How to Select a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas originated in Mexico as early as the 1500s, and they are the smallest dog breed in the world. Within one litter, there can be a mix of short- and long-coated puppies. Their apple-shaped heads, big ears and large eyes set them apart from other breeds. Chihuahuas make great city dogs and are content to be indoors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Dog Body Harnesses
• Dog Beds
• Dog Blankets
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Tags
• Dog Treats

1. Choose a Chihuahua if you're looking for a sweet, attentive dog. They love to be around humans and will lie in your lap for hours.
2. Consider a Chihuahua if you want a vigilant watchdog. Because of their alertness and loyalty to their owners, Chihuahuas are suspicious of visitors.
3. Reconsider buying a Chihuahua if you want a calm, quiet dog. Chihuahuas act excited when they see you and will bark often, though this can be avoided with proper training.
4. Reconsider this breed if you have children or other pets; most Chihuahuas won't get along well with kids or animals.
5. Look at the Chihuahua's features when choosing your dog. A good dog will have fine bones without too many muscles, a round head, large eyes and perky ears.
6. Understand that Chihuahuas can suffer from weak knees, colds, corneal dryness, secondary glaucoma, genetic disorders relating to the soft palate and trachea, molera, heart valve problems and dislocated kneecaps. Talk to the breeder to find out what type of health screenings have been performed.
7. Check potential breeders carefully and ask whether they are members of breed, specialty or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check references and make sure the breeder is not running a puppy mill - a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed.
8. Note that a full-grown Chihuahua will be 6 to 9 inches tall and will weigh 2 to 6 pounds.
9. Expect to pay between $200 and $600 for a Chihuahua.
10. Be prepared to enjoy 11 to 18 years with your Chihuahua - this is the average life expectancy of Chihuahuas.

Tips & Warnings

• Chihuahuas often shed tears to keep their eyes lubricated.
• A Chihuahua's colors can be brindle (gray with darker streaks or spots), blonde, black, brown, fawn (brown-yellow) or blue.
• Chihuahuas often shiver with excitement.
• A Chihuahua is usually a one-person dog. They are loving with their owners, but they are often jealous and suspicious of outsiders.
• Avoid purchasing a Chihuahua from a pet shop, as such establishments may not keep satisfactory genetic records. Purchase your dog from a reputable breeder instead.
• Chihuahuas are susceptible to heatstroke because of their love for the sun. Keep an eye on them when they are outside in warm weather.
• This breed tends to wheeze and snore.
• Chihuahuas can be stubborn.