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F1 and tiny chihuahua?

NikkiA

Site Supporter
The slower you go the better the outcome is likely to be. I think introducing them to each other through a door, in crates, and/ with both of the, on a leash and harness is a good idea. Our cats live in a house without dogs, and have two doggie friends, Valenta the Frenchie and Max the English bulldog. They all met Valentina and max when they were relatively young, and V had been here, and left a blanket she likes to sleep on and a favorite toy, before they came home by pure chance. Max was a puppy when we brought D home, he lives across the street, so my door darter made friends with him early.

If you take your time, you have a much better chance of the kitty accepting the dog IMHO. It took Mickey about 3 weeks to stop hissing at and start playing with V, but now when she comes over, he literally runs to the door to say hi.
 

Trish Allearz

Moderator
I think at 7 pounds, the Chi isn't too teeny-- but I'd still go slowly.

I'll be honest-- I don't trust my F1 girls with tiny critters they didn't grow up with-- at least, I don't trust them easily. A YOUNG puppy would be more worrisome to me-- a puppy that will stand his ground or a dog that will stand his ground-- I think will integrate easier IMHO. Running and hiding, whining and crying, is more IMHO prey type activity and can arouse too much brattiness in an adult cat for me to handle.

On the flip side, I've found raising kittens up with other animals (dogs basically)-- they do great. I've had an F1 who was best friends with a mini Doxie :)
 

The Birds

Savannah Super Cat
Hello!
I am back with an update, because I was so worried about this issue! And now maybe I have some helpful anecdotes to share.
The news is basically good, Cal gets along well with dogs and likes to spend a lot of his time with a min pin who is around 15 pounds!
He has a healthy fear and respect for dogs in general, he wants to play with them but doesn't want to hurt them.
We haven't left him alone with the tiny chihuahua, but they've hung out in the same room a lot and they mostly say a friendly hello to each other and then go about their separate business.
His main protocol when playing is to hide and sneak up on the dog, then stop short and smell him and walk away. If he's in a crazy mood he might try to take a few swipes, but they are definitely play swipes.
I've still never seen him play with any cats, so I'm still a little worried about that.
Also I would love to see him play with a cat or dog who was similar to him in terms of play enthusiasm. His min pin friend is a lot older, more mellow, not a playing type most of the time.
 

Patti

Admin
Staff member
I'm glad to hear they are getting along. It was smart of you to go slowly with them. I'll bet in time they'll learn to play together. Love the pics!!
 

Jacq

Savannah Super Cat
Well, since he already has a doggie friend, it shouldn't be too bad with the chi.
 
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