Chihuahua Tips and
Tidbits
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The Chihuahua is a wash-and-wear
breed. This means they are not
plucked, trimmed, shaved or stripped.
Also, tails and ears are left the way
they are and not docked or clipped.
Most chi's are not the stereotypical
"fussy" or "picky" eaters. In fact, keep
a close watch so that your chi baby
doesn't get overweight and unhealthy.
Male and Female chihuahuas are
equally affectionate and generally take
the same length of time to house break.
As long as the pet is spayed or
nuetered there are no down sides to
either sex.
Long coats and short coats are often
brothers and sisters born in the same
litter.
Chihuahuas are one of the longest living
breeds, lasting well into their late teens
and occasionally into their early
twenties.
A mature female dog is called a bitch
all the time, no matter how sweet she is.
Before going puppy shopping take the
time to picture your ideal dog,
especially the personality you are
looking for. Make sure you inform the
breeder of your expectations, they will
be able to tell you which puppy will
best suit you or which set of parents
will most likely produce your perfect
puppy.
When arranging to visit a litter of
puppies ask the breeder what time you
can come when the pups will most
likely be awake and playful. It is
difficult to determine the personality of
a sleeping puppy!
If Fifi can't jump up by himself he
shouldn't be allowed to jump down by
himself. And never turn your back on a
chihuahua who is up on something high.
No matter how good your kids are
with the family chihuahua ALWAYS
supervise visits and playtimes.
Dogs are omnivores.
Never buy a dog food because it is the
cheapest or even because it is the most
expensive. Buy it because if it's
balanced nutritional value. A good
food should have little or no 'space
fillers' such as high amounts of grain
products. Ask your vet or breeder
about good quality foods and what to
look for.
Long coats have fringes on their ears,
pants or furnishings on their hind legs,
and a plume on their tail.
A chi is considered a senior at 11
years old. Most dogs are seniors at
age 7.
Never use toothpaste, soap, or
shampoo meant for humans on Fluffy.
Our toothpaste can upset her stomach,
and our soaps and shampoos dry out
her coat and skin and strip it of it's
natural healthy oils.
A dog owner's research is never done.
Educate yourself on everything
chihuahua including health problems
and how to fix them and the different
training methods so you can find one
that works for you and Pedro. Read
about common vaccines. Also, learn
about other toy breeds. Your vet will
thank you for knowing how to take the
best care of you dog and your Pedro
will thank you for being the best owner
you can be.
Although a new puppy will change
things in your life DO NOT stop
everything to cater to your little one.
Sticking to your usual daily routine will
help her learn your schedule and she
will soon fit herself in without a
problem.
Never pet or coddle your puppy when
she is scared, this is praising
nervousness. Instead, reassure her in a
relaxed voice and tell her you are
having fun. Your emotions will rub off
on your chi. On the other hand, praise
your chi when she is brave.
A harness is often better for a chi
because it does not put any pressure
on their neck. Even slight pressure on a
collar may cause temporary tracheal
collapse in their tiny throat and your
pup may cough.
Disipline after the fact is pointless.
Dogs live in the moment and will not
connect your anger to the pee they did
on the rug 10 minutes ago. Next time
catch them before a mistake happens
or in the act so that you can direct
them to the correct behavior. Lavish
praise when a task is preformed
correctly.
Crate training speeds up
housebreaking.
Is jumping up ok? That's up to you.
Just remember, Chichi doesn't
understand the difference between
jeans and pantyhose so if you do allow
jumping make sure you change before
your little mexican jumping bean intices
you to play tug with your ex-best-pair
of leotards!
Learn to read your puppy's bathroom
language. He will tell you when he has
to go and you will be able to wisk him
to the proper place.
Don't apologize before leaving your
dog home and try not to make a big
commotion when coming home. This
behaviour encourages anxiety and
nervousness while you are gone.
Therefore, come and go quietly and
calmly.
* Along with my own experience these tips were compiled with the help of other chihuahua breeders and books such as Chihuahuas For
Dummies, Jacquline O'Neil, 2001 Wiley Publishing Inc. , Shelby Marolo's New Art of Dog Training, Shelby Marlo and Taura S. Mizradi, 1999
Contemporary Books , DOG The Complete Guide, Sarah Whitehead, 1999 Team Media Ltd.