Five Reasons People Hate Chihuahuas

by Tara M. Clapper, Contributing Writer

Fans of the Chihuahua just can't get enough of that cute little dog breed. Chihuahuas are affectionate and suited for living in urban, suburban and rural environments. However, Chihuahua owners know one thing--for every person that loves a Chihuahua, there's one that hates Chis. Here's why:
   
The Bark
   
Let's face it--Chihuahuas have loud, piercing barks due to their size. While a Chihuahua's bark means the same thing as a large dog's bark, many dismiss it because Chis are so small. Some people find the Chihuahua bark to be shrill, irritating and even headache-causing.

The Bite: Attitude Towards People
   
Chihuahuas are one-person dogs. They're also sometimes jealous and protective when it comes to their owners. This has gotten the Chihuahua a reputation for being an hateful ankle-biter, though most Chihuahuas are friendly and affectionate dogs.
   
Chihuahua Owner Stereotypes
   
Folks like Paris Hilton have created stereotypes about Chihuahua owners. Some people think that Chihuahua moms and dads, like their dogs, are only concerned about image and ego. Others think that Chihuahua owners have a psychological illness-- a need to be depended upon by a helpless being (if that's the case, who knows what they think about parenting human children).
   
Napoleon Complex
   
Chihuahuas like to be top dogs. As a result, sometimes they bully large breeds into running away, tail between legs. This can be embarrassing for the average Doberman or American Staffordshire Terrier owner, so they hate on the small dog.
   
Limited Interaction
   
Many people who "hate" Chihuahuas state a preference for larger dogs. These people prefer rough play and wrestling with their dogs, so obviously a fragile Chihuahua is not the dog of preference for them. Some believe that it's not worth owning a dog if the dog isn't able to catch a Frisbee or run several miles.
   
While these "reasons to hate" do apply to some Chihuahuas and their owners, it seems that many people have a difficult time imagining the world from a little dog's point of view. If most creatures and objects were several times your size, how would you react?
   
Please feel free to add comments or additional stereotypes here.

This post was originally published on Examiner.com as Chihuahua Examiner. Republished with permission of the author.