Is your Chihuahua being a noisy noodle? Do you find it hard to tell what your dog is trying to say? Are they in pain or just in a desperate need of attention?
Well, I am glad that you are here because we are going to explain every bit of this common dog behavior. By the end of this article, you won’t feel the need to ask yourself “Why does my Chihuahua make weird noises?”
Are you ready to find out? Let’s jump right into some noisy dog business!
Why Does My Chihuahua Make Weird Noises? 11 Explanations
Before we say anything further, I want to note that our lovely Chihuahuas are vocal and social dogs that get their way using their little, but loud mouths.
They love to chit chat with their fellow humans, but they often have a few barks to exchange with their canine friends.
Because of their social nature, loud noises, and a bit of a feisty attitude, the majority of people think that Chis are the worst dogs. They often mistake them for aggressive pups, when in reality, they are just trying to get their way around like all dogs.
They are tiny, and we all know that common stereotype that small dogs tend to act more aggressively than larger dogs. Well, part of that might be true because they simply feel the need to find their place in the sun.
Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for certain – Chihuahuas will make weird noises whenever they feel like it!
1. They Are Trying to Chat With You
Have you noticed how your Chihuahua makes the weirdest sounds when it wants to explain something to you?
Perhaps you left their toy somewhere and they’re trying to scold you for it, or they are trying to show you where they might have hidden it.
It is like they speak in an alien language that sounds super-funny, like growling, whining, barking, and sighing combined.
Besides their tail position, Chis use their bold voice to tell you about how they are feeling and what the other dog might have said about their human.
The next time your lovely Chi starts making these weird noises, just remember that they’re just trying to talk to you in their own canine language.
Don’t worry, as time goes by, you will be able to decode what your little pupper really wants you to know!
2. They Are Gossiping, Listen Up!
It is not only you that your Chihuahua wants to talk to. They have their canine, or even feline friends that they want to interact with by producing weird noises.
And let me tell you, it’s a whole different thing when dogs start talking to each other.
Besides classic and playful barks, your Chi will produce different tones and murmurs. Sometimes they might even yelp, especially during playtime when dogs bite each other’s necks or nip on each other’s ears. Just make sure the playdate doesn’t go too far.
Other than that, Chis will often whine and grunt if they are feeling upset or excited. It is like they give other dogs the side-eye to let them know they’ve had it with playtime.
Don’t become worried if you see them growling at each other. While it might look like they’re about to fight, they’re actually just communicating their boundaries and asserting their dominance.
3. They Are Disturbed By Something
When they are disturbed by something (ie. other dogs, children, fireworks, loud noises), Chihuahuas will start crying, growling or mumbling something weird.
Sometimes they will let out a sharp, piercing bark as a way of telling you that something is bothering them. Trust me, that’s sure to get your attention.
And if they’re really scared or shaking, they might start whining or whimpering, which is basically their way of telling you to get them out of the situation that they’re in.
4. They Are Trying To Get Your Love
Chihuahuas are sassy dogs that can be such attention-seekers sometimes, especially when they’re trying to get your love.
They will do just about anything – including making some pretty weird noises and acting weirdly!
You might hear them crying, whining, barking, whimpering, or even growling which is basically their way of saying that they need your snuggles right away. Do not punish them if they are growling because of this.
They can become very clingy and if their owners are not around, so much so that they can develop separation anxiety very fast.
5. They Are Showing Happy Vibes
As we said, Chihuahuas are so outgoing that they will show you when they are feeling both sad and happy. But when they feel those happy vibes, start making all kinds of weird noises that are sure to put a smile on your face.
You might hear them barking tirelessly, jumping up and down, and wagging their tails so hard that it looks like they might take off into the air! Like little helicopters!
Don’t be surprised if you hear them making some kind of snorting noises.
Each Chi is different – some may snort when happy, some may growl, and some may even bark loudly!
6. They Make Cute Noises In Dreamland
When you catch your Chihuahua snoozing away, you will often hear the most adorable and cute, but also weird noises they make.
Some of them will melt your heart, but some might even scare you! If you hear them bark in their sleep, don’t worry because your Chi is probably having a nightmare!
The weird sounds these dogs make in their sleep is just their way of acting out their dreams, kind of like how you sound when you talk in your sleep!
7. They Are Snoring
Can you hear the sweet sounds of a Chihuahua puppy snoring? Well, some paw parents find it adorable, while others are not fond of this common doggie business.
Due to the fact that Chis have short snouts, their snores can be very weird, but not as weird as those in Frenchies.
You might hear them making little snorts or wheezes, which can be pretty entertaining to listen to. But you might also hear them snoring ruff and loud.
It is worth noting that this may be a sign of an underlying health issue, but in most cases, it is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
8. They Are Feeling Zen
It sounds to me that your pampered Chihuahua is having the time of his life. They are feeling so zen that you might think that they are meditating! You may hear strange sounds as you Chi rests.
Sometimes you will hear a soft “woo” or a deep sigh that releases all the positive vibes. You may even think that your dog is purring because they look and sound so peaceful!
9. They Are Alerting You To Potential Threats
Besides being amazing companions, Chis were bred to be fearless guardians of both humans and households.
Sometimes they will even let out a big, booming bark that is so loud it could wake the dead! But there are times when they will use their tiny voices in the gentlest way.
However, it is usually a high-pitched sound which is so specific and typical for the Chihuahua breed.
If they feel that there is something bad about to happen to you or your family, there is probably no way that you can make them stop barking!
10. They May Feel Sick
The bad side about a Chihuahua making strange noises is that they might be experiencing some health issues. Chis are prone to several genetic conditions that include:
- Tracheal Collapse
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Disease
- Dental Disease
- Hypoglycemia
Depending on what kind of health issue your Chi may be experiencing, he can make honking, wheezing, crying, whining, and all sorts of weird sounds.
In addition to weird noises, sick Chihuahuas won’t be able to eat much, and they will show signs of lethargy and depression.
11. The Art Of Reverse Sneezing
If you’ve never heard of reverse sneezing before, it can definitely be a bit alarming at first. It’s like a combination of a sneeze, a snort, and a gasp for air all rolled into one.
You might even think that your Chihuahua is choking on something because it sounds super-weird.
Keep in mind that this is a very common occurrence in small dogs, and it is not usually something you should worry too much about. There are ways you can stop the reverse sneezing attack at home, but it is recommended that you inform your vet about this.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Are you still wondering why your Chihuahua makes weird noises? Me neither!
Learning about all possible “woofs” and sighs is important so you can distinguish between the good and the bad ones.
Keep an ear out for different types of weird Chihuahua noises to get to know your furry friend better!