CHIHUAHUAS are great little dogs. If you are looking for a Chihuahua because some celebrities have these little dogs, please read this to make sure it’s the right animal for you. #1 Rule of Chihuahuas: They are not a good gift for a small child. Chihuahuas are wriggly, tiny, fragile little guys that can slip easily from small hands. They are fragile and can get seriously hurt or killed if dropped. A Chihuahua is one of the toy breeds, but is not a toy. Chihuahuas can be a good family pet, if the children are very, very careful, and are supervised by an adult.
- Small dogs live long lives. A Chihuahua is a 15-year or more commitment. As the fad of these dogs passes, are you sure you won’t lose interest in the dog?
- The Chihuahua does not come in teacup or deer headed types. There is no such thing. In fact, the Taco Bell dog is a “bad” example of the breed with his flat head. The head should be an apple-shaped dome.
- Chihuahuas can have an open molera or soft spot on their head. This is natural to the breed, but makes them delicate. If hit or dropped on the head the dog can be seriously injured.
- Chihuahuas make excellent companions and apartment dogs. They are indoor dogs and demand attention. If you want an outdoor guard dog, this is not the dog for you. However, they have great hearing, and will bark at strange noises.
- Both male and female Chihuahuas make equally affectionate and loving pets.
- Chihuahuas make perfect lap dogs and are mostly content to sit and get petted all day long, after that frisky puppy stage.
- Chihuahuas can live with some noise in the house, as long as they can get away to a safe bed, knowing that no one will step on them.
- Chihuahuas love to sleep under the covers with you. It’s like having a little hot water bottle! They are cold sometimes, and do need to keep warm in cool temperatures.
- Don’t be confused by their size. Chihuahuas are as much dog as a Great Dane. They need to be house trained, fed, given water, and exercise.
- Chihuahuas are the only dog native to North America and are the only toy breed not bred down from a bigger dog. They are naturally small.
- There are 2 varieties of Chihuahua, a feathery long coat and short smooth coat. But, whichever coat you prefer they have the same needs and personalities.
- Chihuahuas are really a lot more colorful than just the Taco Bell fawn (tan). Any color is acceptable in the breed, from black to white, particolored, chocolate, blue, and many others.
- Because of their size, Chihuahuas are hard to breed. The litters are small and the mother may need to deliver by caesarian section.
- For longer and healthier lives for your pet Chihuahua, please spay or neuter them, and give them vaccinations, as per your vet’s recommendation.
Go to a responsible breeder. “Bad” breeders are pumping out these dogs to make money. They are often overbred and over priced. If bred by a puppy mill or gotten at a pet store, you may be looking at a big disappointment that will cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in vet bills.