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Chihuahua Puppy Guide

 

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

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blue chihuahua puppy in grass

Housebreaking Your Chihuahua The Easy Way

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

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chiwawa clothes

Chihuahua Clothes

You’ve seen them on TV.  You’ve seen them in movies.  Chihuahua dogs wearing little outfits.  Chihuahua dogs wearing little shoes. Chihuahua dogs wearing Halloween costumes.  So, we ask: “Are Chihuahua clothes silly or helpful?  Many people have the opinion that buying your puppy clothes is something done just for fun or entertainment or as a joke, but certainly not for any practical reason.  Well, the truth is Chihuahua dogs can be a bit fragile due to it’s very small size. It should also be noted that a Chi is more comfortable living in warmer climates. This explains its lack of fur when compared to other kinds of dogs. If you weren’t already aware, the Chihuahuas place of origin is Chihuahua, Mexico. So, whether it’s their ancestry or their lack of fur, Chihuahua dogs as a species tend to be cold, a lot!

If your home is fully air-conditioned, you will likely notice your puppy shaking and shivering at times. Even when the outside weather is warm, your Chihuahua may still feel very cold if you place it in an air-conditioned room.

So, warmth and protection from the elements are just a few reasons why you might buy clothes to protect your doggy. Puppy clothes such as a sweater or a jacket or foot protection can be really helpful in keeping your dog warm and comfy.

Dog clothes are usually sized by weight.  You obviously don’t want them too small, nor too large, so there may be a bit of trial and error involved.  You don’t want your dog to become tangled in his clothes.

There are of course endless options to choose from, but make sure the material is soft and safe be patient when introducing the items to your dog.  And always take pictures!You’ve seen them on TV.  You’ve seen them in movies.  Chihuahua dogs wearing little outfits, little or Halloween costumes.  Many people have the opinion that buying Chihuahua clothes is something done just for fun or entertainment.  Well, the truth is Chihuahua dogs can be a bit fragile due to their small size.  If you weren’t already aware, their place of origin is Chihuahua, Mexico. So, whether it’s their ancestry or their lack of fur, Chiwawa dogs as a species tend to be cold, a lot!

If your home is air-conditioned, you will likely notice your puppy shaking and shivering at times. Even when the outside weather is warm, your dog may still feel very cold if you place it in an air-conditioned room.

So, warmth and protection from the elements are just a few reasons why you might buy clothes to protect your fur-less friend.  Chihuahua clothes such as a sweater or foot protection can be really helpful in keeping your dog warm and comfy.

There are of course endless options to choose from, but make sure the material is soft and safe be patient when introducing the items to your dog.  We like this one – It is nice and warm for our doggies.
And always take pictures!




Chiwawa Dogs

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Chihuahua Temperament Guide

The Chihuahua is the smallest of the toy breeds. An energetic, small and fragile dog, the Chihuahua typically has a rounded skull (often called an “apple head”) and large, dark eyes. The two types are the smooth-coated Chihuahua and long-coated Chihuahua. Usually 8 inches tall or less, and weighing between 2-3 lbs., the chiwawa comes in both short and long hair varieties.  Coat colors range from white through cream, sable, sand, blue to black or black and tan combined.

Chihuahua Temperament and Traits

Owners describe their dogs as energetic, clever, and protective.  They usually become very attached to their owners and reserved or even aggressive around strangers, and may even snap around children if not used to them.

While owners say Chihuahua dogs can be trained, it might take more time compared with other breeds. Chi’s can be a little stuborn.  Some owners report difficulties in house-training males.  The tend to want to mark their territory and it is a difficult habit to break.

Health & Lifespan

While not as fragile as their tiny size may suggest, Chihuahua dogs can have some health problems, some are hereditary. Chihuahua teeth are prone to a build up of tartar. Regular brushing at home or ultrasonic cleaning by your vet will help. Special chew strips can help clean their teeth and remove tartar.
Collapsing tracheas are common and can cause a characteristic cough that sounds like “honking”. Their prominent, large eyes can also be prone to injury and possible infection. The Chiwawa dog has an average life span of 12-14 years.

Ideal Owners

Chihuahuas dogs do very well with adult owners and in homes with additional small dogs.  It can be very dangerous to bring a Chihuahua puppy into a family with small children as they are very susceptible to being injured if squeezed or dropped. They can be raised indoors, but they also love to get outside for walks and to dig in the dirt.  Chihuahuas adore sleeping in the sun – whether it’s a sunny window or a back patio, sunbathing is one of their favorite pass-times.

Watchdogs

Mosts Chihuahua dogs love to bark, and as a breed can be considered “yappy”.  This is not always the case of course, but it does make them a great little watchdog if uninvited visitors appear.

Breeding

Due to their small size, breeding Chihuahua puppies can be dangerous to try without the assistance of a good breeder.  Caesareans are common. Litters usually consist of one to three pups.

Grooming

Their toenails need to be tended to frequently as they grow very fast.  Clipping a Chihuahua toenails may seem like an easy task, but my experience is that they hate it. The right tool for the job makes all the difference however.

As far as grooming goes, the short hair Chi is really a very low maintenance dog with a weekly brushing being about the only task required.  The long hair variety requires a bit more time to keep their lovely long hair looking great, but it’s worth it.

Chihuahuas are wonderful little companions with BIG personalities.


 Chiwawa Dogs

 


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tan chiwawa puppy

Apple Head Chihuahua

The term “Apple Head” is a fairly descriptive nick name given to some Chiwawa dogs. This is due to their heads being somewhat rounded, and shaped like apples. “Apple Head” Chiwawa dogs are small in size and it may long or short hair. This particular dog is seen in various colors.

As far as Apple Head traits are concerned, you should expect an energetic little friend who will likely display a lot of attitude. These little guys are generally smart, look adorable and usually become very loyal to you, their master.

Once you’ve decided to adopt a Chiwawa dog, there are some things you’ll want to buy before you bring your little guy home. First on my list would be a soft, covered bed as Chiwawa dogs love to bury themselves under the warm covers to sleep. This is especially true at night. We live in a warm climate, and our Chi’s can often be found lying in the sun even on the hottest days.

Additionally, I would purchase a harness designed for small dogs together with its leash. Your chiwawa might damage his trachea using a regular collar. This causes the dog to making a choking sound, or “honk”. So a harness which protects them from this type of damage will provide you with good piece of mind.

Potty training or crate training should begin from the very first day that your baby arrives home. During winter, it may helpful to provide an indoor potty tray with specially scented potty pads to use in the house. A chiwawa is particularly sensitive to changes of weather. Even when you feel warm, your little puppy may feel cold.

Make sure that your little Apple Head is fed three times a day (or leave some dry food out all day) as Chiwawa puppies can easily become hypoglycemic, but keep the portions small as your little guy has a very small tummy.

Apple Head Chihuahua or not, bringing a new Chiwawa puppy into your life can be a fun and exciting time. Make sure to take pictures. It’s so nice to look back once they have grown up!

Chiwawa Dogs

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