Overcoming Preconceived Notions About Small Dogs
Those looking for a furry companion sometimes question whether owning a small dog is right for them. Perhaps they’ve had a bad experience and vowed never to own one. Or they’re not sure they can manage the responsibility of training and caring for a small creature. Then, there are those who meet a canine and form an undeniable bond, changing their mind entirely. Understanding the unique Chihuahua personality can transform perspectives on small dogs, showcasing their unique traits and behaviors that endear them to many.
Kyle White was one of those people. When Cinnamon the Chihuahua mix came into his life, Kyle had preconceived notions of what to expect from her. He had no intention of owning a tiny dog and already had a large dog at home. But each Chihuahua personality is unique, and hers was unlike any he’d ever been exposed to. She had a fiery spirit and an undeniable tenderness that unexpectedly tugged at his emotions. Despite his initial skepticism about small dogs, he gave her a chance, and soon, she snuggled her way into his heart. They’ve become inseparable ever since.
A Childhood Experience That Shaped Kyle’s Fear
Before meeting Cinnamon, a negative childhood experience caused Kyle to ward off small dog companionship completely. When he was about 5 or 6, he visited his great aunt’s house in Kansas City for a family gathering. She had a little Chihuahua—but this one was feisty. Since the tiny pet seemed to be the perfect size for a playmate, Kyle tried to pick the dog up.
Anyone who’s met a small dog—or has one—knows that they aren’t all as sweet as pie. Some don’t like to be touched by humans other than their parents. Unless they’ve been properly socialized, they may react defensively if they’re approached too quickly. So, when Kyle tried to play with the adorable dog, his “fingers, hand, wrist, and ankles” were bitten. This horrible incident left him traumatized and unwilling to open himself up to another small dog.
An Unlikely Friendship Begins
As Kyle got older, his fiancée brought home an eight-week-old Chihuahua mix. She was the runt of a litter her father’s dog had given birth to. Kyle was less than thrilled about the unexpected Chihuahua adoption, based on his childhood encounter. Then, after some time together, he says, “My then fiancée ended up miscarrying our child.” After a difficult time, they “fell out of love.”
When she moved out, the aptly-named Cinnamon—likely named for her reddish-brown fur—was left to Kyle’s care. He was skeptical of the arrangement and says he “did not want her in the first place.” That, paired with caring for a Labrador mix at the time, caused him to consider re-homing the little Chi. He even thought about bringing her to the Humane Society so they could find her a new family to love. However, as most things do, his mindset evolved with time.
The Benefits of Owning a Small Dog
Although past experiences can linger, those willing to challenge their fear and bring pets into their lives reap many benefits. According to HABRI (Human Animal Bond Research Institute), having a small dog can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Studies prove it “encourage[s] mindfulness and focus,” a welcome side-effect. It also promotes socializing, both for the dog and for their parent.
Walking a dog around your neighborhood not only allows you to meet your neighbors, but it encourages you to exercise. Moreover, interacting with a Chihuahua can “trigger the release of oxytocin, endorphins, and prolactin,” while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. There are more benefits to owning a pet than people realize. Given the difficult time Kyle had been through, it’s no wonder his perspective changed as his reluctant companion settled in.
Cinnamon’s Fun and Fiery Personality
He says that he decided to wait a week or so, and “eventually, she grew on [him].” His fear of Cinnamon’s breed and small dogs in general faded as time went on. She followed him around the house, hung by him like a “love bug,” and begged him to hold her constantly. In the car, she would sit on his shoulders, and when he’d have to leave for work, she’d cry. That need for attention is a common trait among Chihuahuas.
The unconditional love they show can foster “a sense of purpose in caring for another being,” HABRI says. In time, Cinnamon became more than just a pet—she became a source of comfort and joy. Kyle grew to love her “fun, energetic personality” and that she’d act like a “‘big dog’ and protect the house.” Her breed often has a personality that extends beyond its tiny frame, sounding off hearty barks to scare the ‘prowlers’ away. Cinnamon was no different.
Fierce Loyalty and Lifelong Bonds
One thing to know about Chihuahuas is their fierce loyalty and ability to form “strong bond[s] [with] their pet parents,” The Spruce Pets says. However, this often depends upon whether they were socialized as puppies and throughout adulthood. While some Chihuahuas are more independent, others, like Cinnamon, cling to their humans and crave attention. She was likely exposed to several different people and experiences as she grew, leading to her ability to trust humans. This also would’ve helped build her confidence, thus her desire to protect her human’s castle. Overall, “their alertness and bravery make [Chihuahuas] excellent watchdogs, despite their small stature.” Especially when it comes to protecting their pack—or Kyle, in this case.
A Heartwarming Ending to a Chihuahua Love Story
Now 27, Kyle says six-year-old Cinnamon has never left his side, supporting him unconditionally through life’s ups and downs. She’s been his best friend since the first day they met, although he didn’t realize it at the time. According to Kyle, she loves to sleep “under the blankets between [his] legs, or behind his legs to stay warm.”
Chihuahuas do love to burrow under the covers. She snuggles up to him by laying on her back on his chest, falling asleep with “her head on [his] arm or hand” for extra comfort. Against all odds, it seems the feeling of comfort is mutual, and this Chihuahua love story has a happy ending. Kyle’s fear was tackled by a little dog that refused to leave his side. “She’ll forever be my best friend,” he says. Like any pet relationship, sometimes it just takes a little time and patience to allow things to grow and flourish.
