About Chihuahua Dogs

Chihuahuas Dogs: Can You Afford One?
Good question. It depends on how particular you are about the Chi's history. If you are looking for a purebred Chihuahua with parents who are registered with the American Kennel Club ("AKC"), you could be spending as much as $500 to $600. However, this also ensures that your puppy can be registered as well. Without registered parents you can purchase a puppy for much less ($100 - $200) and, if careful, will have just as high-quality dog as without papers.

If you arn't looking to show the dog and arn't particular about having papers, you may want to check locally for a puppy that is in rescue or with owners that find they don't want them. There are so many puppies, and full-grown Chihuahuas, that are being purchased and then, as I hate to say, discarded because the owner discovered they couldn't handle the dog or for other reasons have decided to get rid of the dog. However sad this is, it is a great opportunity for a truly caring person to adopt an abandoned puppy or mature dog. Taco, one of my product testing Chihuahuas, was found in an ad in the local paper. He is absolutely the best in personality and nature. He doesn't bark much and is very well behaved in every aspect. So please...don't rule out taking in an abandoned puppy or adult dog and giving them a wonderful home.


Chihuahua Beds: What To Consider
It's best to train your Chihuahua to curl up in his/her own bed at night since it's much too easy to roll over on them or kick them off the bed and cause some serious injury to their tiny bodies. So, what kind of bed is best for your Chihuahua? A bed that will offer cushioning from the hard floor (even rugs are too thin to provide comfort for any period of time), covers to keep them warm, small to properly fit their size, and attractive too. And, be sure to keep their bed very close your own...they like the security of knowing you're right by their side...and they have a need to feel they are there to protect you as well.

Any style bed will do if you take the time to make it cozy and warm. Also be sure it is in a safe place if you have kids around. Poncho (pictured above) prefers his bed to be under the furniture and out of harms-way when the family children are visiting.

Nuzzle Nest beds, made by Sherpa, are like a hassock and are great for comfort but need to be placed near a wall since they can be tippy. I have found that the cat is more fond of the Nuzzle Nest bed style than Poncho.

Bolster Beds, made by Damask, have a French appeal and are very stylish and well liked. However, you will want to put a blanket or quilt in the bed. Arrange the blanket or quilt in such a way that your Chi can snuggle inside with a top layer for warmth. I find this works well if I fold back the opening allowing Poncho to nose his way under the covers.

So far, these are my favorites. Poncho, and our other Chihuahua testers, will be testing beds and other Chihuahua products regularly and giving you updates on what we (they) like best.

For more information on products just click on My Website in the upper right corner of this blog.


Feeding Your Chihuahua Puppy: How Often?
New born puppy Chihuahua dogs should be fed frequently throughout each day. The best feeding schedule is five (5) times per day in 10-15 minute intervals. Keeping a specific schedule for each feeding is important and limiting the eating time to 10-15 minutes will help to keep them from overeating. At three months begin to reduce the feeding schedule to only four times each day. Continue with this schedule until they are around six months old and then begin to reduce the feeding schedule to three times daily.

Training Your Chihuahua Puppy: Where to Start!
Has your Chihuahua learned the basic commands yet? They should learn to sit, stay, come, heel and the command "down" as these are essential commands of obedience for any dog. Do not scold your Chi when training...reward them for doing the things they do right instead. Each time they do something right give them a small treat and say the word "good". They will soon make the association of "good" and getting a reward which will start them on their way to learning a skill along with this association. Begin by teaching your Chi to come to you each time you call him/her. Be patient and work at your Chi's pace. Begin with small distances first and reward him/her with each proper response. While Chi's are very smart, they still need to learn and understand what you are asking of them. Repeat your practice sessions daily but don't make these sessions too long or your Chi will learn to dislike the training making each step even more difficult.

"Come" is certainly one of the most important commands because it could keep your Chihuahua dog from getting into traffic or other dangerous situations. However, this can be done in conjunction with teaching them to sit and stay since the command "come" can be used throughout the day in conjunction with eating, going to another room, or just going out to the yard. They will be following you anyway since they like to be right by their owners side most of the time. Be sure to keep small treats with you to reward them each time they obey a command. Keep with one or two word commands at most.

Don't use a full sized treat for a reward. A tiny piece of a treat is enough since they will most likely be getting these pieces throughout the day. If you fill them up on treats early on in the day, they will no longer desire them and see them as a reward.

"Heel" is another very important command if you plan to do any amount of walking with your Chihuahua. Pulling on a collar, for a Chihuahua dog, can result in damage being done to their trechea. Teaching them to heel will help prevent them from this pulling action and keep them healthy. Using a collar is said to be best for training purposes, however, I feel a harness is best for your walks. This will dramatically reduce the risk of trachea damage but don't use it as an excuse not to teach them to heel. Both the training and the harness are your best bet.

Tape Worms and Fleas: What They Have in Common
Tapeworms are parasites that are found in the intestines of both man and animals and can be transmitted by fleas. If they are still fresh, they will be flat and white and appear to be moving. If they are not still fresh, they will appear more like a dried out grain of rice and show up around the anus. It is important to check your Chihuahua daily for any sign of fleas to help avoid any occurance of these common worms. Three recommendations for controling fleas are Advantage (a liquid applied once a month on the animal's back) , Frontline (either in a spray or as a self-distributing liquid), or Program (a pill that is given once a month). For more information on these products visit http://www.aboutchihuahuadogs.com. Just click on the "My Website" in on the top right of this page to get there quickly and easily.


Cute Chihuahua Clothes: Where to Get Them
Finding it difficult to find cute chihuahua clothes? Check out http://www.aboutchihuahuadogs.com for a great Walking Jacket with a Tartan Scarf and a handsome Fleece Jacket small enough for your Chi dog. Finding quality clothes for such a small dog is not always easy but it certainly is possible. Small dog clothes are fun to buy and will keep your Chi warm on those evening walks when the temperature drops down. The Chihuahua's body weight makes it difficult for them to keep warm which is why they favor very warm climates. With the recent increase in the desire to own a Chihuahua, it is important to realize that they are not naturally suited to the colder climates such as in the Northeast or Northwest sections of the U.S. Keep them warm and healthy by dressing them properly.


Poncho: Cute Name, Cute Dog
Everytime I see a Chihuahua I fall in love just because they are so darn cute. Poncho is one of my favorites because he has such a wonderful disposition. This comes from lots of love and patience when he was just a pup. He doesn't bark much and very friendly though he still is very loyal to one, and only one, person. Poncho is not for showing but a companion and he does his job well with all the attention and love he has to give. He loves to play, loves to be brushed, loves to eat certain treats and loves to cuddle up. Who needs drugs to relax with such a companion to help chase the days stresses away?

AKC Registration: How Important Is It?
AKC (American Kennel Club) Registration ia a way of certifying that the Chihuahua is a purebred and not a mixed breed. Some breeders will file a Limited Registration which means the puppies will not be registered AKC. Since this Limited Registration can only be changed by the breeder, it allows them the right to decide if the offspring are qualified for registration. This is often the case when breeders are selling companion-quality dog.

Good Breeders: What to Look For
If you are just starting to look for a Chihuahua puppy it is important to buy from a honorable breeder. There are people who breed just for the money and those who breed as a hobby. The hobbiest is one who truly loves what they are doing and cares about the dog...not just making a profit on a sale. The puppies will have been bred from dogs they have tested for competition and the hobbiest will also have screened the dogs for any medical/health conditions that could be inherited.

If the breeder is a hobbiest, they will insist on follow-ups with you on the progress that your Chihuahua puppy is making in his/her new environment. It is very important to have this continued contact with the breeder since they are the experts and can assist you in any questions you may have during the period of training your chihuahua and getting acquainted with each other.

If the breeder you are talking to isn't as interested in your ability to be a good owner as you are in getting the right chi for your companion, move on to someone who is. Don't just buy to save money or be in a hurry. You want a puppy that is healthy and comes from good solid breeding. And, you want the ability to call the breeder and ask questions as they arise.

http://www.AboutChihuahuaDogs.com
This is my website where you can find cute Chihuahua clothes, dog treats, luxury beds, and other items for Chihuahuas and other tiny dogs. I am currently working on adding pages and products to the site and will do a re-launch of the site within a few weeks (June 2005). This re-launch will include a new section on product testing. Each product I am selling is being tested by a Chihuahua dog who will be pictured along with a small writeup on the product itself. I will also be asking you for your favorite product ideas and offering you a discount on purchases for your response.


Chihuahua Knees: Your Chihuahua Has Weak Knees
As tough as Chi dogs are, they are prone to knee problems. It is not unusual for Chihuahuas to experience a slipped stifle. This is a knee injury caused by joint weakness. Chihuahuas need to be kept from jumping from high places (relatively speaking of course) such as off of the back of sofas or out of your arms. This can also cause fractures in your teeny pet's bones. Much like children, you have to watch over your Chi to be sure he/she isn't being too bold for his/her own good. As agile as they are, climbing up on the furniture comes easy to them. With their incredible quickness, it can be difficult to keep up with them to ensure they aren't going to get hurt. If possible, it is best to provide ramps or steps for your Chi to use when navigating these high areas. They are naturally drawn to higher spots in the house so they can see what is going on and to keep an eye on you not letting you out of their site. Don't allow children to carry your Chi or play roughly with your Chi. They may not realize how easily the Chihuahua can be injured and they may not be able to hold on to the Chi if he/she decides to jump.


Chihuahuas Health Care: Chihuahuas Can Have Allergies?
Thousands of dogs are affected by allergies each year! Did you know your Chihuahua can be tested for allergies? Like humans, dogs can inherit allergies from their ancestors. Unlike humans, they are more likely to have a reaction of itchy skin rather than watery eyes or sneezing. If you notice your Chi scratching, biting or licking his/herself consistently, please check with your veterinary clinic for an analysis of the problem as soon as possible. When my allergies act up I'm miserable and I know dogs feel the same way. There are many ways to treat allergies, including holistic methods, if you do not want to treat your Chi with standard medications.
Pure Pet Pure Care Herbal Skin Therapy Shampoo for Dogs & Cats



Chihuahuas Health Care: Fleas, Tics, and Itchy Rashes
Like allergies, fleas and tics can pose a serious problem for your Chi. There are many different products on the market for protection from these insects but before choosing one, check with a professional to be sure you're making the best choice for your tiny Chi. The strength of the treatment often is based on the weight of the dog. Since Chis are typically 2 - 6 lbs, it would be safest to check with a professional for the correct dosage. After applying the remedy of choice, watch your pet Chi for any reactions to the medication. I once had a dog that was not only allergic to flea bites but also to the medicated flea treatment and flea shampoos. Be sure your friend is not having any reaction to the medication before leaving them alone for any length of time. If they appear to be acting in an unusually characteristic manor, stop the medication and check with your verterinarian. It's always best to be cautious!
Advantage Once-A-Month Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs & Puppies


Chihuahuas Health Care: Holistic or Allopathic Veterinary Care?
If you are concerned about giving your Chi medicated products for allergies or flea and tic control, you may want to consider seeking out a Holistic Veterinarian. All Veterinarians are required to have the same medical training. However, the Holistic Veterinarians further their studies in the use of herbs, massage, nutritional supplements, acupuncture and other holistic remedies. Chiropractic manipulation is also an option in some states.

Both the Holistic and Allopathic (preventive drugs and medications) approaches to providing care for our lovable pets are important. The choice is yours and what you feel is best for you and your Chihuahua.