Do you have small child and are thinking of adding a pet Chihuahua to your family? Many people think Chihuahuas aren't a suitable breed for small children and write them off altogether if they do. While you may not need to act so brash, there are a few things you should know to protect the safety of both your children and Chihuahua.

There are a few different reasons why Chihuahuas are less suitable for children than other breeds. One of the main reasons is simply because they are fragile. Chihuahuas are the smallest breed in the world and that means fragile bones which may inadvertently break when pulled on, stepped on or otherwise injured. The key to preventing this is to teach your children that Chihuahuas are fragile and shouldn't be played with like toys. Don't allow your children to act too physical or rough with them. You should also supervise your children anytime they are playing with your chihuahua to make sure the safety of both.

Another reason people disregard Chihuahuas as being a dog breed acceptable for small children is because of their overly aggressive reputation. The truth is that Chihuahuas aren't anymore aggressive than most other breeds. Many owners just don't spend the time required to teach their Chihuahuas basic obedience and discipline. You shouldn't discipline your Chihuahua by hitting them, but instead tell them "NO" in a strong tone. This is more than enough to get the message across to your chihuahua that what they're doing is wrong and isn't tolerated.

The biggest issue with small children and Chihuahuas is that they don't know how to properly play with them, which is why at important to teach them. This is something that's all too commonly forgotten or disregarded by owners. Take 10 minutes out of your day to tell your children how they should pet your chihuahua and not pull or be rough with them.

Even with teaching your children the right way to play with your chihuahua, you should still closely watch them when they are together. Make sure both of them are behaving and immediately step in if you see your chihuahua showing signs of aggression or if your, child is playing with them in such a way that could harm them.

If you ever see your child touching or playing with your Chihuahuas food, you need to make them wash their hands immediately and explain to them that they can't touch dog food. Something many owners are unaware of is that dog food often contain salmonella, which can cause serious illness, especially in small children.

Chihuahuas are a loving dog breed who will bring countless memories of joy to you and your family. But, it's important you know to create a safe environment in which your small children and Chihuahuas can coexist in order for that to happen.