Can Chihuahuas be Service Dogs?

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Can Chihuahuas be service dogs? When you think of a service dog, you most likely think of a larger breed such as a Labrador Retriever or a German Shepherd. While these may be the ‘go-to’ for someone in need of specific service, that doesn’t mean that’s the only breed available. In fact, there’s a wide range of breeds that can serve as service dogs to their owners.

So, can Chihuahuas be service dogs? Yes. As long as the Chihuahua has a calm temperament and can be trained to provide services to the person in need, they are able to become certified as an actual service dog.

It may come as a bit of a surprise that a small-sized breed like a Chihuahua can actually be a service dog, but it is possible. Some Chihuahuas may need a little extra training, though, as some of them tend to be more yelpy and loud. We’re going to discuss what exactly a service dog is and how your beloved Chihuahua can become one.

What is a Service Dog?

First things first.

Some people have a tendency to put service dogs and therapy dogs in the same category.

While the names may sound similar and they share a common goal, service dogs are actually quite different from a therapy dog:

  • A service dog is specifically trained to help a person with a certain disability. This could be someone with a visual or hearing impairment, a mental illness, or someone prone to seizures or has diabetes.
  • A therapy dog, on the other hand, is uniquely trained to provide the people they come into contact with comfort and affection, as well as love. They are used widely with those who suffer from emotional trauma or are going through physical rehabilitation. 

Both service dogs and therapy dogs serve a great purpose to humans, but they are different. Knowing the difference can help you make the right decision on how you should train your Chihuahua.

It All Depends on the Chihuahua’s Temperament

Now, you have to be somewhat picky when choosing the right Chihuahua to become a service dog.

While some Chihuahuas will be the sweetest, snuggliest dogs with a good work ethic on their shoulders, others seem to continue to bark and yelp until they can’t anymore.

A Chihuahuas temperament must be considered before trying to train them to become a service dog.

The dog that can’t seem to stop barking and focus for 2 minutes won’t be a very good choice. You need to find a Chihuahua that is willing to learn and can stay calm and quiet, especially around the persons they are helping.

What Services can a Chihuahua Offer?

Although the Chihuahua may be small it doesn’t mean he can’t help in some mighty big ways. Some of the most common ways in which a Chihuahua can provide services include the following:

1. Guide Dog Chihuahua

Chihuahuas, if trained properly, can become wonderful guide dogs.

They need to be able to stay by their humans at all times and act as the eyes of their owner. They must be able to safely lead their owner around obstacles, through traffic, navigate through sidewalks, and so much more.

2. Hearing Chihuahua

When working with someone who is hearing-impaired, the Chihuahua service dog will be able to act as the ears.

They will need to alert their owner about a variety of noises, in which they will be specifically trained. Some of these noises include the doorbell ringing, someone knocking on the door, the telephone ringing, and so much more.

3. Mobility Assisting Chihuahua

Mobility-assisting Chihuahua

This type of service allows the Chihuahua to help someone who has limited mobility.

The Chihuahua will work to help pick things up, open doors, help their owner get dresse, and so much more.

4. Seizure Alerting Chihuahua

A Chihuahua can be trained to recognize the symptoms of someone about to have a seizure. At this point, the dog will be able to get help by pressing an emergency button he’s trained to press in these situations.

This is an important job as someone left alone having a seizure can be fatal.

5. Diabetic Alerting Chihuahua

Much like the seizure, a Chihuahua can recognize symptoms of a diabetic individual having dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar; in fact, they can even smell it.

They can then alert emergency services and bring proper medical supplies to their owner in the knick of time.

6. Psychiatric Helping Chihuahua

For someone suffering from mental disabilities, a psychiatric helping dog is useful.

The Chihuahua can be trained to help someone who is scared to go outside, keep their owner focused and remind them to eat and bathe, and also remind their owner to take imperative medications.

7. SSIG Chihuahua

This type of Chihuahua service dog is actually trained specifically to work with those with autism.

They can help their owner to stop repeating movements or help them to cope when they’re feeling stressed out, plus so much more.

Getting Started With Your Service Dog

It’s important that you start off with simple commands. This will let you know if the Chihuahua even has the ability and desire to be trained. Some dogs will be eager to learn, while other temperaments will not allow them to do so.

Some of the most important commands to teach a dog right off the bat are ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. This is especially important for the dog who is going to help someone maneuver around their home and city.

They should not feel the need to run off every time something catches their attention.

Once simple commands have been learned, the Chihuahua will be able to be specifically trained in the service he is providing. A dog that is learning to help pick things up for their owner will need to be trained on what, how, and when to grab the items.

A clicker comes in handy when training a Chihuahua, as well as positive affirmations and treats.

Which Dog Breeds can be Service Dogs?

It used to be that almost every service dog available to the public was a larger breed. Some of the most common service dogs included German Shepherd, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Collies.

However, in this day and age more and more breeds are being introduced into the service dog world. As long as the dog shows the ability to be trained easily, has a good temperament and actually wants to work, they can be trained to help.

It’s important to keep in mind, though, that some dogs may be a better fit for a specific type of service than others. Think of it this way: a pug with a pushed-in nose that has difficulty breathing might not be the best choice for helping someone pull their wheelchair around.

One major breakthrough that’s hitting the service dog community is the use of smaller dog breeds.

With a smaller breed, such as a Chihuahua, people can spend less money on food and won’t have to worry about having too much space.

A lot of people who need service animals are renters or own fairly small apartments and homes. And unfortunately, they may be on a rather tight budget. Smaller breed service dogs don’t cost a whole lot of money and will be perfectly fine in a smaller area.

Related Questions

How can my dog become a service dog?

He will need to be properly trained, either formally or by the owner. They must also pass the Public Access Test to become legally certified in their service.

How much does it cost to make your dog a service dog?

Depending on the training and the breed, it could be upwards of $15,000.

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