Chihuahuas have the potential to be fantastic pets, but must be trained. Be sure to tell your parents you intend on taking the dog to classes, and actually follow through. Just because they are small dogs doesn't mean they do not require proper training, and I can tell you from experience if you're looking for great training, PetSmart has great classes. You also must remember that Chihuahuas are dogs and should be treated as such. You shouldn't always carry it around, let it run around and play, walk it on a leash. However, when looking for a bag, Sherpa bags are great and have mesh sides, and are generally pretty roomy.
When getting a dog of any kind, be sure you get a food dish, a water dish, stainless steel is great and hold up nicely. A bed isn't necessary until it's a few months old, because up until then all it will do it chew on it. Get it a fleece (actual fleece) toy, it will retain the dogs scent and make it feel more comfortable, even after having it washed and smelling nicely to you. Also, get it a mini kong, they hold up forever and it will give it something harder to play with. Obviously you'll want a collar and a standard lead, and spring for a small kennel, just big enough to have the dog get in, stand up, lay down, and turn around in comfortably. Not too big, though. Plus, dog food and such. And that should be good.
2007-07-03 03:16:50
·
answer #1
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
The Chihuahua breed is a very loving breed as long as they are properly socialized. Like many other people recommended I would definitely put it in some training classes. I have 4 and I didn’t and now they are little monsters. I am working with them but it is a chore since they are all at least a year old except one. Some general care items are a food and water bowl, flea preventative, heart worm preventative, treats for training, Puppy pads, Diapers/belly bands (for house training) collar, leash, nail clippers, urine/feces cleaner (for accidents) and make sure you get all of his shots. Someone else mentioned steps and that would be a good idea because they are prone to some joint problems. A bed is not necessary because it will probable be sleeping with you. If you plan on getting a long hair type I would recommend a brush but I don’t think it is necessary for the short hair types. As far as toys it just depends on the dog. One of my babies is obsessed with playing fetch. If you are going to get a ball for it make sure it is small enough that they can carry it but not so small that they can swallow it. On any toy make sure that there are no small pats that could be pulled off and choked on. One of my babies doesn’t even like toys. She would rather be in my lap soaking up the love. My two boys will play with pretty much anything that is lying on the floor. That is another thing. When you own a chi you must be very cautious with things on the floor. Puppies explore with their mouth so make sure there is nothing on the floor that they could swallow or choke on. Never take a new puppy to a store like petco or petsmart before they get all their shots. Stores like that can hold all kinds of germs and diseases that only proper vaccinations can protect against. As far as choosing a male or female. . . most people want a little girl because they don’t lift their leg and I think that is nonsense. The little boys are much more loving than the girls and if you get them fixed (a must) before they start lifting their leg they wont. I recommend getting a couple of Chihuahua breed specific books they really help out for some of the out of the ordinary problems that come up. I also recommend talking with you vet about any special requirements your baby will need depending on you location and surroundings. I feed the Purina healthy morsels. They are small enough for the babies and they have some chewy pieces that I have noticed my babies love. As far as the breeder always research your breeder, get references and talk to those people. Some breeders seem reputable on their web page but remember they make that page and they will show you only the good. Research is the key. Don’t buy from a pet store. 90% of the time they have puppy mill puppies that usually have all kinds of problems and diseases. If possible, visit the breeder and talk with them on a regular basis. If they don’t have time to answer your questions they are not worth the time. If they are a reputable breeder they will not have any problem answering all of your, or your fathers, questions. They want their babies to go to the best home. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me anything. I will answer then to the best of my knowledge. If I don’t know the answer I will see if I cant find it for you.
2007-07-03 11:57:59
·
answer #2
·
answered by rjc 1
·
0⤊
0⤋
Looks
Tiny, the lenght of the body is a little bit higher than its height. The chest is enhanced. The fur is soft, silky. The colour is brown with white, tricolors, black, black with white. The tail is moderate, scythe shape. The head is like an apple. The ears are large and prick up at 45 degrees. The eyes are round, dark coloured, medium size. The origin is not known, maybe south-american or mediteranean. In Mexic is a sacre animal, used in religious rituals.
Behaviour
Can be alert, happy and playfull, but can be also naughty or defensive. They can be trained easily because they are inteligent animals but they will learn only what they want.
If you are raising them around children, they will be excellent pets, but they don't like at all tough games like bigger dogs. They are liking to be in the center of atention.
Security: they are barking very well
Noisy: no
Special abilities: very inteligent dogs. They like other Chihuahua dogs around them.
They are liking to be clean.
Caring for them
They don't need a lot of exercise. If they can run freely, they are happy.
You have to brush the fur twice per week. The nails have to be cut.
Food: balanced
Special needs: none
Group: Toy
Size: small
Weight: 90 g-1,80 kg
Height: 12 cm
Lifetime expectancy: 13-17 years
2007-07-03 10:16:09
·
answer #3
·
answered by uic9999 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
First off make sure you get this pup from a good breeder...not pet store.Meet the MOm and Dad dogs and she if they are friendly.Chi's kind of tend to like one person.When you get one make sure you introduce it to nice people and different situations.Until it has it's puppy shots it can not come face to face with other dogs and can't be walked down the street.You say you want to spoi it..WRONG! train it otherwise you will end up with a spoiled,snappy dog.
2007-07-03 10:08:38
·
answer #4
·
answered by waterlover 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
hi there, well its a bumer that ure dad duznt want to get a chihuahua...I have one, hes so sweet.They can be verry expensive thoe.He would need allot of toys..If there left home alone he may get mad at you and start chewing some of your stuff.For a purse you should bring your puppy (if you end up getting one) and try him in a couple to see witch one is more comfortable for him.Theyr really needy thoe..they love to be held and cuddle so its a good thing that your planing to give him lots of loving..GOOD LUCK
2007-07-03 10:07:51
·
answer #5
·
answered by sunshine_faith 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
We have 2 chihuahuas and they dont need anything special. You could get a special bed for them, small breed dog food. It has smaller chunks for them (easier to eat), dog shampoo, nail trimmers, brush...maybe a nice sweater for when its cold out. If the dog might sleep with you, a stool or stpes to get into your bed, they are small and you dont want them trying to jump up and down, cause they tend after getting a little older to have rear leg problems from jumping up and down, they only have little legs. They are wonderful pets, ours are part of the family and are spoiled ROTTEN!! They are loving dogs and tend to follow their owner everywhere...mine go on car rides with us, sleep with us, eat with us, like do everything with us, and get so excited when we come home from work..ect..they are a joy to have around.
2007-07-03 10:14:06
·
answer #6
·
answered by mel 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
There is a great website that will help you answer all those questions.
http://www.chihuahuafanatics.com/
Also, to help convince your dad you should show him you are serious by learning all about chihuahuas. It will impress your dad if you educate him on chihuahua habits, how you will train him/her, exc. GOOD LUCK!
Whitney
2007-07-04 01:52:07
·
answer #7
·
answered by whitney_alyssa 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
well I have two and make sure you mom and dad chi and see what their temper is like . Mine are very sweet and kind although mom and dad was as well . he has been very socialized . and my second one is very sweet as well and she loves everybody . dont spoil it though because they become very nasty if you spoil them . good luck .
2007-07-03 10:12:18
·
answer #8
·
answered by Kate T. 7
·
0⤊
0⤋