Chihuahuas are known for being incredibly loving and devoted, with a fierce loyalty to their family. But even so, they’re famously known for developing an unbreakable bond with just one special member of their pack.
If you have a Chihuahua, you’ve probably noticed how they treat this one person differently—following them everywhere, demanding belly rubs, and claiming their lap as prime real estate. But here’s the thing: a Chihuahua doesn’t just pick their favorite person at random.
There are specific reasons, such as the things you do, that can affect their choice. In this article, I’ll break down how these “one-person” dogs decide who gets the honor of being their favorite. And if you want to be their number one, you better pay attention!
1. The comfiest lap to sit on.
Sometimes, it’s just inevitable—if you’ve got the comfiest lap in the house, your Chihuahua is going to claim it as their own. And guess what? The more time they spend snuggled up on your lap, the more they’ll love being around you.
But what if your thighs are on the slimmer side and not exactly a cushy spot? One savvy owner has the perfect solution, suggesting:
“Whoever has the comfiest lap with the softest blanket wins. Even when we have company, they’ll find a lap and more importantly, a comfy blanket.”
When it comes to choosing their favorite person, Chihuahuas are all about comfort. After all, these dogs were literally bred to be lap dogs. However, It’s not just about warmth; it’s about feeling safe and loved.
When your Chihuahua curls up in your lap, they’re not only soaking in your body heat but also basking in the sense of security you offer. So, if you’ve got a Chihuahua that won’t leave your lap, you’re probably the dog’s favorite!
2. Giving the best (and most frequent) treats.
Chihuahuas can be downright strategic—especially when treats are involved. If you’re the one dishing out the most delicious snacks, you’ve likely earned a top spot in their tiny, food-loving hearts.
Chihuahuas are incredibly food-motivated, and they quickly learn who the treat-giver in the household is. But it’s not just about quantity, it’s also about quality. The tastier the treat, the more likely your Chihuahua will seek you out, wagging their tail in anticipation.
Over time, this positive association with you as the “treat master” solidifies your place as their favorite person. However, don’t think of this as simply feeding your dog.
Treats are a form of bonding for Chihuahuas – seriously. Every time you reward them with a tasty snack, you’re reinforcing trust and affection.
They come to see you as a source of joy and comfort, and let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to be the one their Chihuahua looks up to with those big, eager eyes?
That said, if you’re the main treat provider of the home, don’t be surprised if your Chihuahua follows you around like a tiny, furry shadow. You’ve got the goods, and they know it!
3. Taking the time to handle them early on.
In another video, I’ve already covered why it’s so crucial to handle your Chihuahua as much as possible during those early puppy days. You’ll want to get them used to having their paws touched and their teeth checked right from the start.
If you skip this step, you might find that your Chihuahua becomes resistant to nail trims or tooth brushing as they grow older. These little dogs can be quite skittish if they’re not accustomed to being touched, especially around sensitive areas.
That said, Chihuahuas have a special fondness for the person who’s been there from the beginning. If you’re the one who’s taken the time to gently handle them, build trust, and create a connection, you’re going to hold a special place in their heart.
Whether it’s through tender petting, careful grooming, or simply spending quality time together, the person who handles them early on quickly becomes their anchor in a world that can feel a bit overwhelming.
This early bond is extremely vital because it teaches them to associate your touch with comfort and safety. And as this connection deepens over time, your Chihuahua will naturally gravitate towards you as their go-to person.
So don’t hesitate—pick them up, touch their paws, check their ears, and gently brush their fur.
4. Spending the most quality time with them.
Alright, this one applies to most dogs, but it’s especially true for Chihuahuas. As devoted lap dogs, Chihuahuas are all about quality time, and they naturally gravitate toward the person who invests the most in it.
If you’re the one who takes the time to play, cuddle, and engage with your Chihuahua, you’re bound to become their favorite in no time. These little dogs thrive on attention and affection, quickly forming strong bonds with the person who consistently provides them.
One Chihuahua owner shared,
“I do everything with our family Chi, so he barely shows any love to my brother or parents. I can’t imagine him picking anyone else.”
Whether you’re tossing their favorite toy, taking them on walks, or just lounging together on the couch, your Chihuahua is soaking up every moment. While it might just be fun for you, for them, it’s about building a deep connection rooted in trust and companionship.
The more time you spend with your Chihuahua, the more they associate you with positive experiences. Gradually, you’ll become their favorite—the one they seek out for comfort, play, and affection.
5. Speaking in a calm and soothing voice.
Chihuahuas are incredibly attuned to the tone of voice, and they quickly latch onto the person who speaks to them in the most calm and soothing way. If you’re the one who consistently uses a gentle, reassuring tone, you’re likely to earn their affection and trust.
These little dogs can be quite anxious, especially in unfamiliar or stressful situations, so a calm voice can truly be their saving grace, making them feel safe and secure. Think of it as their personal comfort blanket, wrapping them in a sense of peace.
One owner shared,
“Your tone of voice communicates more to your Chihuahua than words. I go high-pitched for praise, neutral for commands, and deep when he ignores me. But for everything else, I try to use a soothing voice, which he seems to enjoy listening to.”
When you speak softly to your Chihuahua, they’re more likely to relax, respond positively, and form a stronger bond with you. As time passes, they’ll begin to associate your voice with comfort, making you their go-to person whenever they need reassurance.
So whether you’re calming them during a thunderstorm, guiding them through a grooming session, or simply chatting with them throughout the day, your calm demeanor becomes an essential part of their emotional well-being.
6. The main handler during obedience training.
Chihuahuas are sharp little dogs, and they tend to form a deep bond with the person who takes charge during obedience training. If you’re the one patiently guiding them through their lessons with consistency, you’re likely to become their favorite person.
Training sessions are more than just teaching commands and tricks—they’re an essential time for building trust and understanding between you and your Chihuahua.
Sure, they might pick up a cool party trick or two, but what’s really happening is the strengthening of your relationship. Chihuahuas respond especially well to clear guidance and positive reinforcement.
Every time you reward them for following a command or offer encouraging words, you’re reinforcing the idea that you’re someone they can rely on. So as the main handler, you’re not just teaching them to sit or stay—you’re establishing yourself as a trusted leader.
Naturally, this sense of leadership makes them feel secure, and they’ll start to see you as their primary source of direction and care.
6. The primary comforter during anxiety attacks.
They might not always show it, but Chihuahuas can be surprisingly sensitive. When anxiety hits, they instinctively seek out the person who knows how to comfort them best.
If you’re the one offering reassurance during those stressful moments, you’ve likely become their safe haven. Whether it’s a thunderstorm, a trip to the vet, or just being in an unfamiliar setting, Chihuahuas almost always flee to their favorite person for comfort.
They’re drawn to the calm, soothing presence of someone who knows exactly how to ease their fears. And the more you comfort them, the more you know what works best with your dog.
But if you’re wondering, there are a few effective ways to comfort them during stressful times—such as holding them close, speaking softly with gentle encouragement, or simply staying by their side.
Your actions signal to them that everything will be okay. And as you might expect, the bond formed during these anxious moments is incredibly strong.
8. Whoever participates the most in their daily routines.
Chihuahuas are true creatures of habit, and they naturally gravitate toward the person who’s has become the most involved in their daily routine.
If you’re the one feeding them breakfast, taking them on walks, giving them baths, or joining in on their daily playtime, you’re almost guaranteed to become their top pick. These little dogs thrive on routine to the point where any disruption can cause them stress.
So, it’s no surprise that they quickly notice who’s leading their daily activities. But it’s more than just checking off tasks; it’s about the bond that forms through these shared moments.
Your consistent presence in their routine builds trust and familiarity, which are incredibly important to a Chihuahua. They don’t take that lightly.
If you’re aiming to be your Chihuahua’s favorite person, this might just be the most crucial factor in their decision-making process.
Not their Favorite?
Now, don’t worry too much if you’re not your Chihuahua’s number one person. Just because they form a special bond with one person doesn’t mean they don’t care about everyone else!
In fact, many owners find that Chihuahuas often develop a sort of “favorites” hierarchy within the family. For instance, if their top choice isn’t around, they’ll happily turn to their second favorite, and so on.
At the end of the day, they still see everyone in the household as part of their pack. And if you’re familiar with Chihuahuas, you know they’ll go to great lengths for the ones they love.
So, do you think your Chihuahua views you as their favorite family member? And why is that? Let us know in the comments below!
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