Op-Ed | From the Pack Leader
Table of Contents
Yes, my Chihuahua wears clothes. No, he doesn’t hate it. And yes—he looks better in a leather jacket than most men I’ve dated.
But let’s get one thing straight: my dog is not an accessory.
He’s not a fashion statement, a status symbol, or a little prop I carry around for likes. Understanding Chihuahua behavior reveals that he’s a living, breathing, emotionally complex, big-attitude-in-a-tiny-body family member… who just happens to look iconic in a suit.
I decided to write this post because lately, I’ve seen way too many people treating Chihuahuas like purse candy instead of real dogs. Understanding Chihuahua behavior is crucial for their well-being. Whether it’s glam shots on social media with zero substance behind the scenes, or people buying Chis without understanding the breed—there’s a pattern here that’s doing more harm than good.
And listen—I’m all for the outfits. Keto has an entire wardrobe, complete with bow ties, fleece hoodies, and a coat that gives off serious British aristocrat vibes. But I don’t dress him just for the ‘gram—I dress him because the boy gets cold. Chihuahuas shiver when the temperature drops below “toasty,” so if he’s gonna bundle up, why settle for a plain sweater when he could be serving looks? Understanding Chihuahua behavior helps to ensure he stays comfortable.
The point is: celebrating their cuteness is great. But treating them like toys? That’s where we’ve got to draw the line.
Understanding Chihuahua Behavior: Key Insights
Somewhere along the way, Chihuahuas got branded as fashion accessories.
Blame Hollywood. Blame 2000s pop culture. Blame the wave of celebs who treated their dogs like tiny designer bags with legs.
Remember Bruiser Woods from Legally Blonde (2001)? Don’t get me wrong—iconic. But that movie launched a thousand purse dogs. Then came Paris Hilton, strutting through the early 2000s with Tinkerbell peeking out of her Louis Vuitton bag, turning Chihuahuas into the ultimate status symbol. Add in music videos, tabloid covers, and every fashion week from 2003 to 2008, and suddenly, owning a Chihuahua wasn’t about the dog—it was about the aesthetic.
And sure—they’re adorable, portable, and serve “main character” energy without even trying. But here’s the problem: when people buy into that image without understanding the actual breed, Chihuahuas end up in the wrong homes, treated more like props than pets.
They’re not always docile little purse potatoes. They’re smart. They’re sensitive. They can be reactive. They have boundaries, moods, and enough attitude to run a small country. And when their needs aren’t met—surprise—they act out.
Too often, I’ve seen people get a Chihuahua thinking they’re low-maintenance, only to rehome them the second they bark, bite, or refuse to be someone’s personal accessory.
Let me be real:
- Chihuahuas are not starter dogs.
- They’re not toys.
- And they’re definitely not fashion statements.
They’re full-on, high-vibe, high-maintenance real dogs—in tiny bodies with oversized opinions.
Why It Matters (Real Talk)
Here’s the not-so-glamorous truth: Chihuahuas are one of the most commonly surrendered dog breeds in shelters across the U.S.
And why?
Because people fall in love with the idea of a Chihuahua, not the reality of one.
They see the cute outfits, the Instagram reels, the little faces poking out of tote bags… and they assume these dogs are easy, quiet, low-maintenance companions made to match their lifestyle. But when that same dog starts barking at a sound they didn’t hear, growling when they’re overstimulated, or refusing to be handled like a toy—they’re labeled “difficult,” “spoiled,” or “aggressive.”
So the dog ends up in a shelter.
Imagine it from his perspective:
One day, you’re in a home. You have your favorite blanket, a familiar routine, the scent of your human.
And then, suddenly—you’re not.
You’re in a cold, noisy kennel. Strangers walk by and glance, but don’t stop. You bark—not because you’re mean, but because you’re scared. Confused. Guarded. No one explains what happened. No one tells you why your world collapsed overnight.
You curl up in the back of your kennel, your tiny body shaking—not from the cold, but from heartbreak.
And when potential adopters walk by, they don’t see a misunderstood little soul who’s trying to process the loss of his entire world. They see a “yappy” dog. One that “doesn’t like people.” One that “needs training.”
They move on.
This isn’t rare. It’s reality. The glamorized image of Chihuahuas is costing them their homes, their health, and—too often—their second chances.
Chihuahuas aren’t broken.
They’re misunderstood.
And The Chi Society exists to change that.
It’s Okay to Love the Fashion—If You Also Love the Dog
Let’s get one thing clear: I’m not anti-fashion. I’m not here to cancel cute outfits or say you can’t have fun with your Chi’s personality.
I mean… have you seen Keto in his British-style coat? The boy looks like he’s late for tea at Buckingham Palace. And he owns it.
There’s nothing wrong with dressing up your dog—especially when it serves a purpose. Chihuahuas get cold. They shiver. A little fleece hoodie or cozy sweater? Necessary. But if we’re adding a pop of color, a bowtie, or a statement jacket—why not make it fun?
The issue isn’t the clothes. It’s when the clothes become the entire identity—when people prioritize the look over the life of the dog wearing them.
Because if your Chihuahua has a designer collar, a matching carrier, and a seasonal wardrobe—but no daily walk, no enrichment, no training, and no understanding of their emotional needs… that’s not love. That’s curation.
Chihuahuas are not here to accessorize your vibe. They are their own vibe.
And let me be clear: this post isn’t about shaming anyone. It’s not about pretending I’ve got it all figured out or that my Chihuahuas are perfectly trained angels who never bark at air.
Spoiler: they do.
Keto is reactive. He barks at people, dogs, leaves… sometimes even the breeze. Not because he’s aggressive, but because he has triggers—and I’m still learning how to support him through them. It’s not easy. But I keep showing up. I keep learning. I keep trying.
Coco, our youngest, is catching on quickly when corrected. She still lets out the occasional bark when a child runs by (she’s dramatic), but we’re working on it.
Cali is still skittish around other dogs, so we give her space. We don’t force her into situations she’s not ready for.
And then there’s Sofia… our unicorn. Our effortless girl. The one who made us think, “Wow, this is easy—we should get more Chihuahuas!” (Lies. We were naïve. But also? No regrets.)
I share all this because this is why The Chi Society exists.
To celebrate these dogs.
To laugh at their quirks.
To educate and advocate and elevate the reality of what it means to raise a Chihuahua with love and intention—not just aesthetic.
We’re not here to judge.
We’re here to help people understand the breed beyond the filtered Instagram photos. Because these dogs deserve more than likes. They deserve homes that see them.
Wrapped in Love, Not Just Sweaters
At the end of the day, this post isn’t about clothes. It’s not about judgment. It’s about shifting the way we see these incredible little dogs.
You can absolutely spoil your Chihuahua. You can dress them in plaid coats, pose them for selfies, and throw them a birthday party complete with dog-friendly cake (guilty). Just make sure that love goes deeper than the surface.
Because behind every dramatic side-eye and sassy strut is a dog with needs, fears, habits, and a heart that beats just as strong as any big breed.
So if you’re here, reading this—you’re already doing something right. You care. You’re curious. You want to do better by your Chi, and that’s exactly the kind of community we’re building at The Chi Society.
✨ Celebrate the sass.
✨ Own the chaos.
✨ Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep showing up.
And if you’ve got a Chihuahua who barks at literally everything—including air particles and Amazon drivers—welcome. You’re one of us.
Now tell me—do you dress your Chi? What’s their go-to look? Drop a comment or tag us with a pic—I want to see the fashion and the feelings.
