On my last question, people said I should get a Chihuahua. Before I get one, should I know anything about them

Answer 1

The breed of dog you get would depend on many factors. Do you have children, other pets, are you a child or an adult?
Do you intend on keeping the dog inside or outside? There are so many things to consider.

What ever breed you decide to get you should know EVERYTHING about them first.
Familiarize yourself with the breed you choose, find out what health problems they are prone to having "all breeds are prone to something usually a few things".
Know everything you need to know first.
About feeding, spay/neuter and the benefits of and why. Care, bathing, behavior :you name it:

Answer 2

Chihuahuas are the most loyal, loving little dog you could ever want. They are definitely a man's or woman's best friend. They are the ultimate lap dog. They want to be by your side. Some people do not like that type of clinginess but to me it is what makes the Chihuahua the most special. Tiny chi pups may have trouble with hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. They should be free fed at least until a year old. I also give them a vitamin/mineral supplement called nutrical which you can get at a vet's office or a pet store. They do best with a chi buddy to keep them company when you are not around. As pups they can be hyper but not nearly as bad as terriers are. One of the health problems you need to watch for besides the hypoclycemia is bad knees. Also Chihuahuas have a soft spot like a baby, and if that soft spot is very large, it could mean the pup has hydrocephalus, water on the brain and this is very serious and most of these dogs do not live long. The soft spot should not be bigger than a small fingernail. You can't go wrong with a Chihuahua.

The people who say that Chihuahuas are mean are like the people who always say that pit bulls are killers. You cannot judge a breed by a few bad ones. These people do not know what they are talking about by saying a Chihuahua is a mean dog. They are probably the ones who have fighting pit bulls.

Answer 3

Chihuahuas are clannish, meaning if they don't know you they are going to bark and act like you are an intruder. They should not be around toddlers or very active Small children, as they might get hurt, or bits out of fear. They live a long time and they some times become a one person dog. If you are diligent and socialize it and want to keep a pet 16 or more years, go for it. I have a 14 year old chihuahua now and had a 16 year old one before that. I love them, but they are not for everyone.

Answer 4

It is always a great idea to research your breed and your breeeder, therefore you know you are geting what is best and healthiest for you.

I had a chihuahua in my training class that was just "shivering" on the first day, he was afraid of everything and would not walk on a leash.
We talked about the fact that he is not a fashion accesory, he is a dog. Do not carry him everywhere or he wont be able to encounter the world on his own terms.
This creates fear aggression, the dog will bite because he cant run away and approach things at his own pace.
They did an incredible job with him,

After the socialization of the classes, and walking his 12 year old owner to school and meting everyone there, he became a completely different dog! He would come into class with his tail held high, wagging and approach every one and every dog of every size!

Someone heard the girl that owned say "grandpa, put the dog down he is not a fashion accessory"!

I wanted to steal that dog!

Here is a link that will give you questions to ask your breeder, finding the breeder is also very important.

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/responbr.html
Taken from the website, here is a list of questions for your breeder:
Will you help us pick the right puppy for our needs?
Are your breeding animals registered with the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hip Dysplasia Registry?
What are their registration numbers?
Are your breeding animals certified free of PRA and other eye diseases?
Do you guarantee the hips and eyes of the puppies?
What are your terms if the puppy does develop genetic problems?
Can we visit the parents of the litter?
Will you give us the names of other puppy buyers?
Do you require that pet puppies be spayed or neutered?
Will the puppies have their first shots?
At what age do you place puppies? (Puppies should stay with Mom and siblings for at least seven weeks

Answer 5

HI Chipster,

Do your research on the different breeds of Chihuahuas to see which one is right for you! There are many sites available with information on this type of pup. The American Kennel Club is an excellent resource!

Answer 6

My groomer told me that they shed the most of all breeds. So be prepared for stray hairs everywhere. They are very loving, mine loves and licks everyone, so much so that I have to always leash her, even in my own yard. I fear someone will steal her since she is so tiny, cute and loving. When determining on a pup make sure that the breeder is selling you a ''breeder reject". This is a pup with a breeder known physical ailment, that is not necessarily told to perspective owners. My pup will need about $1500.00 of surgery to correct the patellas(dislocated knee caps) on both rear knees. Patella Luxation is very common with smaller breads and if not treated can result to lameness. This will correct her back legs from bowing while walking, also "hopping" while running. My chi does not like bigger dogs, they seem to think she is a toy and play too rough with her. So in defense she will bear her teeth and growl or snap. Easy to potty pad, crate and house train. Easy to walk on a leash. Easy to travel with. Easier to hurt yourself trying to avoid tripping over her;) My dog does not bark much, what a blessing! Just take your time and choose a good breeder, spay or neuter, go to yearly vet visits for shots, heart worm, flea and tick preventive, clean teeth regularly and you will have years of unconditional love to look forward to! Good luck!

Answer 7

they can be mean, territorial, and not real suitable for houses with kids as they tend to like one person and stick to them like glue. on the other hand they are very loyal, and sweet if properly trained. They are great for single people, but they can be rather noisy, lots of yapping,sometimes they "shiver" just because its a trait.. not because they are cold.
good luck

Answer 8

yes don't buy it chihuahua are the most fierce dogs try somthing more friendlier like a mop dog.

Answer 9

try this:

http://www.puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/chihuahu.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chihuahua.htm

http://zooclub.biz/chihuahua/

hope this helps!

Answer 10

NOO GET A DASHOUND they do not shead they are small and they do not yap and are coooool