Chihuahua dogs can make wonderful pets! 

And Chihuahua dog adoption is an easy way to bring one into your home. Before you do though, it’s very important to understand both the Pros and the Cons of ownership before proceeding adoption or rescue.

The Pros:

• Chihuahuas are adorable.  They are the perpetual puppy.
•  These little guys are perfect for apartment dwellers. Because of their pocket size, an apartment provides plenty of room for a Chihuahua to move around during the day.  You’ll still need to take them out for walks though!
• Known for being “yappy”, Chihuahua’s make great watchdogs.  They are territorial, and although not physically frightening, their consistent warning alarm can be very foreboding for a potential burglar.
• Chihuahua puppies can be taught to use a litter box or artificial grass area.  This is a huge advantage in the middle of the night or on a rainy day!  There is also a wonderful Dog Training Pad that can be purchased that uses “puppy pads” that are scented to encourage your puppy to go.
• The short hair variety are easy to groom. The long hair type isn’t that difficult either. They need to be bathed and have their nails clipped monthly, but that is about it.
• In general, when these little guys have good health and feel loved and cared for by their owners, they have a long lifespan.  They can live anywhere from 10-14 years.

The Cons:

• Due to their tiny size, Chihuahuas can injure easily. Owners must be very careful not to step on, drop or drop something on top of their little Chi.
•  Chihuahuas and toddlers don’t mix. Young children may not realize how fragile they are, or may think it is a toy. It’s easy to accidentally drop or step on one. Care must always be taken due to their being so fragile.
• These dogs do not like cold weather.  They are considered “hairless” and they are true heat-seekers. Most Chi’s hate cold or wet weather and will do just about anything to avoid it.  Care must be taken to ensure your dog has a COVERED bed to snuggle in and warm clothes if brought outside in bad weather.  We like this one.  We like this one best because the top part of the bed, the cover, is heavy enough for the dog to burrow for warmth, and it stays covered.  Some others are too light and do not stay covered.  Or they have a foam insert and it doesn’t actually cover the dog well.

• Same as number 3 above, these guys due tend to bark – A LOT.  If you live close to neighbors, or can’t tolerate the “warnings”, then this breed may not be your best choice.

Generally, Chihuahuas are friendly, cuddly and fun!  Take care to ensure they are the right choice for your family.  They are one of the most popular breeds abandoned to shelters.  This can be avoided with doing your adoption homework before bringing a  puppy home.

Chiwawa Dogs

The Chihuahua Puppy…

He might just be the cutest thing ever.  Now that you have decided he’s the right dog for you, let’s look at how to find the perfect Chiwawa puppy.

If you have decided to purchase a puppy rather than adopt a rescue dog, then the best place to go from here is to put together a list of  reputable breeders in your area.  I would skip the classified ads and seek breeder referrals through friends and local Clubs and other local breeders.  Also, many veterinarians will have contact information for breeders they know to be honorable and professional.

Once you find a breeder in your area, make a list of questions to ask when you speak.  These would include questions about general health and possible genetic issues. Something that is very important is if they have ever had a case of Parvo virus in their litters.  Parvo is an awful virus that is deadly puppy killer and once active in a location the virus itself can remain dormant both inside and out for many months – no matter how clean an establishment is.   Also you will want to ask your breeder about the parents of the puppy.  Hopefully at least one of them will be available for you to see.  You want to make sure there are no problems with the dogs knees, as these little dogs are prone to a condition known as “Patella Luxation”. Inquire about any signs of seizures, collapsed trachea, worming and any vaccinations.  Ask if they are eating well and if there has been any vomiting or diarrhea (both signs of Parvo virus).

Now for the fun part! Let’s take a look at the puppies in our chihuahua puppy guide.  Here’s what to look for in a healthy Chiwawa puppy:

• Eyes should be clean, shiny and clear.
• There should be no coughing, sneezing, wheezing or vomiting.
• They should be “roly-poly” – meaning, they should look well fed.  Not fat or skinny.  You should be able to feel their little ribs, but not see them.  And they should not look bloated, as that may indicate worms.
• Nose should be moist (watch for sneezing or discharge)
• When awake, the puppy should appear playful and full of energy. (It is normal for puppies to sleep many hours a day, just the way a new baby does.  However, when awake, they should want to play!)
• Whether long or smooth coat, it should be shiny and clean.  No flea bites, ticks or goopy eyes – this would indicate lack of care and possible infection.
• Their little feet should be clean and not dirty, smelly or sticky.
• Inside the ears should be clean and not waxy or unusually smelly.
• Teeth should be white, gums should be pink.
• No signs of diarrhea, bottom clean.

Ask the breeder if they have any previous buyers as referrals you could speak with.  Also find out if the breeder offers any type of guarantee on the puppies they sell.

What about “Smooth” or “Long” Coat?
Short hair Chihuahuas need very little grooming. Long coats need weekly brushing. Both need occasional bathing. The short hair variety sheds more than the long, but the long needs more brushing. So all in all, it’s down to your personal preference.

Should you choose a Male or Female?

Both Male and Female Chi’s can be fiercely loyal to their families.  Males can be more difficult to housebreak as they have a desire to “mark” the house with their scent.  This can be minimized by neutering early, between 4 and 6 months.  Females  tend to be more jealous between themselves and other dogs, but also seem much calmer.

How do you actually pick your Chihuahua puppy from a litter? Puppies all have different personalities.  They have different levels of intelligence and temperament. The key is to find a puppy who has a  personality and temperament that fits in with you and your life style.  Your breeder will can be very helpful in helping you select a puppy that more or less dominant, submissive, independent or calm.

A puppy who is calm is likely going to be the easiest to train and fit into most home situations. Over independent or “leader-type” dogs can be a challenge to train.  And very  submissive puppies can be very fearful and passive.

Make the task of picking out your new puppy a project for everyone in the family.  And ask your breeder for their opinion and advice.  You will soon have the perfect new Chihuaha puppy for your home!

 Chiwawa Dogs

Chihuahua puppies! What could be cuter? They are so cute and so tiny.  How can you possibly housebreak a dog that is this small?  Let’s take a look at housebreaking your Chihuahua and see how easy it can be. A little helpful fact to note, chiwawa dogs greatly dislike going outside to do their business during anything but warm, sunny weather. And, they can be down right stubborn to go out to potty if it’s raining.

With crate training or pen training you’ll be housebreaking your Chihuahua the easy way. 

Your puppy’s crate should be large enough for the adult dog to stand, sit and stretch out. For your new puppy, it might work best if you start out with a smaller crate. The key goal is to teach your new baby that you don’t mess where you sleep and eat. Ideally, you will place the crate in an area where you will be spending the most time.

Your chiwawa is a pack animal, and he needs to feel part of your family activities.

Place the crate in the kitchen or family room. There are wonderful, inexpensive crates and portable pens that are easy to move with you from room to room. It may seem to be a lot of work, but in the long run, your dog will be well balanced and want to please YOU, his pack leader.

After making the crate comfy, enclose the puppy in his crate at regular one-to-two-hour intervals, and whenever he must be left alone, for up to three or four hours. Then, take him out to a designated outside spot, or “potty pad” area, and say a word like “make” or “potty” and then wait.

When he does as you asked, praise him well!

If possible, at night the crate should go in your bedroom. Not only does this provide comfort to the puppy, it will teach your dog that the pack sleeps here, all night. And in the day we are active. If there is any fussing, you’re there to deal with it. It may seem mean if you are not used to this routine, however your puppy will come to really enjoy his quiet space in his “den” and will willingly go to it upon your request.

Pen training can be done, however it can be harder to train a chiwawa that has been kept in a playpen. This is due to the fact that they have already become accustomed to peeing and pooping in their living/sleeping quarters and it is a hard habit to break.

Try not to take your pup out of his crate when he is whining. This will teach him to do it more, as he has been rewarded for it. Wait until he stops fussing and is calm before you take him out. You can give him a special chew toy or treat just for when he is in the crate. And be sure to include a blanket for your chiwawai baby. They are always on the cold side and love to dig underneath to make a warm den for themselves.

Be sure to give lots of praise when he’s inside his crate, lengthening the periods you leave him in.

Remember, putting your dog into a crate does not of itself house train a dog. To be successful, you want to prevent your puppy from making mistakes, and that means you must be consistent and attentive to your dog. Many people punish a dog for pooping in the house, and they never provide any positive praise when it goes outside. Please praise your baby well when he hits his target outside.

To prevent surprises, don’t let your pup have the run of the house. He needs you to watch him 100% of the time, just as you would a new baby. If you must leave the room, even for a phone call, he goes with you. Just crate him or take him with you.

With consistency and patience your new Chiwawa baby will be potty trained in no time. All the effort you provide in these first few weeks will provide rewards for years to come.

Chiwawa Dogs