Want to know more about male and female Chihuahua temperaments? Find out what sets them apart and practical tips on choosing the best-fit furry friend for your family.
Chihuahuas are one of the world’s most popular dog breeds, and their small size makes them perfect for apartment living. However, you may have heard from other pet owners that male and female Chihuahuas can display very different temperaments, and it is important to be aware of each sex’s unique attributes when considering a new pup.
This article will discuss the differences between Chihuahua temperament males vs. females, so if you are thinking about getting one of these delightful pups, you can decide where your puppy would fit best in your home!
Male vs. Female Chihuahua Dogs
You stopped on this article because your heart is set on adopting an adorable Chihuahua puppy, or you might be wrestling with an idea about getting a second Chihuahua. You want to know which gender is better suited to your lifestyle. Should you buy a Chihuahua male or female? If you already have a male or a female Chihuahua, can you adopt another as your second Chihuahua?
Sadly, these are not the easiest questions to answer and will require much research. Some marked differentiation between the two genders can affect which one will be right for your household.
Males dogs are known to be more clingy and insecure compared to females. They have a strong attachment to their owners and require constant reassurance of their love. While this can be charming, it can also become tiresome over time.
Physically, males tend to mature faster than females, but emotionally they take longer to mature. They retain their puppy-like behavior for longer, even after females have calmed down.
This emotional immaturity makes them more difficult to train. They would rather play and seek affection than learn new tricks, often leading to misbehavior.
On the positive side, male dogs are more likely to accept and bond with your entire family. They are less likely to become overly attached to a single person. They have a strong protective instinct and can be a good choice if you want a guard dog from a Chihuahua. However, they may not get along well with other dogs, so they are best suited for one-dog households.
Chihuahua Temperament: Male vs Female
Deciding between a male and a female is not straightforward. No personality trait will hold 100% true for either gender. Each Chihuahua has a personality of its own, and their temperaments depend upon various factors.
Below, we have described some outlining characteristics of each gender to give you a general idea of how your Chi may behave.
- Dominance. Chihuahuas are naturally dominant and are more than likely to challenge your authority. They will assert dominance by growling, biting, and barking if you do anything they don’t like. They will test you by ignoring your commands. This behavior, however, can be sorted out with the right training. In comparison, female chihuahuas are not concerned with dominance. Surprisingly, females manage to take an authoritative role while in the company of another male.
- Friendliness. Males are the clear winners when it comes to friendly nature. They tend to be more loving and affectionate. Males need more pats from their owners, so they will follow you around the house, trying to please you. However, males can also be more jealous and overprotective of you. On the other hand, females do not need continuous affection. While they are pleased to be in your company, they do not require non-stop attention.
- Energy Level. Both male and female Chihuahuas have great energy levels. However, their small sizes mean they will burn out more quickly than large breeds. The main difference between the two genders is the ability to relax. Females can relax for longer periods. Males, on the other hand, are extremely fidgety. They have difficulty staying still and like to move around a lot.
- Aggressiveness & Barking. Many people consider male Chihuahuas to be more aggressive than female dogs. In contrast, some people might have contrasting thoughts. All these factors usually depend on your upbringing and training. Generally, males will be slightly more aggressive than females due to their natural male instincts. Females bark a bit more because of mood swings and other irritations. Always remember each Chihuahua will have a personality of its own.
Chihuahua Training Male vs. Female Chihuahua
Training male dogs can be challenging compared to females. They often demand your attention and prefer to play rather than focus on training. However, paying attention to their training is important, as they can become aggressive if left untrained. It is crucial to train and socialize them thoroughly and promptly.
It can be tough to keep their attention, and many people make the mistake of relying on treats to hold their interest. However, overfeeding can lead to obesity, which is not good for their health.
Instead, a better approach is to use their affection to encourage good behavior. Avoid punishments or negative measures and reinforce positive behavior with attention and praise. Showing them love and affection when they behave well will make them more willing to cooperate in no time.
Male vs. Female Chihuahua Health & Care
Male and female dogs generally face similar health risks. However, there are some distinct differences based on their sex. Males are more prone to conditions such as undescended testicles compared to females.
Aside from these specific issues, males may also be more susceptible to trauma-related problems due to their confident nature and need for constant attention. They tend to fight with other dogs, which often leads to negative outcomes. Additionally, they may be more prone to obesity because of well-meaning but misguided owners.
Fortunately, many of these health concerns can be addressed by neutering or spaying your dog and teaching them proper behavior. Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding unnecessary conflicts makes them more likely to live a full and healthy life.
Chihuahua Facts You Need to Know
The Chihuahua is sassy and intelligent, and even though he’s small, he shouldn’t be underestimated. The Chihuahua dog has two coat types, long coats and smooth-coated varieties of this dog breed. His coat can be any color and can be short or long. He’s ideal as a family pet due to his size.
He doesn’t need much exercise and is a great pet for apartments and city living. He can be extra sensitive to cold weather. If he has a short coat, it doesn’t need much grooming. If it’s long, it needs occasional brushing and grooming. He’s 6 – 9 inches tall and weighs less than 6 pounds.
Chihuahua Breed Origin
Some people believe the Chihuahua to have descended from the Fennec Fox, a small creature with big ears and eyes. However, this isn’t necessarily accurate as his historical records are vague, and Scientists do not believe a genetic connection between the two species is possible.
This dog breed is named after the Mexican city where he was found. He is often used in religious ceremonies and as a pet for the upper class. He’s also known as a “purse dog” as he was used in the movie “Legally Blonde.”
Vital Stats About Chihuahua Dogs
Let’s have a look at some vital stats about Chihuahuas:
| Stats | Description |
| Dog Breed Group | Toy Group |
| Purpose | Companion dogs |
| Temperament | Devoted, Lively, Alert, Courageous, Quick, Sassy |
| Average Height | 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight Range | 3 to 6 pounds |
| Energy level | Moderate |
| Exercise requirements | Low; 20-30 minutes per day |
| Grooming Requirements | Low |
| AKC Breed Popularity | Ranks 33 of 197 |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 20 years |
Chihuahua Size: Male vs Female
Males
The male Chihuahua is slightly taller than its counterpart and can grow up to 9 inches in height. However, their weight never exceeds 6 pounds, like the female Chihuahua.
Females
The female Chihuahuas are slightly shorter than their male counterparts. An adult female Chihuahua can grow up to 7 inches. However, their weight never exceeds 6 pounds, just like the male Chihuahua.
Spayed and Neutered Chihuahua Dogs
A particularly important factor in the Chihuahua’s temperament is whether or not they have been fixed. When the pooch is not spayed or neutered, its instincts can be amplified. Hormones play a huge role in the physical and behavioral characteristics of a Chihuahua and are different for each gender. First, look at the female side of things and examine Chihuahua female dogs’ behavior.
Non-Spayed Female Chihuahuas
Female Chi’s that have not been spayed can have issues that are harder to deal with. Not fixing her means she will go through a regular heat cycle. This can cause behavioral and physical variances.
Below are some of the things non-spayed Chi girls will go through:
- Shedding. During a heat cycle, female chihuahuas shed more than usual. You will have more fur laying around the house with a non-spayed female.
- Blood. A female chihuahua in heat usually has blood spots. The amount varies depending on the female. You might not even notice the blood because it is a very small amount. But remember, it will attract a lot of frisky males.
- Staining. Female Chihuahuas also have a discharge during the heat cycle. It can vary from light to a thick gooey substance and can build up on pet beds and other furniture. You should wash any fabrics your pup uses during these times.
- Mood Swings. Mood swings are another downside during the heat cycle, although the severity can vary with each chihuahua. As the hormones are fluctuating, some mood swings will be worse than others. Chihuahua Females tend to exhibit anxious behavior, low tolerance to being touched, and withdrawal. It is best to leave your pup alone during these times.
Non-Neutered Male Chihuahuas
Non- Neutered male Chihuahuas have their own set of personality characteristics. Here are some of the most common male Chihuahua behavior traits:
- Markings
All male Chihuahuas will feel the need to mark their territory. He will accomplish this by urinating a small amount on different items.
- Dominant Nature
Male Chihuahua tends to test the boundaries with their owners. This behavior will be amplified if they are not neutered. They will ignore basic commands and guard their belongings.
- Humping
Whether fixed or not, all male Chihuahuas will have the urge to hump. Surprisingly though, this has nothing to do with mating.
- Escape Artist
A non-neutered male Chihuahua dog will look for ways to mate. This is their natural behavior; they can even smell a female in heat 3 miles away. You may not see why your pup abruptly gets anxious or wants to take off.
Finally, Chihuahuas that are not fixed are at a greater risk of certain health risks, which brings us to our next topic.
Health Concerns of Males And Female Chihuahuas
Both male and female Chihuahuas are at risk for potentially deadly health concerns. They are more likely to develop serious diseases when they are not fixed. First, we will start with the males. They are prone to developing the following:
- Cryptorchidism
This is where a male’s testicles don’t descend. As a result, the additional testosterone levels can generate more aggressive behaviors, a higher risk of cancer, and a deadly condition called torsion.
- Prostate Cancer
This form of cancer is most common in male dogs and will spread instantly to other body parts. Neutering your pup will lessen the possibility of him developing this disease.
Non-spayed female Chihuahuas have the following health issues:
- Mammary Cancer
For non-spayed females, this form of cancer is the most common; almost a quarter of female chihuahuas develop this deadly disease.
- Tumors and Cysts
Another painful health hazard is ovarian cysts and tumors. But this is not a common ailment of female chihuahuas.
Besides these issues, both male and female Chihuahuas will experience various other health problems during their lifetime. So getting your beloved pal checked out regularly by a licensed vet is best.
Breeding
If you’re interested in breeding Chihuahuas, starting with a male dog is best. Male Chihuahuas typically reach sexual maturity around 7 or 8 months old, but it’s recommended to wait until they’re at least one year old before breeding them.
Waiting until they’re fully sexually mature allows them to be in their prime breeding years from 1 year old until around five years old. After that, the quality of their sperm may decrease, making them less likely to achieve a successful pregnancy.
While older males can still be used for breeding, their chances of successfully impregnating a female are lower than younger males.
Breeding female Chihuahuas can be challenging due to their small bodies and large heads. C. sections are often necessary, making breeding more expensive and difficult.
It’s recommended to start breeding female Chihuahuas around two years old, although waiting until they’re three is often advised. This allows them to fully mature physically, as females take longer to mature than males. Their hips and pelvic floor need to be fully developed to handle the strain of childbirth.
When breeding, it’s generally best to have the male Chihuahua be smaller than the female. This reduces the risk of difficult births for the mother.
Chihuahua Temperament Male v Female: The Conclusion
All in all, male and female Chihuahuas make great companions, as regardless of gender, they are loyal, loving, and affectionate. It is important to note that personality can differ among individuals, as with all other pets.
Therefore, getting to know the pup you’ve chosen or plan to pick is important. Additionally, no matter the gender present in a household of pet Chihuahuas, it is always beneficial for their mental health and personalities to be socialized regularly.
With proper care, love, and attention from their owners, male and female Chihuahuas will bring joy to any home or family. While there are some small differences between these two genders when looking at temperament and behavior traits, it ultimately boils down to individual characteristics regarding those adorable little bundles of fur.
Copyright CaninePals.Com. All Rights Reserved.
References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, Chihuahua Information.