A toy dog has the huge advantage that it is small. This often makes it an ideal dog for urban living or for older people with limited mobility. A toy dog does not need long walks. It will not take over a small apartment. A toy dog fits into the modern lifestyle of many people today.
There are a huge variety of toy dogs. They all have different characteristics just as larger breeds of dog do. It is important to get to know the what each kind of toy dog is like before you make your choice. Toy dogs are not all alike.
It is thought that the breeding of toy dogs first began in Asia but varieties of toy dog can now be found from every part of the globe. They were bred for a variety of purposes. That still influences the characteristics of the breed and will affect which one is right for you. Perhaps the most well known type of toy dog is the poodle. When any one mentions a toy dog this is the kind of dog that most people think of. Toy poodles were bred from larger dogs that were used for hunting. Even the smaller toy poodles retain some of the characteristics of the larger hunting dogs. They are bold, intelligent dogs that can be readily trained. But they can be highly strung and are not necessarily suitable for household with young children.
The Chihuahua comes originally from Mexico where it was bred as a source of meat. They have now become a favorite toy dog. Their fine, smooth coat means that they do not need a lot of grooming. They do not tolerate children well and can be snappish. But they are often loyal and devoted to their owners.
Continue reading ‘Choosing a toy dog’
Black chihuahua puppy photo
We collected the top 10 black chihuahua photos of the net!
Continue reading ‘Black chihuahua photos’
Chihuahua Facts and Fictions
One dog expert jokingly said the Chihuahua would be a dangerous breed if large. There is some truth to this. These extremely popular toy dogs can have marvelous temperaments or they can be not nice.
Genetic influence is a major cause of dogs with not-nice temperaments in the breed. Tiny dogs have small litters and the high demand makes it easy for people to sell even carelessly bred Chihuahuas. To find a carefully bred Chihuahua, you need a careful breeder. The breeder referral contact person or national breed club contact person, both of whom are listed on the American Kennel Club website at www.akc.org, can help direct you.
The other major influences on your Chihuahua’s personality will be what the dog experiences in life. That makes how you allow people to treat your dog important. Chihuahuas need to be rather courageous to cope confidently with a world so much bigger than them. It’s our job to keep that confidence a positive force rather than a self-defense attitude because the dog has learned to doubt humans will provide the protection such a little one requires.
Fearful dogs are not happy dogs and can be hard to handle. Chihuahuas are unlikely to cause terrible injuries, but disease transmission, infected dog bites and restrictions on your lifestyle certainly happen with aggressive Chihuahuas. Tiny dogs are highly susceptible to developing defensive aggression from fear if mishandled by children. With large dogs we have to worry most about what the dog might do to a person, while with the tiny dogs we must be extremely vigilant about what people do to the dogs. The person doesn’t have to mean harm by an action for harm to result from it.
Continue reading ‘The Chihuahua would be a dangerous breed if large’
Dear chihuahua lovers - are you still searching for the perfect pet? I have find a very good site - you can browse the classified ads to find an adorable chihuahua puppy.
Are you a chihuahua breeder? Here you can post a new ad with photos and homepage link 100% free!
Click here: chihuahua puppies for sale | chihuahua-puppies.info!
The Taco Bell Dog has made it easier to find poorly-bred Chihuahuas to meet the demand of those folks who do not carefully select a breed to fit their family. That obviously self-confident and trainable little guy has lulled many families with children into thinking the breed is perfect for them, and they trot down to the nearest pet store or let their fingers do the walking through the newspaper ads or on the Internet. However, puppies purchased from these sources may be bred for profit without concern for health or temperament and the breeders and dealers may know next to nothing that will help a family choose wisely or cope with the breed temperament or needs once they get the puppy home.
Responsible breeders are adamant about finding good homes for their puppies. Most responsible Chihuahua breeders – indeed most breeders of toy dogs – rarely place a puppy in a home with children under the age of 12. But like most other toy breeds, Chihuahuas have small litters – often only one or two puppies – so the number of chihuahua puppies available from responsible breeders (those who check parent dogs for genetic abnormalities, back their puppies with warranties, support puppy buyers with advice and assistance, and breed only dogs of good temperament) are often scarce. So, in spite of the appeal of the Taco Bell dog, families should carefully consider if the breed is right for them and should seek out a sturdier dog of more moderate temperament if they have young children.
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.
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.
If you’re looking for a good dog, you probably should first locate a good dog breeder. But it isn’t all that easy, unless you know what to look for. Fortunately, if you know the signs of a good breeder and ask the right questions, you should be able to know when you’ve succeeded.
Just as some brand new cars are lemons, there are also dogs and dog breeders that are lemons. A dog with health problems can lead to great heartache and serious financial losses. A good dog breeder will stand behind health guarantees and do everything possible to make things right should you wind up with a dog with a serious health defect.
3 Types Of Breeders
The first is the person who shows dogs and works hard to maintain the breed standard. The advantage to buying 1 of their puppies is that they test their dogs for common genetic diseases. They only breed their best dogs, because they are breeding dogs to acquire a new generation of champions. This means that even their puppies not qualified to show will usually still become excellent dogs. The only downside is the pups will usually be more expensive.
Continue reading ‘Choosing a reputable chihuahua breeder’
New chihuahua puppy in your home? Here are some tips to train your puppy.
Chihuahua puppy chewing
1.) Chewing Problems - The most effective solution to a chihuahua puppy chewing on something he shouldn’t is.
To not discipline him, but to simply replace the object that he is chewing with a chew toy and then to raise him greatly for chewing on his chew toy. Positive encouragement is what a puppy will respond to the most.
Continue reading ‘Tips for chihuahua puppy training’
Chihuahua fans' comments: