicating a compulsive disorder.

If you can distract your pup from tail-chasing, it's likely just a normal phase of development.

Scooting is a common behavior in dogs that can be easily misunderstood. It's not just a cute quirk, but rather a sign that something might be off with your furry friend.

Dogs often drag their bottoms across the ground after doing their business, especially if their stool is loose. This behavior can be a sign of impacted anal glands, a condition that requires attention from a vet.

If you notice your dog scooting frequently throughout the day, it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Humping is a common behavior in dogs that can be a bit embarrassing to watch, but it's not abnormal. Many dogs discover that humping feels good.

Some dogs may hump as a way to relieve stress or excess energy. Both males and females are known to partake in this behavior, though males do it more often.

Broaden your view: What Are the Different Types of Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are prone to shivering or trembling, which can be caused by a range of factors including excitement, fear, or anxiety.

Their small size and high metabolism make them more susceptible to temperature changes, but it's not always about being cold.

Providing warm clothing during cooler weather can help alleviate this issue, and owners should also be aware of their pet's emotional state to manage the stimuli that trigger this behavior.

It's essential to create a comfortable and secure environment for your Chihuahua to reduce their anxiety or excitement levels.

A Chihuahua's shivering can be a way of expending excess energy, so owners should ensure their pet is getting enough physical and mental stimulation to prevent this from happening.

By being attentive to the causes of their anxiety or excitement, owners can help their Chihuahua feel more secure and calm.

Explore further: Are Chihuahuas Good for First Time Owners

Chihuahuas often display a "Napoleon complex" or small dog syndrome, showing behaviors typically associated with larger dogs. This includes being overly aggressive or assertive towards other dogs, regardless of their size.

Being extraordinarily protective of their owners is also a common trait. Chihuahuas are naturally fearless, which can sometimes lead to overconfidence.

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Their terrier-like qualities also mean they have a strong sense of territory and pack hierarchy. This can cause them to defend their space and family fiercely.

Training and socialization from a young age are crucial in managing this behavior. This helps ensure Chihuahuas develop a balanced temperament and learn to interact appropriately with other dogs and people.

Chihuahuas have a peculiar habit of burrowing into bedding, clothes, or any other soft materials they can find. This behavior is likely an instinctive need for warmth and security, given their vulnerability due to size.

In the wild, small animals burrow to protect themselves from predators and the elements. They retain this instinct even after being domesticated.

Providing them with ample soft blankets can satisfy this need. This can help them feel safe and warm without the need to dig into inappropriate places.

A designated burrow bed can be a great solution for Chihuahuas who love to burrow.

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Chihuahuas often develop an unusual habit of obsessively licking themselves, their owners, or objects around them. This behavior can be a sign of affection, but it may also indicate stress, boredom, or underlying health issues such as allergies.

Observing when and what they lick can help determine the cause of this behavior. For example, if your Chihuahua is licking their paws excessively, it could be a sign of skin allergies.

Providing more attention, increasing mental stimulation, or consulting a veterinarian can help reduce compulsive licking. By addressing the root cause, you can help your Chihuahua break this habit and feel more comfortable in their environment.