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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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
• Dog Shampoo

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.

[dford]

on 5/8/2009 my little girl is very smart and sweet. not a one person dog. but she does have her favorites :) she picks her who she wants to sleep with. she loves other animals cats ect. we wouldnt no what to do without her

[catmarie]

on 10/31/2008 Chihuahua's are great city dogs. They do not require as much time out doors as larger breeds do and enjoy being indoors, or wherever their care givers are. Very loyal pets but are prone to jealousy and suspicion of newcomers. They are quick to accept new guest as long as they are acknowledged and reassured. Slightly neurotic but so worth it with the love and joy they bring. Very charismatic dynamic personalities. I can't imagine life without one and don't want to!

on 3/7/2006 I have had my Chihuahua for 11 years and found the breed kind and cuddly. As a baby my Chihuahua was small enough to fit in my shirt pocket and fell into the water bowl once or twice. When we bought her she was very small and potty trained already. One tip: never let your Chihuahua sleep with you every night. Chihuahuas are the coolest kind of dog and are fun loving.

on 11/22/2005 Chihuahua's are like anything else. You get out of them what you put in. They are (as a breed) extremely smart dogs. I have taught my first Chihuahua sit, shake, sit pretty, roll over, play dead, high five, bark and quiet bark. My second one has learned shake and sit before he was two months old.

If you allow them to be mean and snappy dogs, that is what you will get. But if you stop the behavior when they are young, then you won't have a problem with them. It is also not exactly true that they are not good around other animals. Both of mine are fine with other dogs and cats, and actually just love to play with anything that comes over to the house.

on 11/22/2005 Don't buy chihuahuas just because your favorite celebrity has one or they look cute. Remember, when you buy them they become part of the family. Another thing is people buy chihuahuas just so that they can carry them around as a fashion accessory, but I think that is wrong. Its OK to carry them around sometimes, but some of them would prefer not to be handled like that. They still need walks on leads, a game of fetch and all the other things the other dogs need.
Please keep a chihuahua as part of your family, a companion and a pet, not as a fashion accessory!