Read up on small dogs, especially Chihuahuas. Hopefully you have chosen to get this breed because of their personality traits rather than their size: there are many types of toy dogs, but each breed generally comes with a distinctive personality for which it's bred. For instance, the Chihuahua is a very alert, very protective little dog; that's why it's considered a "yappy dog" when they're not appropriately socialised. Unless socialised, they can also be reserved, leading to biting. Chihuahuas are great guard dogs because they are so alert.
Like any toy dog, though, Chihuahuas have specific needs: a regular diet, access to clean water, and exercise. A small dog needs less exercise than a large one, but they still need exercise! If you are getting a young puppy, or are getting a runt (often called a "teacup" by people trying to sell these runts as special), then be aware there are several issues such as hypoglycemia. Being so small, with such active metabolisms, you will need to make sure it eats several small meals a day. Also, because it has such a small bladder, it will need to go out more often -- which has sometimes lent toy breeds the reputation of being "hard to housebreak"; because owners who leave their dogs in the house for 8 hours while work/school happens, and don't have litter or papers inside for the dog to potty, find that the dog simply can't hold it for so long.
Chis, like any other breed of small dogs, often wind up prey to larger animals -- some Chihuahuas have died because their owners left them alone in a backyard and the dogs were carried off by larger animals like coyotes, mountain lions, or even owls or hawks. So you will have to watch your dog carefully. Your dog is an inside dog, and will never be an outside dog, due to hundreds of generations of breeding for size rather than hardiness.
When you do take your new dog out, purchase a harness rather than a collar to walk your dog. On a small dog, a snap of a leash can break or injure the neck bones; on a large dog, it's an annoying reminder or punishment. It will be a lot safer for your dog, and for your investment in a dog, to walk it on a harness rather than a leash.
If you can't go out and purchase a book, there are several Yahoo groups on chihuahuas. Go join and learn more about your new addition, and enroll yourself and your new dog in obediance classes. A dog is a great gift -- and a well-trained dog is a joy.
Congratulations on your upcoming dog!
2007-02-16 16:50:12
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answer #1
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answered by MC 2
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they can eat puppy chow,or little bite kibble. feed the pup at least 3-4 times in small amounts.plenty of water. a soft bedding they love blankets...make sure you check with the vets for it shots and everything else..they are very fragile they are small but with big attitudes..but when the pups gets to a yr old cut down on there food to 2 a day ok cuz they get real fat easy.give it lots of play time to get there excises they need to stay warm they dont like the cold weather much so make sure it has a sweater in cold weather...but good luck there is a site i went to to learn a little more info..rhondas chihuahua breeding.com i just heard about it yesterday check it out ok
2007-02-16 19:24:12
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answer #2
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answered by jebagomes 2
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Take a bit of time to do some research on chihuahuas before you get your pup. Chihuahuas need a good quality kibble, just a small serving, it will tell you how much on the pack according to their weight. Puppies need to be fed 3 - 4 times a day, because chihuahua pups are so small and they can easily get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It needs to be treated the same way as any other dog or puppy, with special consideration taken with regards to its size.
2007-02-16 16:18:40
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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If you need to have the dog potty on a schedule then you need to feed on a schedule, 3 meals a day to start with, out to potty in about 20-30 minutes for a puppy and 1-2 meals for an adult. I recommend 2 small meals for an adult chihuahua as they have a hard time filling their tiny bellies in one meal. I am home with mine so I "free" feed and they pick at their food on and off all day. I feed mine Royal Canin Sensible Choice Natural Blend. Any premium dog food will do though. Remember even if the bag seems expensive, they eat so little that you can afford the very best.
As for other care, puppies need to go out (go potty) after they wake up, after they play and after they eat. Nails should be trimmed every week to every 2 weeks to keep them short. They should be brushed a couple times a week for short hairs and daily for long coats. They should have their teeth brushed at least one a week and have things to chew on. In general I use rawhide for that but I also use beef tendon, and "dental bones" (not greenies though). They will also need vaccinations, flea medication (when fleas are around) and heartworm medication (talk to your vet). As soon as possible after getting your dog, take it to the vet for a check-up.
Besides all the physical care, they need lots of cuddles. They also need to learn about people. Chihuahuas can be friendly lovable dogs, if you teach them about people. After it is safe (after the last puppy shot), start taking your chihuahua out to meet people and dogs. Make sure you train the dog to walk with you and not in front of you. It is so easy to let these little guys take over and become a monster. It is up to you to make sure that doesn't happen. Make your new chihuahua an ambassador of the breed. Oh and congrats. This is such a cool breed of dog, I have 5 of them and wouldn't trade them for anything. One of mine is an obedience dog too.
2007-02-17 02:23:41
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answer #4
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answered by SabrinaD 3
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study the hyperlinks that Nekai and Anora published, which will help you. i did no longer study via all of it so do no longer understand if there are any opportunities. I even have been uncooked feeding my dogs for over 5 years and frequently feed around 3% of their bodyweight, they're the two severe means and get a number of of workout. A rule of thumb is two%-4%. This includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, i do no longer feed vegetables, purely uncooked green tripe. on your dogs at 12lbs. - 2% = 3.84ozs; 3% = 5.76oz; 4% = 7.68ozs. A weight loss software of purely fowl wings isn't sufficient protein to feed daily, you will ought to do your analyze on nutruition. stable success.
2016-10-15 12:03:37
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answer #5
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answered by ? 4
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Take the little bugger to Taco Bell...
2007-02-16 16:19:16
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answer #6
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answered by achingtree 1
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they can eat chicken no beef gives em worms
2007-02-16 16:15:26
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answer #7
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answered by Jewellz 1
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