Temperament

Being naturally territorial and protective, Chihuahuas can be easily provoked to attack, but are therefore generally suitable for homes with small children, but not in all cases.[
The AKC describes the breed as, "A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression.
The breed tends to be fiercely loyal to one particular owner, but may be attached to more.
Chihuahuas crave attention, affection and petting.They can be hyper, but eager to please.
They have a reputation as a "yippy" dog, which can be resolved with proper training.
Chihuahuas with proper breeding are not "yippy".In southern California in 2009, three chihuahuas protected their master, a three year old girl, from a 100 pound mountian lion.