Why Chihuahuas make great family pets

This entry was posted Saturday, 6 March, 2010 at 11:38 pm

Why Chihuahuas make great family pets Date Published: 22nd February 2010
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A domesticated version of the fenix fox, the chihuahua is an ancient breed of dog. Bred by the Aztecs in South America as temple guardians, the chihuahuas yappy bark was encouraged to alert inhabitants to the presence of potential intruders. The breed’s tiny size is possibly down to their dual purpose as a living and breathing hot water that was worshipped by the Aztec people who used these little dogs to warm their beds. Although chihuahuas are now more commonly seen on the arm of the Hollywood glitterati, they are in fact sturdy, characterful dogs that make great family pets.

The chihuahuas compact size makes them particularly good for apartment living. Chihuahuas come in both short haired and long haired varieties so suit homes with allergy sufferers or where dust and hair is an issue. While some smaller chihuahuas have difficulty jumping down off beds or negotiating stairs, they are still lively and versatile dogs regardless of their size. Chihuahuas will quickly work out an alternative route onto furniture they can’t reach and are also nimble enough to avoid getting trodden on when at people’s feet in the home.

Chihuahuas are notoriously intelligent dogs; boasting the biggest brain in comparison to body size in the whole canine kingdom. Chihuahuas are eager to learn and can prove a lot of fun for children and adults alike when training them tricks and obedience. If taught from 3 months onwards, chihuahuas can become well behaved, highly trained dogs that rival the abilities of breeds such as the sheep dog and labrador.

Known for their affectionate and cuddly nature, chihuahuas make for great family pets in homes with young children. While chihuahuas can exhibit a bark to alert owners to people entering their property, chihuahuas are rarely aggressive if socialised from an early age; resulting in a breed which is safe around young children. Chihuahuas are thought to become fiercely protective over one person when there is a lack of socialising and intense mollycoddling will only result in a pet that is anxious and over protective. As with any breed, young children should not be left unattended with a dog at any time.

Finally, chihuahuas also make for great family pets in homes with other pets. Almost unaware of their size, chihuahuas easily assert themselves within a pack situation. Given their playful nature and almost feline temperament, chihuahuas don’t just get on with other dogs but cats and rabbits as well. Perhaps due to their ancient heritage, chihuahuas love to snuggle up in a warm bed which won’t make them shy to sharing a basket or blanket with another animal…or even a bed with their owner!To protect your pampered pooch from the unforeseen it’s highly advisable to have your dog insured.Similar to the ways in which you can compare life insurance for people there are plenty of price comparison sites out there for pet owners looking to get a great deal as well as peace of mind for their little treasure.