Chihuahua

Being Prepared is Key to Taking Care of Chihuahua Puppies

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Undoubtedly, one of the most desired and popular toy dog breeds is the Chihuahua. They also adorable as companion dogs, that’s partly why a lot of pet owners want to have their own Chihuahua puppies. This breed has small apple-shaped head, a pointed muzzle, and over time becomes very emotionally attached to its owner. You’re going to have to become a dedicated owner if you are to properly take care of your Chihuahua puppies. Still, if you labor to take care of a Chihuahua since puppyhood, the payoff is worth it; your pet will return your devotion assuredly. Here are some useful tips on taking care of your Chihuahua puppies.

1. Preparing to welcome the pup – potty pads, the pen, water bowls, pet bedding, and so on

You can’t just empty a small box and use an old blanket and an unused pillow thrown in, and call that a puppy bed – you need more items. Pups need to be confined, so you want a crate or pen ready, along with provisions for potty solutions and food – a litter box, lots of newspapers and potty pads, a food and dog bowl.

These are important so you can start house training as soon as you can. This particular breed tends to pee and poop often and gives no warning about it – so remember that. The first few months you must be consistent in overseeing their regular feeding and potting. When they wake up from sleeping, or after play, and when you get home – take them out so they can potty, establish these as some kind of pattern they can get used to. You want to curb the number of potty surprises – you don’t want to step on or slip on one – so prep lots of potty pads all over the house.

2. Three meals a day with a Chihuahua pup is just fine

Constant controlled feeding is key. Chihuahuas have a small stomach, as one could surmise by its body size. Still, this breed has faster metabolic rate compared to other dog breeds. So again, just small but frequent feedings. Their blood sugar must always be on an even keel, and for that to happen these dogs must always be able to eat when needed. They are susceptible to Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Chihuahuas need to get accustomed to good dog food, and when they do, do not swerve from the habit by giving them scraps of food.

Remember to keep your pups safe from the elements – the weather, and physical conditions. You need to properly dress a Chihuahua when you bring it out, else the cold will get to it.

Chihuahuas are by far the planet’s smallest breed of dogs. Being so small and cute has a prices, and it comes in the form of not being physically “sturdy” compared to other medium and larger sized dogs. This breed can be very loyal to its owner. If you’re getting Chihuahuas, particularly Teacup Chihuahua puppies, you are advised to contact a breeder with a background you can check.

Chihuahuas, even grown ones, are susceptible to bone breakage. So that means taking care of Chihuahua puppies needs extra care on your part. Be sure to contact your vet when you have questions about nurturing your Teacup Chihuahua puppies.

Why Adopting From a Chihuahua Rescue Benefits You and Other Rescued Dogs

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

The animals in pet shelters, they must all have stories of how they got there. A majority of these animals were simply on the streets, cold, left by their owners, and hungry. Some of them were turned in simply because their owners could no longer support them. Perhaps the owner needs to relocate for a new job, or the family purse has taken a plunge in spending capacity, or new projects at work mean less time at home. Some interesting stories, too. There are dogs, for example, that simply walk up to animal shelter staff taking a break in the parking lot, as though these animals knew exactly where they stand a chance at a better life. But the majority of stories involve animal abuse and neglect. Regardless of how they came to the shelter, the shelter’s staff, and perhaps the animals themselves, hope that one day these animals find a good owner with a big heart, big enough to love them.

There are animal shelters that help out a particular breed of small dogs, one example is a Chihuahua rescue. The fact that this breed is currently recorded in the US as having a high abandon rate means no matter how cute this breed is, a good home is hard to find. Chihuahuas are a small and comparatively fragile breed, so if utmost care is needed for these dogs indoors, imagine how badly they fare outdoors and with no home and owner at that. What’s great about the staff in a Chihuahua rescue is that they know exactly what these dogs needs, their physiological problems, and their behavioral problems that tend to get them in trouble.

If you seriously want to know all you can, you will want to get in touch with the rescue’s staff, who simply love the Chihuahua breed and personality.

A majority of Chihuahua rescues are small organizations, and to augment their material resources, they maintain a handful of foster homes that take care of these Chihuahuas until they can find an owner. That’s actually a good thing for the dogs. So instead of spending time in cages or large rooms shared with other dogs, the dogs in foster homes actually receive great care since they are in a home environment. These dogs, so to speak, can be themselves in foster homes. There are noticeable differences between dogs in adoption centers and those in foster homes – the latter tend to be more playful and the former sullen and withdrawn.

The staff can provide key information about Chihuahuas, since they can observe and care for them over time. They can walk you through their problems, if they’re ok with kids (a particularly nasty problem with many Chihuahuas), if they can get along with cats, or whatever idiosyncrasies they may have.

Take note that adopting a dog from a rescue means room has been made for the next dog that could use the shelter’s limited facilities. So please consider how much help you’ll be providing to the shelter, how much love you can give to an adult Chihuahua, and how humane this set up really is. Responsible pet owners abound, they just need to consider that adult Chihuahuas from rescues can be a great and loyal companion pet.

If there’s a Chihuahua rescue near your area, you may find it more convenient to phone them and give them a visit. They can brief you about all you need to know when it comes to taking care of an adult Chihuahua. If you prefer adult dogs to raising them as pups, and if you love the small loyal breed, then visiting a Chihuahua rescue may be a great experience for you.

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Applehead Chihuahua – Tips on Finding a Good Breeder

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

You’re looking for a specific breed if what you want is an Applehead Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are already distinctive, and an Apple Head Chihuahua is a tad more specific, so it’s not likely you’ll find one in many animal shelters or Chihuahuas rescues. If you still want to search in those places – good luck. What you can do is to get in touch with a good Chihuahua breeder. An apple-shaped head, big attentive eyes, ears that stick up – these are the features of an Applehead Chihuahua you need to look for. The shape of its head is how it got its name.

Taking care of such a breed take a lot of commitment

Having a pet is no small feat. This small dog comes with a handful of health conditions you need to watch out for, prevent, treat, and keep at bay; not to mention it craves attention all the time. You have to ask yourself, seriously, if a dog is what you want, and in particular, if it’s an Applehead Chihuahua.

A pet dog will consumer your time and eat up your finances, so you better be sure you can commit to this. That means you need to prepare your home, make room for a crate if you’re taking in puppies, prep dog bedding, pet feeders if that’s what you prefer. This means inoculations and deworming sessions, scheduled visits to the vet, pet grooming sessions, walks, and so on. Should your dog have incessant barking problems, you may need to train it using a no bark collar.

Take stock of where you live and how much space you have – some pet owners live in apartment with strict rules against pets, and some live in fenced homes in the suburban areas. Remember that not every dog is meant for apartments. Then you must also think about whether to opt for a pup or an adult dog. If you want a puppy of a particular breed and type, such as an Applehead Chihuahua, then you really want a breeder you can trust.

Tips on finding a reputable Applehead Chihuahua breeder

You could most likely stumble upon a breeder lists during a web search, or via a referral from a friend, or from your vet. But then it’s recommended you choose breeders that are part of breeding clubs. That means you can check their background. These breeders will also volunteer to provide their references, which you can check. There are other signs you locked on to a good breeder. A good one will ask a lot of questions about your background, to check if you are mentally and financially prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of taking care of a Chihuahua, from pup to adulthood, from potty training to making sure no deworming session is missed.

Be sure you’re committed when the dog breed you want is that of an Applehead Chihuahua.

A healthy Applehead Chihuahua, well-nourished and taken-care of, without genetic problems, can live as long as 18 years. That’s longer than the average lifespan of a relationship – something you can ask widows and single mothers who own Chihuahuas. You can think of this longevity as a good thing, because assuredly that Apple Head Chihuahua will bond with you and you with it.

Chihuahua Puppies for Sale – a Reputable Breeder is Key

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Planning to have Teacup Chihuahua puppies in your life? There are two ways you can do that. The first way is to look up a reputable Chihuahua breeder, one that is not just after making money through quick-bred pups, but is also after the well-being of these pups. The second way is not to buy puppies but to adopt them, and this means setting up an appointment with staff at animal shelters or Chihuahua rescues.

You will get mostly adult Chihuahuas via rescues and shelters, since most abandoned dogs and stray animals are already a few years in age. You’d have to look up rescue shelters and foster homes they work with to know if they have puppies. Of course, you could always look up puppies online. You can also talk to your veterinarian who may know several Chihuahua rescue shelters he or she may be working with.

Going back to the first, way, about finding a Chihuahua breeder, this you can do, too. You should also contact your friends, just in case they have puppies they are selling. There are greedy breeders out there who are only after making a sale, never mind if the pups they bred from runt to runt end up unhealthy. As such, some breeds have health conditions you may not be aware of when you look at those pups.

Here’s a good tips when trying to tell a faker from a legit breeder – check if a breeder is a member of a breeder’s organization. If they are, then that means you can contact members of that organization and ask around if a breeder that claims to be their member is indeed so. You may also be able to find out if there are unhappy buyers’ tales with involving that dealer’s name.

Now, if a breeder you’re talking to tends to ask a lot of questions, like how long you’ve been taking care of Chihuahuas, that’s a good sign. An ethical breeder knows that if he or she sells a healthy litter of Chihuahua pups to an owner who cannot adequately take care for them, then those puppies may be in harm’s way.

Be advised that buying Chihuahua puppies for sale entails a readiness on your part, emotionally and materially, to welcome one or several puppies that need a lot of attention and close care. If you favor a particular type and go for Teacup Chihuahua puppies for sale, the same care should be observed.

There’s always the option to adopt from a Chihuahua rescue, and you’ll be doing that organization a service by doing so. You’re making room for the next dog that may need the attention, resources, and facilities of the shelter, because you’re adopting one.

One problem when looking for Chihuahua puppies for sale is that unethical Chihuahua breeders may fool you into buying from them. You may be tempted to buy at a low price some puppies of alleged true bloodline, only to be given poorly nourished pups. One way to tell if the breeder is a good one is if he’s connected to pet owner and animal welfare organizations, so you can tell if the Teacup Chihuahua puppies for sale you’re looking to buy are healthy ones.

What You Need to Know About the Long Haired Chihuahua

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Some big dog lovers are surprised, after they adopt a long haired Chihuahua, how much more attentive such a small dog can be. This is something learned from experience, not just by seeing films and pics of celebrities getting digitally framed with their favorite Chihuahuas. Given that this breed needs lots of care and attention, and given that talents, models, and actors lead busy lives, it’s most likely most of the these celebrities don’t even take care of their own pets, short or long hair Chihuahuas.

Should you be planning to buy or adopt one of these dogs, the best sources of info are likely some pet owners themselves. This article is your concise guide about Chihuahuas, so you can be armed with what you need to know.

It’s not surprising the Chihuahua has been dubbed the bonsai dog, owing to its small size. They can be as vigilant as a meerkat eyeing a cobra, at least when it comes to strangers and other pets, and as demanding as a brat prince or princess. And that’s probably an understatement.

The Chihuahua breed originated from Mexico, or at least that’s how most documents take the matter to be. It’s the smallest dog in the world, on record. They are undoubtedly among the cutest breeds around, with large, attentive eyes, a markedly apple-shaped head, and tasseled ears. A bread toaster is “bigger” than this dog, which is between six to nine inches in height.

The Chihuahua, both the short and long haired type, are dubbed by some as purse dogs, toy dogs, bag dogs, rich people’s accessory dogs, and companion pets by single people living alone. Although there are families with kids that have this breed. As you may have heard, not many families with kids have Chihuahuas because of this breed’s jealous streak.

Chihuahuas cannot be treated by little kids as though they were stuffed toys; medium and large sized dogs can survive rowdy play, but this breed leans on the fragile side. If you accidentally kick a Chihuahua in the eyes, it could go blind; if it accidentally gets jammed by a door, or fall from a height normal dogs will shrug off, a Chihuahua could suffer fractures.

Some pet owners get Chihuahuas for the companionship and loyalty they provide, and not for their potential to be show dogs – although some very loyal show dogs do win prizes now and again.

Pets cost a lot, and this small dog is no exception – please be sure you can adequately support this breed. They need to eat only good food, and be trained to potty regularly (because they tend to do so frequently), and be taught to avoid barking endlessly at other pets, kids, and strangers (a bark collar for small dogs can take care of this).

Although there’s currently no consensus on the exact origin of the Chihuahua, much less its sub type, the long haired Chihuahua; but there’s agreement among small dog owners that this breed is one of the most adorable. Chihuahuas, including long hair Chihuahua, tend to be popular among those who live alone, or only have a few people living with them, and who pursue relatively quiet lives. But if you’re used to calm pets that don’t go out of their way to get your attention, then you might want to reconsider getting a Chihuahua.

Chihuahua Breeders – Spotting the Legitimate Ones from the Scams

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

If you’re looking for Chihuahua breeders, then you may have reservations about getting a Chihuahua through an animal rescue organization or a dog shelter. Did you know that hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs in animal shelters are put down each year? One reason this is done is because of limited resources. For all you know, with a little searching, like what you’re doing right now, you might find the right adult dog or puppy for you, instead of running off to the first breeder you may find.

If you’re searching for a particular breed, or want a litter of pups to raise, then you may need to be careful when you look for Chihuahua breeders. You need to be careful with this, since the financial incentive for breeders may cause them to disregard the puppies’ health. These people also have motive to deceive you on the condition and bloodline of the Chihuahua you may be shown and sold.

To find a reputable Chihuahua breeder, you want to contact one that’s connected to or that belongs to a breeding club. When you visit a breeder, it would be a good sign if his facilities were clean, because that would mean it’s a good environment for breeding and socializing puppies. A good breeder will want to interview you at length concerning your ability to take proper care of Chihuahua puppies – from your home situation to your financial stability.

You want the breeder to show you a record of inoculations and deworming sessions, including dates and times, a lot of details. That info is vital since, if you make the purchase, you need to continue those inoculations and deworming sessions by bringing the pups to the vet yourself. A reputable breeder will provide you with such records.

Since that breeder, hopefully, is actually connected to a breeding club, you can actually check his background. A veteran breeder should also provide you with specific instructions on feeding the Chihuahua, what type of training is needed, and he’s also give you a form listing the pedigree. You should also ask about references you should check on.

Yes, there are hundreds of available breeders online, but you have to know there’s no guarantee. You need to make time to meet each breeder, develop a feel for their approaches, learn as you go, and postpone impulse decisions. Some pet owners tend to buy the first cute bunch of puppies a breeder shows them, don’t make that mistake. All that Chihuahua cuteness could be hiding health problems aggravated by profit-breeding without regard for the dogs’ health.

Whether you want a Chihuahua as a companion dog or eventual entry to a dog show, you want to find good Chihuahua breeders. One way to do so is to check if the Chihuahua breeders you have in mind are members of pet owners organizations or animal welfare groups. That way you can check if the names the breeder gave you are legit, so you can lessen the chances of being ripped off – of buying alleged true bloodlines when in fact they’re not.

Bringing Home a Pet Chihuahua

Saturday, April 30th, 2011

Chihuahua’s, considered among the smallest breed of dogs, make great pets where there aren’t small children. This is because Chihuahuas are small, easy to carry and equally easy to drop. These dogs have a soft spot on their skull similar to human beings and even though the size of the spot reduces with age, the Chihuahua’s head is still very fragile. Small children often fail to understand this and can harm the dog. The other reason that Chihuahuas aren’t recommended for children is that they are some times temperamental animals and can be snappy when irritated. Unlike say a German Shepherd or Labrador which will usually display uncommon wisdom and tolerance when dealing with children.

Chihuahuas are great for small apartments in cities. Because they are very energetic and small, they run around a lot inside the house and get their required quota of exercise that way. If house-trained at an early age, they don’t need frequent walks outside.

It is recommended that Chihuahuas be brought home when young because they get attached to their owner very fast and have a difficult time breaking away.

Over the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in Chihuahua births because of the popularity the dog achieved particularly because celebrities and advertisers took to it all of a sudden. It turns out that the Chihuahua market is in fact smaller than was supposed and many of these dogs have landed up in shelters.

If you are in the UK, there is a British Chihuahua Club Rescue Association from where you can adopt a Chihuahua. In case you decide to do so, the adoption form is here http://www.the-british-chihuahua-club.org.uk and it is advised that the adoption guidelines be properly researched.

In other countries too there exist dog shelters that usually have Chihuahuas. Before adopting or buying a dog, however, a friend who owns a dog and a trusted vet should be consulted because getting a dog is a little like having a baby – the responsibilities are huge and they don’t remain tiny and harmless forever.

Chihuahua dogs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs available today and are seen as a loving, caring and friendly, relatively low-maintenance dog. Learn all you need to know about keeping pet Chihuahuas at our free Chihuahua information website.

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Chihuahua Pregancy – Fact File

Saturday, April 30th, 2011

Many owners start to become a little nervous when they discover that their Chihuahua is pregnant mainly because they have read the scare stories – consequently in this article we have covered some of the changes you may notice in your beloved pooch when they are pregnant.

  • many owners worry about their chihuahua at this time because of the fears associated with the inbreeding that is a common factor with this breed.
  • another important thing to remember is that any owner that attempts to start breeding dogs should get expert advice. This is even more important when breeding chihuahuas as they are notoriously difficult to breed and are known to suffer from a variety of complications – in fact this breed have been known to die when giving birth.
  • any dog that is pregnant may beg for food and even sniff around the rubbish bin looking for scraps – you should avoid giving your dog any scraps of food if she begs as their stomach is already a little prone to upsets and any unusual food may exacerbate and stomach problems.
  • speak to your vet about feeding your dog the right dog food during the pregnancy – in fact there are dog foods that are specifically made for pregnant dogs.
  • when your chihuahua has given birth make sure that you do not allow the dad to get to close to the puppies or the mother.
  • this breed are very easily injured when handled and should be handled very carefully when about to give birth for obvious reasons.

As previously mentioned a Chihuahua Pregnancy is a time when you should spend even more time supervising your dog around the House to make sure that she is always safe and not eating anything that she shouldn’t.

Tobias Charles writes on all aspects of dog obedience training, puppy training and dog health care. For more information visit his website for the best dog obedience training tips, health care advice and recipes for homemade dog foods for more great tips and information.

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The History of the Teacup Chihuahua

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Before the world even knew of the expression teacup chihuahua, regular chihuahuas have had quite a history of their own. They were first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904 after being discovered in the Chihuahua state, a mexican region, bordering Texas and New Mexico. This also gave rise to the name of the breed.

As many times happens with history, there are slightly different versions as to the origin of what became the teacup chihuahua. If we comine known facts they are said to come from the ancient Techichi dogs of the Toltec Civilisation near Mexico City. The Azteks conqured the Toltecs and turned these dogs in to sacred icons of the upper class, giving them religious meaning. Todays chihuahuas are smaller in size than were the Techichis, which was also mute.

This dog is then believed to have been crossed with an oriental dog, a hairless breed that gave modern teacup chihuahuas more of the look they have today, smaller and smooth-coated with vocal resources that surpass their size. Where the stories differ is partly as to how this hairless breed came to that part of the world. Some say these early chihuahua ancestors immigrated across the Bering Strait land bridge.

Others claim they were brought by Spanish settlers who had established trade routes with China. In support for this theory is stated that China has well documented practices of cultivating both animals and plants to be smaller in size. In a historic letter found to be written by the famous Christopher Columbus is said that he found a small dog on the island of Cuba that was mute. This adds to the speculation of the orgins of the chihuahua.

There are different forms of support for the above theories, ranging from DNA to painted ancient artwork, though the the teacup chihuahua history might remain somewhat of a mystery, especially as to how they ended up where they were first discovered as a breed in 1884 and adopted into the AKC twenty years later. In England the breed was not registred until another twenty years later.

Even though its past in some parts still remain a mystery nobody can deny that this small dog with the big temper remains a favorite with many. The small chihuauas nicknamed teacup chihuahuas have made history in the past and continue to do so today on movie screen, TV, commercials and in homes worldwide.

Kari Eriksson is an infopreneur and a dog lover since many years. Lately Teacup Chihuahuas have become a special interest and he operates The Teacup Chihuahuas Directory at [http://www.teacupchihuahuasdirectory.com] where you can find articles, links and useful resources.

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Teacup Chihuahua – Perfect for Apartments

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Some Teacup Chihuahua owner have trouble convincing their friends how warm, loyal, gentle, and friendly a Tea Cup Chihuahua is. This loyalty is something that grows only over time, and is a common trait among Chihuahuas. That loyalty can get to some extremes – such as barking at other pets and people that may get too close to the small dog’s owner.

Immensely loyal to its owner

If you want a pet you’ll shower with attention, this breed is for you. It’s got a height of about nine inches and weighs around five pounds, it’s practically a backpack or purse dog. You don’t need a large, fenced backyard to let this dog roam around in, as is normally needed with some bigger dogs. Unwanted barking is a problem for most dogs, and a Chihuahua can have that, too, but they can be trained to avoid such ruckus.

You can treat a Chihuahua like a cat which you can leave alone, this breed will always want you to notice it. But if you want a very loyal dog that can read your emotions, then what you need is this particular breed.

Taking care of your Chihuahua

Because of their size, Teacup Chihuahua’s can be overwhelmed physically. Chihuahuas know this, and tend to overcompensate by being on the aggressive. If you can socialize the Chihuahua pups at an early age, you can avoid this behavior. This socialization is important so the dog can be accustomed to having other people and pets around.

You need to be sure you are emotionally and financially prepared to receive a Chihuahua in your home and provide it with the care it needs. Be advised this dog is vulnerable to heart and tracheal disease, bladder stone, arthritis, and a host of genetic disorders. Their bones are fragile and so they should be kept away from situations when they may be dropped, fall, be accidentally kicked, or jammed in doors.

Family members need to be told about Chihuahua care, too

It is possible for Chihuahuas to be agreeable with children and other pets, as this has been done with some Chihuahua training. Again, it needs to be repeated that little kids, ones used to playing rough with big dogs, cannot treat a small dog like a Chihuahua in the same way, because it’s fragile.

If you’re used to having a calm dog, you may want to reconsider getting a Teacup Chihuahua. That’s because a Tea Cup Chihuahua is, over time, an intensely loyal and jealous dog, emotionally attached to and protective of its owner. That amounts to having a very suspicious, vigilant dog that may bark at other people, pets, kids and anything it senses that’s out of the ordinary.

The Chihuahua Manual