I want to buy a chihuahua. Any advice, especially, how to choose one and what is flying like with them? thanks

Question

Also, what is a teacup chihuahua and how does it differ from normal chihuahuas?
Any interesting facts, info, tips are welcome!
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

First, think about adopting a chihuahua. We had done chihuahua rescue for 10 years. There are way more chihuahuas than homes and we see many 1000's killed ever year from lack of home.
Great sites :

www.petfinder.com
www.petharbor.com

Never fly a dog to you with out meeting the dog. You need to go in person to see the parents and living conditions.
Ask for a vet reference. There is no such thing as a teacup chihuahua. Some breeders use this term for small sized chihuahuas. Most of the time they lie about how large the puppy will grow to make more $.

Remember: petstore = puppymill.

Chihuauhas are not good for homes that have or will have young children. They are very hard to housetrain. They cannot hold it long. You will need to socialize her/him otherwise you will end up with a biter.

Hope this helps,
Serena
Chihuahua & Toy Breed Rescue
www.crar.org

Answer 2

There are many chihuahuas at shelters or resues. If you'd like to get a purebred, find a reputable breeder, and ask to visit them. A good breeder will usually have no objection to a visitor looking at their dogs. Preferably don't buy from a petstore. Teacup chihuahuas are usually the runts of a litter bred with other runts, which provides for a poor bloodline. If you want to take on flying w/ you, then choose a dog that is/will grow to be shorter than 11 inches, which is typically the largest size an airline will allow a carrier to be to put under the seat. Local pet supplies stores may sell airline approved carries. Pick one and make sure your dog can stand up and turn around fully. Also, I think the longhaired chihuahuas are cuter than shorthaired, but that's just my opinion.

Answer 3

Just so you know there is no such thing as a teacup chihuahua. Try checking out the chihauhua club of america. And do some research into health issues with the breed before you purchase one. Also it would be helpful if you visit a dog show and speak with some of the people there.
I haven't had a dog shipped but, I went out and got a dog in another state and had her fly in-cabin with me under the seat in front of me and I felt a lot better having her fly there rather then in cargo compartment. It just put my mind at rest having her right there with me. That way I could watch her and I gave her a drink on the flight because she was drooling from being afraid.
At first I was going to have her shipped and get her and then the weather started getting cold, then I was like forget it. I don't want her to be shipped when she is in the ugglies stage(not a very thick coat in that stage). So I booked a flight and let the airline know that on the way back I was going to be flying with the dog in-cabin. My flight altogether was expensive though. It was last minute flights though so, not cheap. And to fly the dog in cabin it was a $80 fee.

Answer 4

A teacup anything is a rip off. These dogs are intentionally bred from runts of the litter (usually the unhealthy ones) to make them smaller, so girls can carry them around in their purse like Paris Hilton. They will always have more health problems than a properly bred chihuahua.

If you want a chihuahua, may I suggest a long-haired one. I have one and have met several others and they seem to have a better temperment. My vet has even said there is a huge personality difference between normal chihuahuas and long haired ones. She's actually buying one herself. The hair isn't that long, and he doesn't really shed much, he's not like a pomeranian.

If you do want to buy one, purchase from a reputable breeder. You will want to purchase one on site. Do NOT tell them to ship it to you and DO NOT buy one from the petstore. The reason I say this, besides the obvious, is that you want to make sure it is a legit breeder. You don't need papers unless you intend on showing him, so don't worry about that.

Chihuahuas can have ALOT of health problems, such as bad knees (very expensive surgery, trust me!), runny eyes, and numerous other challenges because of their size and shape. This is compunded when you buy from a questionable breeder. Also, they need more frequent dentals, just like any small dog. You also want to socialize them extra early, because chihuahuas did not earn their reputation by being overly friendly. Do some research on the breed, and please don't buy into that whole smaller is better thing. The smaller they are, the more unhealthy they are likely to be.

Answer 5

Well the person above me is correct, there is no such thing as a real "teacup" chihuahua. The term was adopted for the smaller chihuahuas that at full grown were under a certain weight (4lbs?). So basically "teacup" just means they are smaller than a regular sized Chi which at full grown should be less than 10lbs.

Just be careful with a small Chi, you have to make sure they don't jump off of furniture; beds, couches etc. because they can easily break legs since they are so tiny.

Here is a good site to reference for any questions you might have. http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/chihuahuas.html

Good luck!

Answer 6

teacup Chihuahuas are just smaller than normal chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are very fragile and they some times have to get surgery on their legs because they can hurt them jumping off couches. Chihuahuas are very protective of their territory and usually nip at people to protect themselves and you. they also shake when they are nervous and cold. if you want a chihuahua get a boy because they are less aggressive when they are older if you get them neutered. when you get a chihuahua get as many people over so he/ she can get to know people. but don't over whelm them eitheir. when ther are a puppy canned food or they can choke. also they can have spasms where it sounds like they are choking but they are having a thing where it is like a sneeze but inhaling.

Answer 7

there is no such thing as a teacup. it's just a custey name for puppy mill breeders to market them and sell them at a higher price

Answer 8

If you are flying, are you planning to stay with your dog in her crate in the cargo hold ?