I am thinking about getting a chihuahau?

Question

do they make good pets? how are they towards other people they do not know?
or you could reccomend another small dog breed that would make a good pet

Answer 1

My mom's best friend has a female chihuahua....shes a great watchdog! They call her sometimes" Pit bull in training". She, don't judge the breed on one dog, can't tolerate strangers......they can make great pets with the right people. The official AKC standard for the breed describes the Chihuahua as “A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.” However, some Chihuahuas carry “saucy” and “terrier-like” to extremes and are grumpy, haughty, or downright nasty when provoked – and provocation may come easy.

The tendency to be temperamental, a reputation for being suspicious of everyone but his owner, and a clannish dislike of any breed but his own makes the Chihuahua an unsuitable pet for households with small or boisterous children. On the other hand, he may be perfect for an elderly couple or individual, a pet owner who loves to pamper, those who live in apartments, and those on limited incomes.

Unfortunately, the Chihuahua’s innate curiosity, intelligence, and loyalty to and affection for his owner often get lost in the oft-repeated description of the more prominent features of his temperament, but in the right circumstances, he is a wonderful companion. This is a long-lived breed, often achieving 16 or more years of age. However, there are some genetic diseases that can cause problems. Like most toy breeds, the Chihuahua is susceptible to slipped stifles (a knee injury caused by joint weakness) and fractures and may suffer from jawbone disorders, eye problems, heart disease, and tooth and gum complaints. The potential for some of these problems can be minimized by buying from a breeder who tests breeding stock for inheritable problems and by careful management. For example, Chihuahuas should not be allowed to jump off high furniture or out of your arms as the impact on landing could fracture a leg. Children should not be allowed to carry a Chihuahua or to play roughly with one for the same reason.

The Chihuahua is also born with a soft spot on the top of his head that may not fully close, so a blow here could kill him.

The Chihuahua tendency to shiver or tremble is not a health issue but takes place when the dog is excited or stressed. One explanation is the toy dogs have a higher metabolism and so dissipate body heat faster than larger dogs. Shivering helps to generate body heat – that’s why people shiver when we are cold. However, rapid dissipation of body heat is a distinct disadvantage in cool or cold climates, so Chihuahuas should always be protected when taken outdoors in these areas. Fortunately, there are dozens of styles of protective sweaters available. The Chihuahua’s loyalty and affinity for being close to his master or mistress makes him an amiable companion, and his size makes him a convenient one. Chihuahuas have been known to ride about inside a pocket, in a purse or tote bag, or tucked firmly under the arm of their owners. They fit nicely in soft-sided pet carriers for an airplane ride or a jaunt in the car, and they enjoy outings immensely.

At home the Chihuahua is curious and mischievous. Left to his own devices, the little guy might decorate the entire house with a roll of toilet paper, make confetti out of the mail, or commandeer your bed or favorite chair as his own. Although he is not much bigger than a minute, he could also wind up as master of the household, for he can manipulate owners with great finesse.

Chihuahuas have a distinct liking for others of their own breed and an equally distinct dislike for dogs of other breeds. Therefore, if you want more than one dog, make the additional dogs Chihuahuas. And if you already have a dog of another breed, consider carefully before getting a Chihuahua. My mom's friend's dog, runs off dogs bigger then her! She has only gotten along with three dogs in the years I have known her...my rat terrier and Sissy( half chihuhua and belongs to mom's best friend's daughter) and the Pit Bull they had called Dog...when he was alive.The Taco Bell dog has made it easier to find poorly-bred Chihuahuas to meet the demand of those folks who do not carefully select a breed to fit their family. That obviously self-confident and trainable little guy has lulled many families with children into thinking the breed is perfect for them, and they trot down to the nearest pet store or let their fingers do the walking through the newspaper ads or on the Internet. However, puppies purchased from these sources may be bred for profit without concern for health or temperament and the breeders and dealers may know next to nothing that will help a family choose wisely or cope with the breed temperament or needs once they get the puppy home.

Responsible breeders are adamant about finding good homes for their puppies. Most responsible Chihuahua breeders – indeed most breeders of toy dogs – rarely place a puppy in a home with children under the age of 12. But like most other toy breeds, Chihuahuas have small litters – often only one or two puppies – so the number of puppies available from responsible breeders (those who check parent dogs for genetic abnormalities, back their puppies with warranties, support puppy buyers with advice and assistance, and breed only dogs of good temperament) are often scarce. So, in spite of the appeal of the Taco Bell dog, families should carefully consider if the breed is right for them and should seek out a sturdier dog of more moderate temperament if they have young children.

Some other breeds I would consider are:

Rat Terriers- GREAT DOGS!! They have three sizes: toy, minauture and standard. These dogs are loyal, make great watch dogs, and farm dogs, and small game hunting dogs. They are generally great with children. I have had three and i loved them to death. These dogs don't require much in the grooming area...slightly brushing to remove dead hair and of course baths. Another breed is Jack Russel Terriers- similar to the rat terriers but sometimes generally bigger...though I once had a rat terrier that sometimes drew questions like" is he a jack russel terrier?" my vet even thought so at first! Though i had the papers at the time to prove that he wasn't a jack russel terrier....these two breeds, jack russel terrier and rat terrier have become really popular since of the release of the movie MY DOG SKIP.

Another favorite and good breed is the Shiba Inu. This breed looks like a small akita, in fact they are part of the spitz family! They are a small breed, not big. They were oringinally bred in japan for small game hunting. Not good around smaller birds and animals, though i did have a shiba that went after geese TWICE HER SIZE!! They make great companions for children, though kind of reserved around strangers. This breed has a water proof all weather coat; it could survive in hot or cold weather conditions!

For more infomation on the breeds i have listed here are two sites that I trust and recommend to everyone! I don't suggest anything that i wouldn't do myself..

www.akc.org
www.ukcdogs.com

Answer 2

I have known many wonderful chihuahuas and several nasty ones, but each case is the result of the owners' actions towards the dog. If you get one, remember that they are dogs, not children, and must be treated with the same high-level of expectation that you would have for a 200 lbs. rottie, or a 120 lbs. shepherd. They should be expected to have manners, acknowledge you as the boss, and have respect for all humans.

While I would not tell you not to get one, personally I prefer the Papillon for a small dog. They have excellent genetic temperaments and have historically done excellent in obedience and agility. Be sure, no matter what breed, to find a reputable breeder .... never use a pet store! Good luck!

Answer 3

I have 2 chihuahuas and I love them. They are excellent guard dogs and are very faithful to their owners. They can be aggresive towards strangers, though. Their life span is around 12 - 15 years. I have had all kinds of dogs, in fact I had a Great Dane and my first Chihuahua together. I love both breeds, but the Chihuahua is just easier to keep around. And the food bill is A LOT less! The short hair chihuahuas are the best I think, b/c they don't really shed. Although the long haired ones are so cute, they are just more maintenance. I would like to suggest that you go to a local shelter and see if they have any available for adoption. They adjust to new homes very easily and will steal your heart!

You can go to: http://www.akc.org/breeds/chihuahua/index.cfm

Answer 4

My mom has had several Chihuahaus and the only consistant trait is that they are nearly impossible to housebreak. If you live in a climate that has snow,forget about it. The lil brats wil not go out at all .The smaller teacup variety are very vulnerable to illness from cold or even drafts. As far as strangers, they bark thier lil brains out but they rarely ever actually bite. The best small dog i ever had was a Jack Russell. Extremely smart and very sweet personality

Answer 5

chihuahau's are good for some people, others they are not. they're very excitable dogs who really don't know that they're tiny and if not trained well will attack even the biggest of dogs if they think they can get away with it. they're not very intellegent either. But very cute.

I decided on a toy poodle because i wanted a friendly puppy with minimal excercise requirements, and hypoallergenic. It was the best idea i've ever had. There are plenty of online sources for you to try to choose a good dog, i suggest the one below

Answer 6

A chihuahua is a ver intelligent dog, and its affectionate. Very pretty dog!
Another small loyal dog would be a pomeranian, down side is they require alot of grooming! And loves attention!

Answer 7

I dont know about chihuahuas but I strongly recommend a pom they are wonderful little things and love to be cuddled and I own 3 they're beutiful dogs.

Answer 8

well i have 4! there great with people but it depends on YOU. i took my dog everywhere with me so they could get used of people. i trained them really young.

i have 2 smallers chi's and with them it was hard for me to do alot around the house, if you get a smaller chi you need to wacth out wear you sit, how you walk, in so many words baby proof your house.

they are a joy to be around

Answer 9

Believe me I have a chihuahua she is very potrective they will be scared of you when they first see you. but when they get to know you they will luv u. They do bark. They love to eat. Oh get tea cup ones

Answer 10

i dont like chihuahua's, probably because i have never really come across a nice one because their owners tend to not reprimand them because they are small and cute so they let them get vicious. I like Maltese breeds.

Answer 11

i have 3 i would not trade them for anything , they are great dogs , i just made the misake of not socializing them enough with other people and now they are very protective of their mom and dad