Chihuahua alerts Melb family to burglar

Taco the chihuahua has proved he's more than just a pampered pooch after alerting his Melbourne family to a burglar lurking in the house.

The tiny white chihuahua was sleeping on the master bed at a Doveton house along with an American Staffordshire terrier on Monday morning.

But it's the pint-sized yapper that's assumed top dog status after sounding the alarm.

His growling woke his owners, alerting them to the prowler in their midst.

Taco's 45-year-old master, Geoff Clark has told 3AW his partner screamed "there's a man in the house", prompting him to leap out of bed and give chase while the dogs stayed on the bed.

Three children were also in the house but no one was harmed by the burglar, who ran off through the back door.

Mr Clark says the one-year-old chihuahua has been elevated to hero status in the family.

"He'll be getting special treats for ages I think," Mr Clark said.

An iPad was the only item stolen from the house.