Dog obsessions

After three big, bad bully breeds, it may seem strange to have a canine that’s so small in stature appear next. To their owners, Chihuahuas are adorable little dogs with big personalities.

To other, they are tiny tyrants. The Chihuahua can be loyal to a fault. They often intimidate strangers and are not recommended to have with children because they are easily provoked and will bite. This has earned them a very negative reputation among those who are not Chihuahua enthusiasts.

Physically, the Chihuahua doesn’t look intimidating at all, that is until it decides to bare its pearly whites. This breed isn’t scary because of its large size or muscly build. What makes it intimidating is the way it reacts and behaves.

The Chihuahua tends to take up the role of guardian of its owner and territory. They are fiercely devoted and it isn’t uncommon for the dog to attach itself to a specific person. When the tiny canine feels their human is being threatened, they won’t hesitate to take action. To them, they are doing their job. To us, they are possibly threatening a house guest or another pet.

Chihuahuas are also not good with other dogs. They are generally ok with dogs of the same breed (or a mixed breed that’s at least part Chihuahua), but may threaten or attack any other canines. This challenging personality is what has led to the breed’s negative reputation.

On the positive side, a person being attacked by a Chihuahua is far less likely to sustain life threatening injuries compared to someone being attacked by a larger breed. Their size is no excuse for owners to ignore their dog’s bad behavior. Even a small dog can cause painful damage that requires medical attention.

Good obedience training and socialization are a must to help tame the Chihuahua. Owners should still be aware of their individual dog’s personality to avoid potentially negative situations with other people and animals.

The Boxer is sometimes considered another member of the Pit Bull category. They have the same strong build and powerful jaws, which immediately make some people uneasy. The Boxer is very energetic, which can lead to problems if the dog isn’t given enough opportunities to exercise.

They are smart, but require positive reinforcement more than correction which can make them difficult to handle for inexperienced owners. Despite their bad reputation, the Boxer is the seventh most popular dog breed in the United States.

Unfortunately a big part of the Boxer’s reputation comes from its looks rather than its behavior. This canine looks very similar to one of the breeds that people love to hate: the Pit Bull. It possesses a square build that’s very muscular. There’s no doubt the Boxer is a powerful dog, but its temperament isn’t the same as some of the breeds it is often associated with.

Most owners find that Boxers are good with people, including children. No large dog should be left alone with a very small child, but older children generally have no trouble with a well-adjusted Boxer.

Misunderstandings can lead to tense situations, which is part of the problem with this breed. The Boxer is very hyperactive and has a lot of energy. It’s known for being playful and often loves to run around, sometimes making a lot of noise. For a child, this can be intimidating – especially if the Boxer accidentally knocks them over or trips them.

To prevent a negative situation between Boxers and human beings, the owner needs to give the dog plenty of exercise to work off excess energy. Obedience training should also be provided to ensure that the dog will respond when commanded to sit down and stay put. Keeping the Boxer’s rambunctious antics at bay will help ensure everyone’s safety.