How To Talk Chihuahua

© Chinut™ 2002 ©

A photo illustrated guide to understanding Chihuahua body language.

Classic play bow

Zach is demonstrating two classic play bow positions.  The rear is held high in the air while bending the front part of the body, resting on the fore-legs.  Dogs will assume this position to try to get other dogs to play or to tell the other dog, "The actions after this are all in play.  I'm not being aggressive."

Boredom

When a dog is bored, he will often lie down, perhaps sighing now and then.  Many dogs will assume this position before drifting off for a nap.  Notice the relaxed ears, held far apart, tail curled under or lying limp and bored expression in the eyes.

Interested Alertness

Annie is showing interested alertness.  She is not yet concerned enough to get up to investigate further, but is saying, "Hmm, I wonder what is going on?  Perhaps I should watch the situation for a bit."  Notice the upright ears and fully open eyes.  The closer the ears are held together, the more interest the dog has.  If the situation should change, her ears may angle forward, the fur on the hackles may raise (above the shoulder area) and the tail would become straight.

"Flag Tail" Alpha dogs carry their tails in upright positions, as one would carry a flag, when the dog is making it's pack position known.  In a group of dogs, look for the one with the highest tail.  This is most likely the Alpha. Alpha Dog Playing Alpha dogs will sometimes roll on their backs and show their vulnerable areas.  Alphas will do this to make another pack member feel at ease.  Notice the puppy in this picture doesn't seem quite sure what to do.  The pup knows this is the Alpha dog, but probably doesn't have much experience "playing" with him yet.	Uncertainty This Chi is unsure of what is expected of her.  This can be discerned by the slightly lifted front paw, crouching position, ears erect, but held towards the rear of the head. Nervous This dog is displaying extreme nervousness.  Notice the ears held back, flat against the head, wide eyes, crouching position with head raised slightly.  The dog is saying, "I don't want to fight, but if pushed, I may fight back."  Use caution when dealing with a dog in this position.	Relaxed and happy. This dog is feeling very secure.  She is unconcerned about exposing her belly, a vulnerable area to a dog. Dominant Stance This is the closest picture I could come up with showing a dominance stance.  The cream puppy is putting her paws up and over the black puppy's back.  Puppies will do this often as they play and learn pack heirarchy.  Adult dogs will do this less often, but if they live with other dogs, a higher pack member may need to remind a lower pack member that they are more dominate.  In our house, Pica will do this to Nani at times.  Unfortunately, never when I have the camera ready!     .
Doggy Smile  This dog is smiling.  Notice the wide open mouth, teeth and gums showing and the happy expressions in the eyes.	Happy This dog is definately happy.  You can tell by his wagging tail, mouth open, tongue licking his lips and bright expression in his eyes.  The wide stance suggests he is at play.	Defensive Postures Pica and Annie (in the picture below)are both in defensive postures.  Their ears are held more to the back, tails are held up, rear feet are wide spaced. Annie, in the lower picture, has her eyes and ears are pointed towards the "threat".  She is initiating the threat.  Pica, in the picture above, has her ears pointed backwards.  She is on the receiving end of a threat.  (In both cases, a pack mate.)
		Raised Hackles This picture shows Pica with her hackles raised.  Notice the hair standing up on her back.  That is what is known as raised hackles.  Pica is defending a treat in this picture.

Submissive

Annie is displaying a submissive posture.  Her ears are back, tail curled under, paws held up and legs bent, and belly exposed.  This is Annie's normal position when I want her to get off the bed.