Chihuahuas are Cute Dogs, But They Aren’t Easy To Deal With (Try These 10 Instead)

Let’s be honest here – Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they have big personalities, and sometimes those personalities can be more than most families bargain for. Sure, they’re adorable with their saucer eyes and pocket-sized frames, but anyone who’s lived with one knows they can be little tyrants in disguise. These pint-sized pups pack a serious attitude into their tiny bodies, and they’re not shy about letting everyone know who’s boss.

You’ve probably seen them strutting down the street like they own the neighborhood, or maybe you’ve witnessed the infamous Chihuahua bark that could wake the dead. The Chihuahua is one of the most misunderstood breeds in existence. Small in physique but extremely large in personality, they’re complicated creatures. While their devotion is unmatched, their quirks and challenges can leave even experienced dog owners scratching their heads.

They’re Not Kid-Friendly At All

Here’s where things get tricky for families. The Chihuahua temperament does not mix well with small children. This breed will not tolerate rambunctious and carefree kids. Children younger than the age of six will typically get bitten and growled at. It’s not that Chihuahuas are mean-spirited – they’re just not built for the chaos that comes with little ones.

At that stage, they usually want to grab and pick up the little cute dog, unaware of how big its personality is and how fragile its bones are. Think about it from the dog’s perspective: you’re barely six pounds, and suddenly a giant toddler is lunging at you with sticky fingers. Due to their size, fragility, and temperament, Chihuahuas are typically not recommended for homes with very young children or large, rambunctious dogs. They can, unfortunately, easily get injured during play or end up nipping at children and other dogs that don’t understand how to respect the Chihuahua’s boundaries.

They Suffer From Serious Social Issues

If you’re hoping for a social butterfly, you might want to look elsewhere. Chihuahuas also probably won’t be fond of your friends and family. Don’t get me wrong—they will tolerate new faces, but they are “one person” dogs, and will be a little leery of anyone else but you. This creates some seriously awkward situations when you have guests over.

This could be ugly for those that like to parade around with their dog, particularly at dog parks. This aspect of the Chihuahua temperament will frustrate most. You practically have to be a recluse or a loner. Even after extensive socialization efforts, many Chihuahuas remain stubbornly attached to just one person in the household, treating everyone else like potential threats.

Their Anxiety Levels Are Through the Roof

Prone to separation anxiety, Chihuahuas will be happiest in households where there’s always someone around. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience – we’re talking about dogs that can literally make themselves sick when left alone. While some Chihuahuas do better on their own than others, overall, this breed tends to be clingy and can easily develop separation anxiety. A good rule of thumb for most Chihuahuas is no more than 4 to 6 hours without at least a potty break.

Their anxiety doesn’t stop at separation issues either. These dogs can become stressed by everyday situations that other breeds take in stride. Changes in routine, new environments, or even loud noises can send them into a tailspin. The result? A stressed-out dog that’s even more likely to bark, snap, or become destructive.

Training Them Is an Uphill Battle

This strong-willed nature can also make house training more difficult with a Chihuahua than with other breeds. Their tiny bladders combined with their stubborn streaks create a perfect storm for house training nightmares. Many Chihuahua owners find themselves dealing with accidents well into their dog’s adult years.

Having a good training plan for your Chihuahua is important to help curb some of their bolder behaviors. Left untrained, some Chihuahuas can become anxious or destructive. Their protective instincts can also turn into resource guarding, reactivity, or excessive barking. The challenge is that their size often leads owners to be more permissive, thinking “how much trouble can a six-pound dog really cause?”

They Turn Into Vocal Nightmares

Feisty and independent, Chihuahuas are easily provoked and very vocal. A big dog in a small dog’s body, the Chihuahua is quick to make their unhappiness known and will become vocal and snappy if they feel the need. That cute little yip can quickly turn into an ear-piercing alarm system that goes off at the slightest provocation.

Picture this: your neighbor’s cat walks by the window, and suddenly your living room sounds like a smoke detector with a dying battery. They can scream profanities at perceived threats while elevated in your loving arms just the same. You can imagine how challenging it is to have the extended family over for Christmas while carrying around a screaming ball of fury for the entire day. The barking isn’t just annoying – it can strain relationships with neighbors and make you the least popular person in your apartment complex.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The Gentle Alternative

Now, let’s talk about a breed that’s everything a Chihuahua isn’t when it comes to family life. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy dog bred to keep laps warm. These sweet puppies were especially beloved by King Charles I and his son, Charles II, and were eventually named after them. Clever, friendly, and eager to please, CKC spaniels are the perfect choice for first-time pet parents.

For a slower-paced family, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great match. This breed is incredibly friendly and enjoys smaller children and other furry companions. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a calm breed and do not require a lot of exercise but may require a bit of pets and attention because they are eager to please! Unlike Chihuahuas, these dogs actually welcome the chaos of family life with wagging tails and gentle kisses.

Havanese – The Social Butterfly

Out of all the small dog breeds, the Havanese is one of the smartest. With their ability to learn new tasks quickly, the innate desire to bond with their owners, and a need for the spotlight, they operate best in a family with children they can entertain. These Cuban beauties are the opposite of antisocial Chihuahuas – they genuinely love meeting new people and making friends.

Havanese are known for their bright and affectionate personality, making them wonderful family pets. They are highly sociable, love to play, and are great with kids of all ages. Excellent for families looking for a small but hearty dog that can keep up with busy family life and enjoy regular interaction. Their silky coats and cheerful dispositions make them natural crowd-pleasers, and they actually thrive in social situations where Chihuahuas would be hiding under the couch.

Maltese – The Adaptable Companion

The Maltese is a small white dog known for their straight, sweeping curtain of fur. Despite their long coat, this toy breed isn’t a heavy shedder and is often labeled as “hypoallergenic” (although there’s no truly hypoallergenic dog). Still, Maltese can be a good choice for people with allergies. These little angels have been charming humans for thousands of years, and unlike Chihuahuas, they’re not trying to take over the world.

Known for their gentle disposition and affectionate nature, Malteses are great for families and thrive in calmer living spaces. They’re content to be lap dogs without the attitude that comes with Chihuahuas. These pups are covered from head to foot with a mantle of silky white hair, which is frequently cut short in pets for convenience (like this cutie here), but is grown long on show dogs. Maltese dogs are affectionate and loyal, making them a great option for families.

Bichon Frise – The Happy-Go-Lucky Friend

Another small white dog is the Bichon Frise. But what these dogs lack in size, they make up for in heart. Bichons are known for being curious, friendly, and eager-to-please, which makes them easy to train in both basic commands and fun tricks. Imagine having a dog that actually wants to learn and doesn’t spend half the training session plotting your demise.

These small balls of fluff are known for being particularly friendly, affectionate and cheerful. They tend to get on with everyone, from children to other pets, and even strangers. Their cotton-ball appearance matches their sweet temperament perfectly. Unlike the territorial nature of Chihuahuas, Bichons approach life with genuine enthusiasm and joy, making every day feel like a celebration.

Pug – The Family Comedian

Popular and cute, pugs are a dog fan favorite—and for good reason. Their unique wrinkled brows and expressive faces make them adorable…even when they’re being mischievous. These pups stand between 10 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. Pugs bring humor to households in ways that Chihuahuas never could – their antics are endearing rather than exasperating.

Pugs are sociable, hilarious, and love to be the center of attention, making them a hit in family settings. Pugs are one of those dogs that can just capture your heart from the word go. From their eclectic personalities to their smushed-in faces, they have a lot of admirers. Simple exercise, such as a walk or visit to the dog park when it’s not too hot will suffice. Other than that, this first of our calm dog breeds is happy to be a couch potato.

Cocker Spaniel – The Gentle Family Dog

If you’re looking for a dog that will get on well with young children, a Cocker Spaniel makes a great choice. Their coats are flat and silky, and they come in a variety of colours. They’re also known for being gentle and playful and having a strong desire to please. The latter means training is often a breeze. Here’s a breed that actually enjoys children instead of viewing them as tiny terrorists.

American Cocker Spaniels have big dark eyes, soft beautiful expressions, long lush ears, and thick wavy coats. Standing 14-16 inches high and weighing 15-31 lbs, Cocker Spaniels are the AKC’s smallest sporting spaniel. As long as they get regular exercise, American Cocker Spaniels thrive in rural, city, and suburban settings. These medium-sized dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and gentle family companions.

Boston Terrier – The American Gentleman

These adorable American dogs are known for their dapper tuxedo pattern, which earned them the nickname “The American Gentleman.” Boston terriers are a super-friendly breed that are great for city dwellers, just like their name suggests. Unlike Chihuahuas who see strangers as enemies, Boston Terriers approach new people with curiosity and friendliness.

Boston Terriers are moderate-sized dogs, weighing no more than 25 lbs and with an average height of 15-17 inches. They have a sociable, happy, and curious disposition and are great with children. They will always be down to explore city streets, parks, and trails at your side. Known as the American Gentleman, the Boston Terrier is an affectionate breed that is always dressed to impress. This toy breed pup is one of the best ones to have if you’re looking for a quiet breed.

Shih Tzu – The Laid-Back Lapdog

Small but mighty, the Shih Tzu was bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet to look like a little lion. These tiny, cute dogs are very attached to their pet parents and their long and luxurious coats need lots of attention to stay tangle-free. This breed does best with an attentive family who will brush them a few times throughout the week.

Shih tzus are lap dogs that adore spending time with their families and are particularly good with gentle handling, making them excellent for homes with respectful younger children. Perfect for families who enjoy grooming and pampering their pet, as shih tzus require regular maintenance to keep that coat looking fabulous. Unlike the high-strung nature of many Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus are genuinely content to be pampered princesses who spread joy rather than chaos.

Pomeranian – The Fluffy Entertainer

Lovable poms are distinguished by their fluffy double coat, which comes in almost two dozen colors but is usually seen in orange or red. Poms are super smart and playful, and they can master tricks easily. While they’re small like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians channel their intelligence into delightful entertainment rather than world domination schemes.

Pomeranians are cheerful and intelligent little furry friends, interested in everything that goes on around them. Plus, they make great watchdogs! When properly trained, they can master an abundance of charming tricks. When it comes to cute small dog breeds, it’s hard to beat Pomerians. These little balls of fluff aren’t just adorable though, they’re also fiercely loyal, smart and generally fun to be around. They also have double coated fur, consisting of a dense undercoat and longer, silky outercoat.

French Bulldog – The Easygoing Buddy

French Bulldogs represent everything that’s appealing about small dogs without the drama that comes with Chihuahuas. These bat-eared beauties are known for their laid-back attitudes and genuine love of human companionship. Unlike Chihuahuas who might spend their days plotting against your houseguests, French Bulldogs are more likely to invite themselves onto everyone’s lap for cuddles.

Their sturdy build means they can handle the rough-and-tumble play that would send a Chihuahua into hysterics. Popular small breeds include Affenpinchers, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and Pugs. French Bulldogs have mastered the art of being small without being snippy, making them ideal for families who want a compact companion without the attitude adjustment that comes standard with Chihuahuas.

Conclusion

Look, nobody’s saying Chihuahuas are bad dogs – they’re just not the right fit for most families. The Chihuahua breed is by far one of the best I have ever owned, regardless of the bad stuff. To me, its loyalty and overall loving nature far outweigh its negative traits. You may not be able to take visits to the beach often with your Chihuahua or even play catch with it, but if you keep your little guy or gal healthy and happy, it’s sure to provide you with a long life of quality companionship.

But if you’re looking for a small dog that can actually handle the beautiful chaos of family life, the ten breeds we’ve covered offer all the charm of tiny dogs without the drama. These alternatives prove that you don’t have to sacrifice your sanity to have a pocket-sized companion. From the gentle Cavalier to the comedic Pug, there’s a small dog out there that will enhance your family dynamic instead of turning it upside down. The best part? Your neighbors will actually look forward to meeting your new four-legged family member instead of crossing the street when they see you coming. Who would’ve thought that choosing the right breed could make such a difference in everyone’s happiness?