Different Kinds Of Chihuahua Breeds

The smallest dog breed in the world, the Chihuahua was discovered in Mexico in 1850, and subsequently introduced to America. The popularization of the Chihuahua as a pet was a result of media coverage given to celebrities who adopt Chihuahuas as pets such as Marilyn Monroe and Paris Hilton. There are two official Chihuahua breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club today. These are the Long-haired Chihuahua and the Short-haired Chihuahua. Unofficially, other different breeds of Chihuahuas exist. These include the Teacup Chihuahua, Mini Chihuahua and Toy Chihuahua amongst others. The origins of these unofficial names were a result of Chihuahua breeders who dub their dogs accordingly based on their full grown size.

The Long-haired Chihuahua is characterized by their smooth undercoat and long overcoat. The texture of its coat is long, thin and smooth to touch. The Long-haired Chihuahua has large eyes and erect ears, similar to that of a Pomeranian. In fact, it is not difficult for most people to mistaken a Long-haired Chihuahua for a Pomeranian given such similar characteristics. Surprisingly, this Chihuahua breed sheds little hair as compared to its Short-haired cousin. As a result, it is relatively popular with people who suffer from allergies. However, its long overcoat of hair can take a relatively long time to reach its full grown length, in most cases as long as a few years. It is important for owners of this breed of Chihuahua to frequently brush the hair of their Long-haired Chihuahua to prevent tangles that may occur to the hair of the Long-haired Chihuahua. It is also important for owners of the Long-haired Chihuahua to bath their pets on a regular monthly basis to prevent fleas and to maintain hygiene standards of their Long-haired Chihuahua.

Comparatively, the Short-haired Chihuahua as its name suggests has a shorter coat of hair as compared to its Long-haired cousin. However, it tends to shed more hair as compared to the Long-haired Chihuahua. Texture of the overcoat of this breed of Chihuahua is also different as compared to the Long-haired Chihuahua. Given its shorter coat of hair, the Short-haired Chihuahua is popular amongst people living in relatively warm countries.

Unofficial breeds of Chihuahuas such as the Teacup Chihuahua, Mini Chihuahua and Toy Chihuahua. These breeds of Chihuahuas are comparatively smaller as compared to regular Chihuahuas. Amongst these unofficial breeds, the Teacup Chihuahua is the most popular as a result of extensive media coverage of Paris Hilton’s Teacup Chihuahua, Tinkerbell Hilton. Spotted everywhere with Paris Hilton, Tinkerbell’s small size allows it to fit snugly into the socialite’s handbag. The small sized of these dogs make them popular with apartment dwellers as they do not require big open spaces as compared to other dogs. They are also relatively easy to train, sparing the owner the need to send them to dog schools for training. However, their small size results in greater fragility. These adorable dogs are extremely prone to health problems such as dehydration and respiratory problems. Their small size also means that they are unable to provide sufficient warmth for themselves, especially in colder countries.

In any case, Chihuahuas are relatively fragile pets and special attention must be accorded to taking care of them. Chihuahua adoption is also a long-term commitment as the average lifespan of these dogs is between 11 – 18 years. Given such, its is important for potential owners to consider carefully their ability to commit to their pets before adopting one.

Dog Breeds: So You Want a New Best Friend

So you want a new best friend. Well why not choose a new best friend known for its undying loyalty and dependability…a dog. But what kind of dog should you get? Simple…first you need to understand your reason for getting a dog.

For example, are you looking for a protector? Then maybe a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler is what you are looking for. Are you more interested in a dog known for its ability to do tricks so you can impress your friends? Then any dog in the terrier or poodle families may be the best choice for you. Maybe you’re overly impressed with the “cuteness” factor of toy breeds.2 Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahuas, or Shih Tzus may be for you. So let’s take a look at the different breeds.

It can be a daunting task to decide on what kind of dog to buy. There are breeds from which to choose. So how do does the inexperienced future dog owner decide. Simple. The first thing every future master should know is that all dogs, no matter their breed, can be lumped together into four major groups; Working dogs, Sporting Dogs, Toy Dogs and the Mutt. First you have to know why you want a dog. So let’s look at the four categories.

WORKING DOGS

Working dogs include German Shephards, Rottweilers, Collies, Hounds and nearly all of the larger breeds. These are breeds known for the fierce loyalty, their quick minds and their ability to learn quickly. Shephards and Rottweilers are good for protection and search and rescue. Retrievers and Setters are highly valued to hunters for their ability to swim and track prey. Collies are known for their instinctive herding ability and have been a very important member of the rancher’s families for hundreds of years. Hounds are fantastic trackers and are used by search and rescue teams all over the world because of their incredible sense of smell.

SPORTING DOGS

Retrievers and Setters are the two major exceptions to the rule that most large breeds belong to the working dog category. Retrievers and Setters are highly valued by the sporting and hunting communities for their instinctive ability to retrieve. Hunters use Labrador Retrievers for hunting various birds, especially ducks. Labs are known for their love of the water. That, combined with their innate love of the game fetch, makes the lab the number-one choice of hunters and other sportsman.

TOY DOGS

Toy breeds seem to have the most press in recent years thanks to their popularity with celebrities. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears have brought the Chihuahua back into the spotlight. Jessica Simpson is pushing the lovability of the Maltese. The strongest drawing card for these breeds is the all-powerful “cute factor.” These are the breeds, which also include Shih Tzu’s, Terriers, Pugs and Dachshunds, which are routinely spoiled to the point that their owners no longer realize they even have a canine. They are convinced they have a little human in the house.

MUTTS

Of the breeds available, Mutts are probably the most plentiful and the most diverse. Everything from a Cockapoo (part Cocker, part Poodle) to a Rottsund (part Rottweiller, part Dachshund) is available. Mutts come in all shapes, sizes, colors, temperaments and personalities. And they can be found in every Humane Society and Rescue Society in the world. They can be smart and they can be stupid. They can be cute and they can be downright ugly. And the best part…with a Mutt, there’s definitely a dog out there for everyone.

There are of course other things to consider when buying a dog. What is its reputation with children? How big do they get? What are the health problems associated with a certain breed? Am I going to show the dog or is it primarily going to be a pet? All good questions, and all should be thoroughly researched before deciding on a certain breed. But before you consider the answers to breed-specific questions, you should understand your own reasons for owning a dog. If you are looking for a protector and go to the local pound and take home a Chihuahua, neither you or Tinkerbelle are going to be happy. So before you do your research and decide to buy a dog, do a little soul searching. If you understand and accept your own reasons for getting a dog, it will make you a more understanding owner. That understanding translates to a happy dog. And isn’t that what all dog owners want.

Small Dogs Good With Kids

Are small dogs good with kids? Most people can’t seem to come to a consensus about this question. People who regularly place rescue dogs with adoptive families do not believe that children are good for little dogs. On the other hand, some people believe that some small dogs are good with kids. Both points are valid. Let’s discuss each opinion separately.

The people who believe that little dogs are not suitable for kids see it from the small dog’s perspective. These people believe that a child could easily harm a small dog by acting like the dog is a toy and not a breathing and living creature. Small dogs can attack a child just as much as large dogs can. As far as the safety of the child is concerned, the injuries from small dogs would likely be minor compared to the possible injuries caused by larger dogs.

Some parents believe that their child is mature enough and “dog friendly” enough to enjoy the company of a small dog. Most of the time, these parents are wrong. Breeders and adoption agencies will often refuse families with children younger than seven or eight years of age. They do not think that it is in the best interest of the dog, which could easily be traumatized by living with small children.

People believe small dogs are safe for children because they are little. Many children do not realize their own power and strength as they are still growing up. They are simply not aware of what little effort it takes on their part to accidentally and unintentionally kill a small dog.

On the other hand, some people agree that certain breeds of little dogs are safe for children. Such small dog breeds include: beagles, terriers and collies. These dogs normally behave just fine around children and do not pose any kind of threat. However, you should avoid the biggest small dogs and toy breeds such as Chihuahuas for the sake of the dog.

In order to keep both child and small dog safe, you must monitor both the child and the dog at all times. If you can’t watch them both, place the dog in a safe room or in a crate away from the child. With proper behavioral training and enough exercise, a small dog can learn to adapt and fit in with the family. Therefore, it’s possible for a small dog to be good with kids.

A note of caution: parents must warn their children to never put their face in front of a dog. Dogs can get spooked and snap, which could result in severe medical injuries, no matter how big or small the dog is. Small dogs are not typically good for kids in the long run and they are not the smartest choice for both the dog’s and child’s safety. It is best to research all of your options first and determine why you really want a small dog as opposed to a big dog. Perhaps you shouldn’t get a dog at all…?

Important Tips on Chihuahua Breeding

You must know all you can about the process of pregnancy and raising these Chihuahuas because in all honesty, it is not that easy to successfully raise these small sized and often temperamental dogs. These are 4 tips on Chihuahua breeding, and while I will try to be as detailed as I can, you need to talk to a professional like a vet or a pet expert before making any decisions. The information that you are going to read will concentrate on issues of pregnancy and raising these puppies to ensure that you have a good breed on your hands.

Firstly, you need to decide on a breed. There are many types of Chihuahuas on the market and they are mainly differentiated by either their sizes or their coats. Most of the time, breeders choose from short haired Chihuahuas or long haired ones. Colour and marks are part of their other options, but this is more cosmetic then anything else.

The difference between the two is how you need to groom them. Issues like shampoo, combing, lice and shedding mainly affect the long haired breeds, with the short haired ones not really that affected due to the length of their hair. Once you have decided on the breed, you must know that Chihuahuas are very famously known for their C-section births. This is because they are a breed with large heads and small bodies, and this procedure can be very expensive.

Within that, there are somethings you need to look out for. Chihuahuas often bear more than one pup, and sometimes they cannot carry all of them to term, which means during labour or even birth, their body might even reject any one of their pups which do not fit into their biological capacities. Also, Chihuahuas are known for killing or eating pups they do not recognise, so ensure that when they do go for sedation for their C-section procedure, they need to be awoken immediately after, so that they may recognise their pups and not do anything drastic to them.

As for health concerns, you need to know that these small dogs suffer from protein, calcium and mineral loss throughout their pregnancies, which could lead to issues like seizures of even death. You need to bring them to a very regularly because oral tabs to not work for them, they need to get calcium and vitamin shots, and this includes the pups as well.

Fading puppy syndrome is another big, big issue when it comes to Chihuahua breeding. No one really knows why this happens, but sometimes a puppy will just stop eating and lay barking in the corner, initially dying. For now, there is no way to avoid this problem as it seems a natural progression of some advanced form of natural selection. But you need to note this when raising them. These are some of the important things to note when taking on Chihuahua breeding, and while this is not a discouragement, it is meant to prepare any breeder for the complications that might come along.

The Dachshund and Chihuahua House Training Dilemma

I use Dachshund and Chihuahua as a foundation for starters because my little dog, Hollie, I believe is part Dachshund and part Chihuahua. When I found her at a rescue, the information I received was that she was a four month old miniature Dachshund. But as she grew her legs got very long and her belly area became more concaved like a Chihuahua. I also found her mannerisms to be mixed between the two breeds as well. This included the dilemma of housebreaking.

Because the Dachshund is a strong working dog, they have a very willful personality. This tends to make them stubborn and/or independent. Although the Dachshund is trainable they may not be easy to train. As a matter of fact the Dachshund may attempt to train its trainer. The owner of this breed needs to be comfortable letting the dog know just who the “leader of the pack” really is. The stubborn temperament of this dog makes them resistant and not the easiest to house train. With positive and continual scheduling the Dachshund does learn and with a determined owner the Dachshund will develop the training quickly.

The fact that Chihuahuas are so small makes house training them a little challenging. Chihuahuas can hide under furniture or sneak into corners unnoticed and leave little surprise piles to be found at a later date. Patience will be needed in the house training process of this dog. The Chihuahua will learn quickly with positive reinforcement training. Some owners never get their Chihuahuas fully house trained especially in bad weather. The Chihuahua does not like the cold and tends to shiver. They do not like to get their feet wet so going outside to damp grown or wet grass deter the Chihuahua from going outside to potty.

In either dog breed there are two recommended training methods to house training your dog. The first is to crate train or confinement train your dog. The second is to paper or puppy pad train your dog. In either case, consistency is the essential key. Once a bad habit starts, it is much harder to break and retrain your dog.

Hollie, my Dachshund-Chihuahua has a little of both temperaments which has made house training her quite the challenge. She was originally paper trained when I got her. As she got a little older I put her in a pen during the day with a doggie door access to the outside. Hollie would use the carpet piece just inside the door as her potty. She did not like the grass because she was so small that the grass rubbed her belly. When the grass was watered she did not like getting her feet wet. So, when she did go outside she would use the patio instead of the grass and the carpet piece right outside the door as her potty. When she visited other homes she would go to another room and leave the owner a little surprise in the corners even though they had a doggie door she was able to use. As last winter set in the pen was too cold to keep her in and she was given a little more room to roam so to speak. Now she thinks the throw rugs are her bathroom area.

With this frustration at hand, I set out to find some answers. I never had a dog previously that had these issues. Once introduced to the doggie door the rest was a done deal. Not with Hollie! I found a training for dogs that has helped me to overcome Hollie’s behavior issues.

All You Need To Know About Breeding Chihuahuas

Made popular by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Paris Hilton and Sandra Bullock, an increasing number of individuals are taking to adopting Chihuahuas as pets. Given the increasing demand for Chihuahuas, it is not difficult to find Chihuahua breeders these days. However, breeding Chihuahuas can by no means be something that can be taken lightly. Irresponsible breeding habits have the potential of producing Chihuahuas with hereditary illnesses that can prove to be extremely bothersome and heart wrenching, especially since adopting a Chihuahua is a long term commitment, considering the long lifespan of the dog. Given such, meticulous care is necessary for a potential owner when breeding Chihuahuas.

Contacting a breeder that practices responsible breeding practices is necessary. It would be a good idea to check with reputable canine organizations such as the American Kennel Club for a list of responsible Chihuahua breeders at the local or national level. Veterinarians, magazines and pet stores are all good sources of respectable Chihuahua breeders. A breeder with a respectable reputation who has good practices is the first step towards ensuring responsible breeding.

Upon selection of the breeder, it is necessary for the potential owner to interview the Chihuahua breeder chosen. This ensures greater understanding of the breeders breeding practices. Such practices include the breeder’s policy towards ill Chihuahuas as well as the frequency with which the breeder sends his Chihuahuas fro checkups at the local vet. The potential owner should also make it a point to examine the Chihuahua which would be used for breeding to determine any symptoms of poor health. Such symptoms include lethargy, flake and spots on the Chihuahua’s coat. As a precaution, it is also imperative for the potential owner to request a veterinarian certification from the Chihuahua breeder to ensure that the particular Chihuahua in question is completely free from illnesses.

This is important as certain illnesses such as Patellar Luxation and other deformities can be hereditary. Diseases are often acquired through poor standards in the Chihuahua’s living environment or can also be a result of insufficient nutrition. Hereditary diseases acquired by Chihuahua puppies often result in early death or may cause the Chihuahua to fall sick very often throughout the period of its life. Chihuahuas tested positive for any illnesses should never be used as part of the breeding process to prevent the spread of these diseases to the Chihuahua puppies.

Subsequently, a clean area should be set aside for breeding. This should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent any possible existence of bacteria and germs. The Chihuahua breeder should have concern over the hygiene and well being of the puppy and not just interested in making a sale.

Stringent criterion and selective breeding is necessary in any case. This is important in order to develop not only Chihuahuas with good external features, but also healthy Chihuahuas free from any genetic defects or hereditary illnesses. With careful selection in place as well as sufficient nutrition, adequate commitment and regular checkups, Chihuahua owners would be able to savor the joys of adopting one of the most popular dogs today.

Looking For A Good Chihuahua

The Chihuahua dog makes an excellent companion because of their loyalty and need to be close to their owner, while their size makes them a convenient pet for many households. Some owners have even been able to let Chihuahuas ride inside the pocket of their coat, in a purse or tote bag or simple just carried under the owners arm. Chihuahuas enjoy outdoor activities and are easy to travel with.

Although at home the Chihuahua dog can be a bit curious and mischievous. When left alone for a long period of time the dog will often find something to get into and make a mess. The Chihuahua gets along well with their own breed but often doesn’t get along with other dog breeds. So if you have a Chihuahua it is best to only have the breed or choose very carefully before finding another breed of dog to add to the household.

As a result of movies and advertisements such as the famous Taco Bell commercials the popularity of the Chihuahua dog has risen. Sadly this now means that you can easily find a poorly bred Chihuahua that won’t work with your household. Many families falsely believe the dog is perfect for their household because of their self-confidence and easy trainability. However, by buying from pet stores, newspapers or on the internet you will have no way of knowing whether or not a dog will work with your household and you can get a dog that was bred without any concern for their health or temperament. The good breeders will refuse to place a pet in a household that has a child under the age of twelve. The small litter size of the Chihuahua has led to a limited number of puppies available from good breeders. Therefore, before you decide if the Chihuahua is right for you it is best to carefully consider their temperament.

For the Chihuahua dog you need to focus on feeding requirements, exercise needs and grooming procedures. At each meal your Chihuahua only needs a small amount of dog food. For most dogs two or three ounces of high quality dog food with a few puppy biscuits is enough although a few of the larger Chihuahua dogs can eat up to a half can of dog food. Rather than having one large daily feeding it is better to have two or three small meals per day. The Chihuahua is capable of walking as long as the owner wants to walk, but they also won’t object if you want to carry them around.

What makes them an excellent choice for the elderly is that they get most of their exercise simply by playing around the house. When grooming you should rub them down with a wet towel or glove to make their coat shine and use a soft brush. Trim the nails regularly and make sure you keep their ears clean.

Taking Great Pet Pictures

Wouldn’t you love to have a picture of your Chihuahua on a coffee mug, a mouse pad, or a calendar? You can create the requisite Chihuahua pictures for these items by learning how to photograph your Chihuahua with a digital camera. Once you decide on the shot you like, you simply take the file to a kiosk specializing in personalized gifts and let them do the rest of the work.

Taking Chihuahua pictures is a fun activity for you and your pet. Whether you use an inexpensive digital camera or the very latest camera phone, digital photography is ideal for taking pictures of pets because you only pay for the pictures that turn out. The “delete” button takes care of blurry shots, shots with red eyes, and shots where your Chihuahua doesn’t look his best. Be sure to start each photo session with fresh batteries and a fresh memory card.

After you get your camera ready, set the stage for your photographs. The background for your Chihuahua pictures should be neutral and uncluttered, with nothing to distract from the subject of the photo. If your Chihuahua has light to medium colored hair, a dark background will provide an interesting contrast in the picture. If you have a dark-haired Chihuahua, a light background is best.

Experiment with fabric with different textures and sheens to see how different fabrics look when they are photographed. A Chihuahua is so small, you only need a small amount of fabric to place the dog on for its portrait. A scarf will probably be big enough. Avoid shiny fabrics and instead look for fabrics that absorb light, like velvet or suede.

Consider using props in your Chihuahua pictures. Try items that reflect your dog’s Latin heritage, like Mexican blankets or castanets. Everyday items that demonstrate how small your dog is, like shoes or balls, also make photographs interesting.

Now that your camera is ready, your backdrop is ready, and your props are ready, find out if your dog is ready for Chihuahua pictures. Most Chihuahuas are very active and don’t like to sit still for photos – unless they’re sitting in your lap.

On picture day, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise so he or she has a chance to release energy before a period of sitting still. Don’t worry that your dog may be too drowsy; some of the best Chihuahua portraits are taken of dogs that are yawning or are about to fall asleep. Keep your dog’s attention by holding a favorite toy or a treat behind the camera. Be sure to reward your dog at regular intervals during the photo session.

After you finish taking pictures, review them all and pick out the best ones. These are the photos that deserve to be printed and framed, or shared online, or saved as your computer wallpaper to be admired every day.

Best Way To Care For Sick Chihuahua Puppies

When searching for Chihuahua puppies for sale be sure to check with the National Kennel organizations first. Searching the Internet is another good idea when looking for Chihuahua puppies, but be sure and check out the sources very carefully. Educating yourself on Chihuahua puppies will help you understand the breed and locate a reputable breeder. When you choose a breeder make sure your Chihuahua puppy has its AKC papers and shots. He should also be wormed and have a generous health guarantee. Finally, be sure your breeder gives you a sample of dog food for your new puppy.

The Chihuahua breed is the oldest and smallest breed in the United States and is very popular. There are many reputable Chihuahua puppy breeders and with a little research you should be able to find a good one close to wherever you live. Find a good vet before you buy and have your new puppy checked out right away.

Because of the stature and size of Chihuahua puppies they are very easy to groom. The smooth, shorthaired variety takes no time at all. Bathing once a month in the kitchen sink will clean one of these puppies sufficiently. Brushing this variety of Chihuahua puppy once a week is all it takes to make him shine. Being short haired and smooth does not give him much hair so you should be very careful as to what brush to use on him. Soft bristles are a must for shorthaired, smooth Chihuahua Puppies.

The longhaired coat variety of Chihuahua Puppies also needs to be bathed once a month. However, they should really be brushed about twice a week in order to keep the puppy looking graceful and beautiful and free of tangles in his long hair. Matting and tangling can lead to health problems so brushing a longhaired Chihuahua is very important. These Chihuahua puppies are cute with bows in their hair.

Owning an AKC puppy means your puppy has a specific pedigree. The breeders are very aware of this and should abide by the rules and regulations of the AKC or the American Kennel Council. There are many breeders ofChihuahua puppies and doing your homework on these breeders will save you a major headache in the end. Each of these breeders should provide your puppy with the appropriate AKC papers, be wormed and have its shots.

The puppy should also come with a very good health guarantee. If the breeder does not provide you with all of these items, then he is not a reputable breeder and spending your money with him will be a major waste of your time. Contact the AKC for a list of reputable Chihuahua puppy breeders. You should purchase a good crate and a few toys to help make the transition easier to its new home.

Chihuahua Rescue Centre

Unfortunately not everyone treats pets and animals in a humane way and that includes Chihuahuas. That is why you should always look for a Chihuahua rescue centre if you ever see a Chihuahua that has been abused or abandoned. There are things that every Chihuahua rescue centre should have and don’t be discouraged if you do not readily find a Chihuahua rescue center close to you. There are options and other things you can look for to get some help for the little dog and you should not give up looking as it is the life of a living animal that you are fighting for.

The first place you want to go when it comes to the well being of any pet or animal is a vet. Your vet, or the closest vet to you, if you do not have pets and do business with a vet, will be very concerned about abandoned animals and will probably have very helpful information for you on where you can take the little dog. A good rescue centre will have a close relationship with a vet for medical services so a vet should be able to help you find one.

A good Chihuahua rescue centre is going to have some sort of working relationship with local law enforcement authorities. It is almost impossible to actively rescue little Chihuahua dogs without some sort of help or assistance from local law authorities. It is not to suggest that they go around breaking in the doors of abusive owners, just that a good rescue centre will want the back up of the law and the ability to report criminal elements to the proper authorities because animal neglect and abuse is against the law.

A Chihuahua rescue centre is also going to have a close working relationship with other animal rescue and adoption groups in your area. It makes life so much easier for animal rescue organizations when they are all working together to provide services for the various animals they deal with. Many rescue centres are not adoption agencies so they will get the animals, care for them, and then work with an adoption group to find a new home.

It is not something everyone thinks of but a Chihuahua breeder may be willing to act as a Chihuahua rescue centre sometimes. It never hurts to ask and many reputable breeders don’t want to see a Chihuahua suffer any more than you do, plus they have the resources to do something about it and help the little dog find a new home. Don’t expect it all the time but if you see an abandoned or abused Chihuahua then contact a breeder to see if they will help.

Don’t let abused animals suffer. In many cases all it takes is a simple phone call to get help for the poor animal and then you can know you did a wonderful thing by giving a pet a second chance. So if you know of abuse or see an abandoned pet don’t turn away, just pick up the phone and call someone because pets deserve just as much of a chance to live a happy life as you do.