Packs of wild Chihuahua dogs are reportedly on the loose in a neighbourhood of the US state of Arizona.

The short-legged dogs have infested an area in Phoenix - with a local animal control saying last year alone, it received 6,000 calls from the Maryvale section of the city about abandoned Chihuahuas roaming the streets and scaring children.

The problem is thought to be overpopulation.

The four-legged little dogs are said to 'hunt in packs'

"If at all possible, if you see a stray, if you can safely contain him in your yard and then call us, that makes a big difference. Because what's happening is people are calling saying, 'hey I see a stray' by the time we get there, it's long gone" said Melissa Gable with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.

One local report also says they appear to be recruiting other, bigger dogs to run with them.

Chihuahuas are one of the most common breeds found in animal shelters, according to animal control there.

Adding to the issue is the 'mess' the dogs leave behind them.