With so many different dog breeds around, it’s not unusual to find one breed that has extreme distinction from one another. For this article, we will be talking about two dog breeds – pitbulls and chihuahuas – who are not only different in their physical physique, but also personalities.
Pitbulls are known to be muscular and solid, whilst chihuahuas are small and delicate. Due to such differences in stature and appearance, many wonder if pitbulls and chihuahuas can get along. This is, especially for first time dog owners, or anyone that is thinking of having either breed as their dog companion.
So, let’s get going and explore whether these two breeds can coexist peacefully and the factors influence their compatibility.
Do Pitbulls And Chihuahuas Get Along?
Pitbulls and chihuahuas may get along. However, the differences (and similarities) in their physical physique as well as behavior can be challenging and somewhat dangerous. Still, with supervision and proper social methods, in a controlled environment, they’re able to coexist and might end up being lifelong buddies.
Contrary to the stigma of pitbulls are aggressive, they are actually sociable dogs. They love making friends and are generally friendly towards other dogs. As for chihuahuas, they have quite a stubborn character. Due to this temperament, chihuahuas are not the most sociable breed and can easily turn aggressive, especially toward unfamiliar dogs.
Therefore, introducing a pitbull and a chihuahua requires preparation. The meeting needs to be done in a careful approach, occurring in a gradual manner under strict supervision.
In addition, you will need to pay attention to their body language. Keep an eye on them when they interact with each other. When you sense there is a sense of discomfort coming from either party, immediately separate till they calm down.
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How To Get Your Chihuahua And Pitbull To Get Along
If after deep consideration, and you think it’s worth the risk to have both pitbull and chihuahua in your household, then these are some tips you can follow. Make sure you commit each step to establish a smooth meeting. Here are some tips that may help you.
Understand Your Dog
Just like humans, each dog behaves differently even if they’re from the same breed. In other words, you should not solely rely on the general characteristics you found online about your dog.
For instance, some pitbulls possess higher prey drive than others. The pitbull will instinctively chase the chihuahua, which can be seen as a provocation by the chihuahua. And having a chihuahua that gets scared easily, who will respond by barking and acting aggressively, the meeting is bound to turn into a fight, worst, an unwanted tragedy.
Hence why it’s important to understand your dog character and behavior. You don’t want to put your dog to be part of the pitbull bite attack statistic.So, never put your furry friend into a situation that isn’t right for their personalities. Also, defusing a fight among dogs can be dangerous, not only for the dogs, but also for yourself.
Introduce Them Gradually
Like any relationship, the best approach is to take it slowly. Start by introducing the dogs in neutral territories like a park, where neither dog feels the need to protect their territory. Keep them on leash while gradually letting them sniff each other at a safe distance.
Once they’re somewhat comfortable with the presence of others, you can take the next step by having them go on a walk. Repeat this move a couple of times till they’re desensitized towards each other. From there, slowly work your way into your house, yard, even the dog room.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward both dogs with treats and praise when they display calm behavior around each other. It reinforces positive behavior and helps them associate the presence of each other with good things.
Supervise The Interactions
Always supervise the chihuahua and pitbull when they are together. Keep a close eye on their body language, and be ready to intervene if there are any signs of aggression.
If needed, provide separate spaces for each dog during the initial stages of their interaction. Doing so will help them get used to each other’s presence without feeling overwhelmed or threatened.
Training and Socializing
Socialization is crucial for both chihuahuas and pitbulls. Exposing them to different environments, people, and dogs at an early age can help them to quickly get comfortable in any new situations.
In some ways, it’s a sort of training that builds their confidence around unknown environments. Additionally, both dogs should be trained to obey basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Training them together can also help build their bond and create a positive association.
Be Patience
Patience is a virtue. Bringing dogs from the same breed is already hard enough, what’s more, from two different breeds.
Building a good relationship between a chihuahua and pitbull is bound to take time and tons of patience. Don’t force them to interact if they’re not ready, and give them time to get used to each other’s presence.
Final Thoughts
Despite the differences in size and temperament, it’s not impossible for a pitbull and a chihuahua to get along and coexist together. There are even Chihuahua Pitbull Mix dogs, so it’s possible to get them to interact peacefully. Nevertheless, it needs to be done in a gradual manner, under supervision and patience.
But the most important thing of all is not to force anything to your dog, especially if you sense that they aren’t willing to form a friendship, or you notice it causes the dogs to be stressed. After all, this whole experience should be a positive experience for everyone.
