Like other small dogs, the Chihuahua faces a danger outdoors that does not threaten his canine cousins that weigh more than 15 pounds – he is just the right size for a meal for a bird of prey or a coyote. Large hawks, eagles, and owls have been known to swoop down on pets and carry them away, and coyotes are becoming a common danger in some city fringes and suburbs.
The indomitable spirit of the Chihuahua also causes problems when the little dog spars with a large breed dog, especially one with a dominant personality or a high prey drive. It is best to always keep a Chihuahua puppy on a leash or carried in arms so it cannot challenge a big dog to a duel it will surely lose.
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.
Mickey Rourke & Chihuahua Loki
One of the reasons I love the quirky and eccentric Mickey Rourke is because he is a total dog lover, like me.
But sadly, one of Rourke’s longtime companions, a Chihuahua named Loki passed away Monday. She was reported to be 17-years-old. He called Loki the “love of my life” last September.
During his recent Golden Globe’s acceptance speech, the actor thanked his faithful pets saying, “I’d like to thank all my dogs, the ones who are here and the ones who aren’t here anymore. Sometimes, when a man is alone, that’s all you got is your dog. And they’ve meant the world to me.”
Awwwhhh! I just think that is the sweetest thing ever.
Rourke spoke with Barbara Walters recently and explained his love of animals. He said, “I sort of self-destructed and everything came out about 14 years ago or so…the wife had left, the career was over, the money was not an ounce. The dogs were there when no one else was there.”
Continue reading ‘Mickey Rourke’s chihuahua, Loki’
Keeps her dogs in the home and as part of the family–not outside in kennel runs.
Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and don’t shy away from visitors.
Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time–an area that is clean and well maintained.
Encourages you to spend time with the puppy’s parents–at a minimum, the pup’s mother–when you visit.
Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is knowledgeable about what is called “breed standards” (the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat, color and temperament).
Continue reading ‘Look for a chihuahua breeder who at a minimum:’
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 puppies 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.
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