8 yes-or-no questions. The better behaved your dog, the less Chihuahua it is. If yours gets every answer right, we suspect someone sold you a Labrador in disguise.
60 seconds. A result made for your stories.
Question 1 of 8
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Measuring your Chihuahua level…
The verdict
Passed with flying colors? Get to know the breed.
Loyal, bold, dramatic and fiercely attached to one person: what's behind the famous Chihuahua temperament, and how to live with it.
This quiz runs on the breed's reputation, not on genetics. If you want a serious answer, these are the clues that actually matter:
·Size. The AKC standard describes a compact dog that does not exceed 6 pounds. Many pets weigh a bit more and are still purebred, but a 15-pound "Chihuahua" is usually a mix.
·Head shape. The rounded apple head is the show standard; the longer deer head is just as common in homes. We break down the difference in apple head vs. deer head Chihuahuas.
·Coat. Smooth or long, in almost any color. All the variations are in our guide to the types of Chihuahua.
·Papers or a DNA test. Registration papers from the breeder, or a canine DNA kit, are the only real proof.
And the attitude? That part is very real. Romeo, our 11-year-old, would score around 70%: he naps, he shares, he's a gentleman. Lorenzo, who is 2, barks at the mail carrier like it's personal and would land a solid 95%. If yours has a barking habit that is getting out of hand, our guide to Chihuahua barking can help.
Frequently asked questions
Is this quiz a real way to tell if my dog is a Chihuahua?+
No, it is a joke built on the breed's reputation: the more obedient your dog, the lower the score. To confirm the breed, look at the AKC standard (a sturdy little dog that should not exceed 6 pounds), registration papers or a dog DNA test.
Why do Chihuahuas bark so much?+
They were bred as alert companions, so noticing everything and announcing it is part of the package. Small size makes them feel more exposed, which adds to it. Steady socialization and calm routines help a lot.
Are Chihuahuas hard to train?+
They are smart but independent, and they get bored fast. Short sessions, treats cut into tiny pieces and lots of consistency work far better than repetition. Most of the "stubbornness" is a dog who simply has not seen why it should bother.
Can a Chihuahua be calm and well behaved?+
Absolutely. Plenty of Chihuahuas wait politely for dinner and greet guests without a fuss, especially when they were well socialized as puppies. A low score on this quiz just means you did a great job.
Why do Chihuahuas act like big dogs?+
Nobody told them they are small. They are bold, protective and attached to their person, so they will happily square up to a dog ten times their size. It is charming, but keep an eye on it at the dog park.
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