Canine Companion For Your Chi

A fellow canine companion is probably the best gift an owner can give his or her dog. Extreme care needs to be used, however, when adding another dog to your family – even more care than you used when selecting your first dog. You must consider the breed, age, temperament, and history of this new dog – and be certain that it will be a safe mix.

Chihuahuas typically love other Chihuahuas. What is more impressive, though, is how they always seem to know their own kind. Often referred to as clannish, most Chihuahuas prefer their own breed to others.

It is tempting to assume that the more Chihuahuas may be merrier. After all, with their diminutive stature, these dogs don’t eat much compared to other breeds, and they require very little space. It is important to realize, though, that the company of other animals cannot take the place of having a dedicated human master. An owner must have sufficient time for each and every dog in the household.

Chihuahuas’ needs for love and attention not only equal, but often exceed that of other breeds. Feeding multiple Chihuahuas may not break your budget, but adding just one dog also means doubling the amount of time you spend doing things like training, grooming, and cleaning up. It will also double your veterinary bills.

One of the biggest factors in a Chihuahua’s positive interactions with other breeds and pets of other species is whether or not the dog was raised with these animals. Chihuahuas do have a reputation for disliking other dog breeds, but this isn’t always the case. They can actually be quite accepting of other dogs when socialized properly. Even if belligerent to the dog next door, a Chihuahua will most likely get along with – or at the very least ignore – another pet within his own household.

Introducing an extremely large dog into your Chihuahua’s household could surely spell trouble, whether the two get along or not. Dogs get along best when they are allowed to establish their own hierarchy, but with an imposing size difference you may be hard pressed to allow this natural order to fall into place. Just one serious confrontation – possibly even initiated by your Chihuahua – could be deadly.

One more thing to consider when adding a second pet to your household is the gender of your current pet. If you already own a Chihuahua, how does he get along with animals of the same sex? The opposite sex? Many veterinarians and other experts recommend either a male/male or male/female combination. Female dogs will sometimes establish an unending rivalry for the position of top dog. This competition may be harmless, but it can also be dangerous if taken too far.