Why Are Chihuahuas So Clingy

Why are Chihuahuas so clingy? Is the most common question that Chihuahua owners ask themselves. Does your Chihuahua follow you around the house and want to sit in your lap for a long time? This trait is called clinginess and it’s common in this breed. 

If you want to know how to tackle this situation you are at the right place. Our guide will be helpful for you on how to prevent this behavior. 

Why Are Chihuahuas So Clingy

What does Clinginess mean?๐Ÿถ

Clinginess is a behavior in which a strong desire to be physically close with a person. There are some dogs that are very clingy like human beings, the children are clingy towards their parents and dogs are clingy towards their owner. They want to be physically close to their beloved person and they will follow that person wherever he or she goes. 

Are chihuahua clingy dogs? Is it normal for a Chihuahua to be clingy?๐Ÿ•โ€๐Ÿฆบ

why are chihuahua so clingy

Chihuahua are loyal and affectionate dogs so it is normal for them to be clingy. Chihuahuas are small dogs that have a prominent personality. They love to be close to their owner, sit in your lap, follow you around the house and even sleep with you.  

They were a popular breed among upper class as companions or fashion accessories. They are known as lap dogs and emotional support animals that make it more clear that the Chihuahuas are the clingy dogs. 

Are Chihuahuas clingy with a single person?๐Ÿฉ

Why are Chihuahuas so clingy

Yes, mostly Chihuahuas cling with a single person. But it doesn’t mean that they ignore the other people. They show affection and loyalty with other family members and even other pets of the house, regularly play with them and care for them. But still typically they cling to a single person. 

Why are Chihuahuas so clingy?๐Ÿ•

The Chihuahua’s clinginess makes them a beloved pet. Read to learn more about why these small pups are so attached with their owner:

Separation anxiety๐Ÿœ๐Ÿฑ

Why Are Chihuahuas So Clingy

Chihuahuas are prone to separation anxiety if they are left alone. They do not bear to live far from their owner if they are such mistreated they can get emotional distress. When they feel separation anxiety they can  show some symptoms including:

  • They start barking a lot
  • They cry or whine
  • They seem depressed or sad
  • They chew the things
  • They start scratching
  • They start moving around and do not sit
  • They looks upset
  • They start licking themself especially licking their paws

Lack of Socialization๐Ÿคผ๐Ÿฑ

Chihuahuas can be clingy because of lack of socialization. They can develop attachment issues if they don’t have enough exposure to new things, new people and animals from an early age. They can start barking on people and other animals and even get aggressive with strangers. So, if your Chi is clingy he doesn’t know how to handle other people and animals.   

Health Issues๐Ÿฅ—๐Ÿฅ‘

Why Are Chihuahuas So Clingy

Health issues are also a sign of clinging. If your Chihuahua does not feel well they seek more attention and care. The older dogs that have low vision or hearing can become more clingy because they depend on their owners. If you are a Chihuahua owner you should know the common health issues of this breed including:

  • Luxating patella (when the kneecap moves out of place)
  • Tracheal collapse (when the windpipe collapses)
  • Tooth and gum disease
  • Hypoglycemia (a low blood sugar)
  • Hydrocephalus (a fluid buildup in the brain)
  • Spinal injuries
  • Obesity
  • Scleritis (inflammation of the eye)

Attention seeking behavior ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ง๐Ÿ•

Attention seeking behavior is also the reason for Chihuahuas being clingy. Your dog can bark or paw at you to play with you. A clingy dog can be a sweet feeling at start but it can be irritating if it consistently follows you or wants your attention. 

The Chihuahuas are naturally clingy but if you constantly pick up your chi, they can become habitual of clinginess. Give your Chi attention and care but teach them that you can’t give them attention all the time.

Lack of stimulation and exercise ๐Ÿฑโ€๐Ÿ‘ค๐Ÿ•โ€๐Ÿฆบ

why are chihuahua so clingy

Lack of stimulation and exercise can cause the Chihuahua to cling and they become restless and destructive. Without mental stimulation and physical activity they start feeling bored. 

Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs who love to learn new things and want to play and if they don’t have enough exercise and stimulation they can show destructive behavior

Fear or Anxiety ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿง’

Why are Chihuahuas so clingy

 Chihuahuas sometimes feel fear or become anxious then they can show the cling behavior. At that time they can look at you for security and comfort. And if you do not give them attention they can become aggressive and anxious. 

Chihuahuas are such protective animals and when they meet any strangers or other animals they will stick with you.

Lack of confidence ๐Ÿฑ๐Ÿ˜

Chihuahuas can feel insecure and extra attention or reassurance from your side. They are small dogs so it’s natural for them to feel protective. For instance, during thunderstorms or fireworks they may want comfort and can be close to you. 

Past experienceโ˜˜๐ŸŒŸ

why are chihuahua so clingy

If your Chihuahua experienced any trauma they can become clingy. If Chihuahua have experienced negative things they can be more attached towards their owner for comfort and security. 

Age๐Ÿพ

Age can also play a role that makes your Chihuahua so clingy. It’s especially for older dogs and those who experienced health issues. The less visionary can make the cause that your Chi dependent on you. 

In addition the dementia in the dogs can cause anxiety and confusion so they stick with their owner. When your Chihuahua gets older they can become less active and less interested in playing and want to be attached with you more. 

Other Clingy breeds๐Ÿ’ขโœจ

Why are Chihuahuas so clingy

Like Chihuahua some other dogs breed can also would be clingy, including:

  1. American Eskimo Dog
  2. Bichon Frise
  3. Boston Terrier
  4. Brussels Griffon
  5. Bulldog
  6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  7. Chinese Crested
  8. Cocker Spaniel
  9. Dachshund
  10. French Bulldog
  11. Golden Retriever
  12. Havanese
  13. Italian Greyhound
  14. Japanese Chin
  15. Labrador Retriever
  16. Lhasa Apso
  17. Maltese
  18. Miniature Schnauzer
  19. Papillon
  20. Pekingese
  21. Pomeranian
  22. Pug
  23. Shetland Sheepdog
  24. Shih Tzu
  25. Tibetan Spaniel
  26. Yorkshire Terrier

Tips of making Chihuahua more Independent๐Ÿ’‡โ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿถ

Why are Chihuahuas so clingy

Here are some tips that will be helpful for your clingy Chihuahua and make them independent:

  1. Increase their alone time gradually
  2. Create a comfortable space for them when you are not near to them 
  3. To make social take them to doggy day care
  4. Encourage their play time
  5. Socialize your dog
  6. Provide them crate training 
  7. Consult with a vet 
  8. Getting another dog for your Chi to make it more independent
Why Are Chihuahuas So Clingy

Conclusion โœจโœจ

Chihuahua are loyal and affectionate dogs so it is normal for them to be clingy. Chihuahuas are small dogs that have a prominent personality. They love to be close to their owner, sit in your lap, follow you around the house and even sleep with you. Most Chihuahuas cling to a single person.

To reduce this behavior and make them more independent, you have to make it social, increase their play time, provide them early training and stimulation and consult with your vet in this case. 

why are chihuahua so clingy

FAQsโ“โ“

Yes, Chihuahuas need human attention because they are affectionate dogs.

Chihuahuas can become more clingy, when they feel sick, anxious, not more attention and bored.

When your Chihuahua gets separation anxiety they may bark, destroy things, whine, and become physically sick if left alone.

Yes, mostly Chihuahuas cling with a single person. But they show affection and loyalty with other family members and even other pets of the house, regularly play with them and care for them. But still typically they cling to a single person.

If your Chihuahua starts to follow you everywhere it means that it is feeling alone and wants safety. They feel neglected from your side and need reassurance. 

why are chihuahua so clingy

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