Are Two Chihuahuas better than One? (Solved & Explained!)

In general, it’s a good idea to have two Chihuahuas because they do better in pairs. It will make it better for the dogs, especially if one of them already has severe separation anxiety. This way, they’ll be calm, comforted and kept busy while everyone in your household is away.

But, there are other things to keep in mind if you intend to do this. The most important one being expenses, you’ll have to double up on everything: clothing, bedding, training, walking, collars, toys, food . . . EVERYTHING! However, if you’re willing and able to take it on, then you should definitely have two.

What’s Good about Having Two Chihuahuas?

The great thing about having two Chihuahuas is that it doesn’t have the same weighty burdens as say having two Rottweilers. Chihuahuas aren’t nearly as big, they don’t take up a lot of space, they don’t need a whole bunch of food and they’re quite clean.

Plus, the love and comical ability of one dog will double. The kind of entertainment you’ll get you just can’t pay for or see on TV. This means double the kisses, cuddles, affection and snuggles. Also, they’ll play with each other which will take the burden off of you to keep them entertained and occupied.

Since Chihuahuas are excellent guard dogs, they will work together to protect the house and let you know about anything amiss.

What’s Bad about Having Two Chihuahuas?

Of course, you’ll have double the good things with two Chihuahuas, but you will also have double the bad and not so desirable aspects. This means more barking, walks, poop, wee-wee and food. Likewise, because of the territorial nature of Chihuahuas, this can result in a battle of wills between the two.

Such a confrontation can be disastrous for your house if they decide to start chasing each other. Also, because of the hierarchical nature of Chihuahuas, they like to establish who the alpha dog is. If the younger dog doesn’t think the elder is doing a good job, it will step up and over the alpha.

This, naturally, causes some problems. The one who put himself in charge will get aggressive or bossy with food, toys, beds and your affection. When you have two Chihuahuas and you notice this, you will have to quash it as soon as possible so it doesn’t get out of hand. This is easier said than done.

What Are the Most Difficult Things about Having More than One Chihuahua?

One of the top complaints owners say they have when introducing another Chihuahua is potty training. This can manifest itself in a number of various ways. Chihuahuas are one of the more difficult breeds to housebreak, taking as much as two years to get them solidly going outside.

When you introduce a new Chihuahua, this may cause the first one to revert to going pee inside the house because of stress. So, you will have to develop a relaxed attitude to accidents while developing a no-nonsense cleaning system.

Then there’s the matter of the natural territoriality of Chihuahuas with some varieties having a bad temperament. There are just some Chihuahuas that have a poor disposition and it’s in their DNA to be that way. In this case, it will be difficult to make them get along, regardless of the amount of training you get for them.

Is Training Difficult with More Than One Chihuahua?

Yes, it’s very difficult to train more than one Chihuahua. It’s difficult to get one dog to do what you want, but when there are two into the mix, it can be frustrating. You will have to devise a schedule and begin with simple commands until you can get everyone on the same page.

Of course, you should enlist the assistance of a qualified and experienced dog trainer to make things a little easier. But, this can become quite an expense, especially if you have one Chihuahua that tends to be difficult and obstinate from the outset.

Should You Get a Different Breed Instead of Another Chihuahua?

Typically, Chihuahuas don’t like other breeds of dogs. Not that they won’t ever get along or that it couldn’t ever work, indeed it could. But, Chihuahuas are more comfortable with their own kind and do better in a Chihuahua pack. Bigger dogs, especially, tend to cause Chihuahuas stress.

Should You Get Two Chihuahuas that Are Littermates?

However cute it may be, don’t get littermates. It seems like a good idea, after all they’re related and the dogs will grow up together. But doing such a thing isn’t advisable because Littermate Syndrome will set in.

This means that as they grow and mature, it can cause fighting and severe sibling rivalry. Alternatively, they may bond with each other so much they won’t notice you at all. This can be bad in terms of training and obeying commands.

What Kind of Expenses Will You Have with Two Chihuahuas?

If you already have a Chihuahua, expect your pet expenses to double. This means vet bills, food, flea treatments, toys, beds, crates, food dishes, collars, leashes and grooming, among others. Per year, it costs anywhere from $1,500 to $9,900 to care for one Chihuahua. You can expect that estimate to jump up between $3,000 to almost $20,000.

What Should the Genders Be When Having Two Chihuahuas?

For more than one Chihuahua, it’s better to have one male and one female. This is because they will balance each other in temperament, demeanor, attitude and playfulness. Males are more playful and active while also being friendlier to people in general. Females are distrustful of people and more protective.

However, that’s not to say you can’t have two females or males. But, there is the likelihood of having an increase of problems associated with each gender that you’ll have to take into consideration.  So, there will always be a tradeoff in this regard and it will come down to what you’re willing to put up with.