Why Do Chihuahuas Burrow? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Explanation

From their unmistakable look to their endearing personalities, Chihuahuas are a breed that most owners will tell you are in a class of their own. They’re perky, loyal, and pleasantly trainable, with an oversized confidence that makes their habits all the more delightful. Adding to the fun are their tendencies toward off-beat behaviors, including their common tendency to burrow.

While burrowing isn’t unique to Chihuahuas, the breed is may be more prone to dig into bedding and other materials when the mood strikes. If you’ve been wondering how to manage your dog’s unexpected urge, we’ll explain why Chihuahuas burrow and how you can ensure their safety.

The 5 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Burrow

Generally, burrowing is a nesting and denning habit common to dogs. Their wild ancestors needed safe homes to sleep and raise their young. By taking up shelter in caves, tunnels, and other den spaces, they could escape predators and harsh weather and ensure their survival.

Many dogs burrow due to normal behaviors influenced by both instinct and learning. For instance, many Terriers and Dachshunds dig and burrow because they once worked to flush vermin and game from underground havens.

Meanwhile, Arctic breeds like Huskies and Malamutes would dig holes in the snow or earth to keep warm or cool as the weather required. Although most modern breeds are companion animals in the home, some of these breed-related tendencies may still be expressed, along with behaviors shaped by the dog’s environment and reinforcement history.

With these inherited habits in mind, we might see the Chihuahua as an outlier among dogs that like to burrow. They didn't endure harsh winters, so we can't use that straightforward explanation alone for the behavior. So, why do these long-time pet dogs enjoy burrowing?

1. Stress and Anxiety

Like any dog, a Chihuahua can feel stress for several reasons. Some experience separation anxiety, while others fear environmental stressors like fireworks, unfamiliar people, or honking cars. Despite their boldness, some Chihuahuas may seek out enclosed or covered spaces, such as blankets or clothing, as a way to feel more secure when they are stressed or uncomfortable.

2. Warmth

Hailing from Mexico, Chihuahuas are well-adapted to warm climates that would keep many northern breeds from thriving. Their bodies dissipate heat efficiently. Short-haired Chis have less hair to insulate them, and even those with wispy, long hair have limited insulation. The coat works with the dog’s small frame, low body weight, and relatively low body fat, which can contribute to faster heat loss and reduced tolerance to cold temperatures.

Outside consistently hot regions, Chihuahuas are understandably more prone to the chills than the average dog. A shivering Chi will look for ways to warm up. When the weather cools (or someone fiddles with the A/C), it isn't uncommon for them to burrow into a blanket to stay comfortable.

3. Comfort and Relaxation

After a long day, some Chihuahuas may burrow for simple comfort and much-needed rest. Covering up in a soft, cozy den keeps them safe and promotes relaxation. Meanwhile, it may reduce exposure to noises and sights that might put them on the alert.

With a burrow in their owner’s blankets or clothes, they can wrap up in a familiar, soothing scent for an enhanced calming effect.

4. Recreation

Sometimes, dogs don’t need a reason to burrow other than normal exploratory or nesting behavior. Digging their way into a snuggly den is a form of recreation for domestic and wild animals, and your Chihuahua may do it for indoor enrichment.

5. Pregnancy or Pseudopregnancy

Pregnant Chihuahuas nearing the end of the gestation period will often burrow. They’ll gather blankets, clothes, papers, and more in an effort to create a safe space where they can give birth and care for their young. Some females may have a false pregnancy (or pseudo-pregnancy) from hormonal changes after a heat cycle. Nesting behaviors typically occur alongside other expected pregnancy signs, including lethargy, mammary enlargement, lactation, and changes in appetite or maternal behaviors such as toy guarding. Fortunately, these changes resolve as hormones return to normal after a few weeks. If the issue persists, a vet may need to check your dog for underlying medical problems.

Is It Safe for Chihuahuas to Burrow?

In most cases, burrowing is a normal and healthy behavior for Chihuahuas. Many dogs burrow to stay warm, feel secure, or relax, especially given the breed’s small size and sensitivity to cold. As long as your dog can breathe easily, doesn’t become overheated, and isn’t destroying unsafe items, this habit is usually nothing to worry about. However, if burrowing suddenly increases, seems frantic, or is accompanied by other signs of stress, such as pacing, whining, hiding, or changes in appetite or sleep, it may be linked to anxiety or environmental stress. In these cases, addressing the underlying cause can help your dog feel more secure. Helpful strategies include:

• Setting a consistent routine
• Providing adequate daily exercise and indoor enrichment with toys, puzzle feeders, flirt poles, and other devices
• Daily training sessions and socialization
• Removing or limiting exposure to stressors
• Desensitization to stressful stimuli
• Providing a healthy diet and an appropriate feeding schedule
• Using dog-appeasing pheromone devices

When you’re having trouble managing severe stress, talk to your vet about possible medical issues and novel solutions.

If you have a question about your dog's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for free? Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your dog.

How to Satisfy Your Chihuahua's Need to Burrow

If your Chihuahua’s burrowing isn’t problematic and is little more than a way to get comfortable, feel free to support it with safe practices. There are several potential safety concerns Chihuahuas may face while burrowing. Dogs can become trapped or tangled under an excess of blankets, potentially increasing anxiety and restricting airflow. For small Chihuahuas, a burrow in overly heavy materials like weighted blankets can be challenging to exit. To safely let your Chihuahua burrow to their heart’s content, consider these helpful tips:

• Buy a burrow dog bed
• Use multiple small blankets in a pile rather than one large one, so your dog can burrow in and exit easily
• Restrict access to heated blankets and other hazardous burrowing materials
• Supervise your dog’s burrowing whenever possible

You can also assess why your dog burrows and look for more convenient solutions to satisfy them. If your dog primarily burrows to stay warm, you can outfit them with a cozy sweater to keep them comfortable wherever they go. For stressed Chihuahuas, an anxiety vest may help some dogs by providing gentle, constant pressure that feels like a soothing hug.

Final Thoughts

Burrowing is one of the many quirks Chihuahua owners love about their dogs, and while it may seem unusual, it’s rarely anything to worry about. Monitor your dog’s behavior and the context in which they burrow, addressing habits that may be related to stress, environmental changes, or underlying medical conditions. Otherwise, take a few essential steps to ensure their safety, and let your Chihuahua satisfy their natural urge to burrow to their heart’s content.

Featured Image Credit: Jagodka, Shutterstock