Teacup Breeds – Are They Real

here are so many breeders selling so called teacup dogs, but are they really a teacup size? Teacup dogs are dogs that are small enough to fit in a teacup, giving rise to the name. They are being bred smaller and smaller, because it is believed that is what people want. Puppies whose size has been intentionally reduced to fit into a teacup are prone to all sorts of health complications. Should we continue to reduce their sizes or just enjoy the miniature sizes that are available now.

Teacup puppies for sale

Often the term “teacup dog” is used as a marketing ploy to drive up the price of a puppy, as some people find the extremely small size desirable. The term teacup dog covers many varieties of miniature or toy breeds of dog.

Chihuahuas and Maltese are examples of toy dog breeds. There is no such thing as a “Toy Chihuahua“, or “toy Maltese”. Chihuahuas and Maltese are already toy breeds so the term Toy Maltese is a misnomer and leads the buyer to believe they are getting something even smaller. The AKC standard for a toy breed is 6 lbs and under which, at the time of writing, would cover so-called teacup breeds. To say a dog is a teacup Chihuahua possibly suggests that its growth was stunted at birth and therefore have defects that may not be obvious when purchased.

Making the most of normal small breed dogs will give you more satisfaction than a dog that is not correctly bred.

Introduction of size breeding

Some dog breeds such as the Shi Tzu (Tibetan Temple Dog, Tibetan Lion Dog) have always been small while other breeds have been reduced from their standard size to miniature and toy.

Before and during the early part of the 19th century all dogs were working dogs to a certain degree. Breeding of dogs specifically for appearance was introduced in the mid 19th Century. Take for example the classic Poodle.

Poodles were used as a water fowling dog for many years until their size was reduced to allow them to become a housedog and reduced further to become a lap dog. Many people like the smaller breeds because they have a more genteel appearance. Breeds that are naturally small are fun but also very protective despite their size.

For many small breed owners, dressing their “babies” in cute clothes has become the latest trend. There is nothing wrong with that as long as the puppy is comfortable. Wearing a coat indoors may not be necessary and may make the puppy unnecessarily hot but the use of a jacket when outside may be beneficial in keeping a chill at bay, especially when they have been short groomed.

Maltese, Pomeranians, Yorkies, Miniature Pinscher, and Papillion’s are just some of the dogs that are ideal to wear clothes. There are all sorts of small dog clothing available and includes dog robes, dog raincoats, dog dresses and dog coats. There are even booties available to protect their tiny feet.

Chihuahua Care

Chihuahuas, like any other purebred dog, need some special care. When considering a new breed to purchase, always be informed. Read what you can and ask others who own the particular breed for their opinion. The more information you have, the happier you and your dog will be.

There are differing opinions on how often to bathe a Chihuahua. Bathing too often can dry out the natural oils in the coat, thus causing dandruff and itching. Others say shampooing occasionally with special shampoos enhance the coat’s sheen. Another suggestion is that you bath your Chihuahua once per month. Ask your veterinarian or local pet store what they suggest. One certainty is that when bathing, take care to not get water in the chis ears. It can lead to infection.

Since Chihuahuas are most often indoor dogs, their nails will need trimming. Trim at least once per month. Start this routine early and be consistent. It will help your dog become used to the clippers as well as having its paws handled.

Ask your veterinarian about your dog’s nutritional needs. Some suggest that puppies be fed four times per day after weaning at six weeks. From three to six months, reduce the amount to three meals per day. Then, from six months to one year, two meals. Lastly, once they reach adulthood at one year, one meal per day is fine. Regular dry adult food works fine for this breed. Soft, canned dog food can lead to diarrhea. A mix is often preferred.

A Chihuahua’s large eyes attract dust and dirt. And, being so close to the ground, it will pick up quite a lot. So, Chihuahuas produce tears to cleanse their eyes. It is normal to see the area around the eye slightly wet. The tears should be clear with the consistency of water. Should the tears have any other appearance, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Be careful when selecting treats for your chi. Choose those made for small breeds and if rewarding with “people” food, only in the tiniest amounts. Do not over-indulge your dog. It can easily lead to an overweight and unhealthy companion!

Ask your veterinarian about a schedule for periodic cleaning of your dog’s ears and teeth and for vaccinations.

Chis are delightful, hardy little dogs. Given the proper care, they will thrive for many years.

Chihuahuas: Dog Breed For You

Chihuahuas are one of the most popular dog breeds today, especially after the famous Taco Bell commercials. They are the smallest of any breed, which is another reason why they everyone likes them. Even though they are so common, this does not mean that this is the dog for you. These dogs are not for everyone.

The Chihuahua Dog was named after a region in Mexico called Chihuahua. It is the oldest breed in America. Even though this breed is native to Mexico, the Chinese introduced it. At the end of the nineteenth century it was brought to Europe and has become more and more popular since then. Most people today want these dogs as small as can be and the smallest are often the most expensive.

The Chihuahua breed comes in two varieties, long haired and short haired. Both coat types come in many colors, such as brown, black, fawn, white and silver. They weigh between two and six pounds and their height is only six to nine inches. They also have the longest life span of any breed and regularly live over fifteen years.

Each Chihuahua has its own personality, so not many generalizations can be made about the breed. Most Chihuahuas are very devoted and loyal to their owners. This causes jealousy and suspicion when strangers are around. They are very courageous, lively, strong-willed, bold and fearless. With their owners, these dogs are very gentle and loving. However, because they are so protective of their owners, they are very wary of strangers.

Chihuahuas do not do well with other dogs except for their own breed. If they are around other dog breeds they tend to be aggressive. They are also not recommended for children. These dogs need to be socialized extensively from a puppy to prevent aggressiveness with strangers and other dogs. If they are not socialized they can become so wary of other people that they will bite.

If you have a short haired Chihuahua it will only require occasional brushing, however, the long haired variety requires brushing several times a week. This dog is an average shedder. When bathing them, you must be sure not to get water in their ears because they are very susceptible to ear infections. When this dog is a puppy, they are very fragile and you must be very careful with them. Also, they cannot handle the cold, so it is recommended that they be kept inside. If you bring them outside, you should put a warm sweater on them.

The breed does have several health problems that owners need to be aware of. They have a very short nose which causes them to sneeze and snore. Because their eyes are so large, they are prone to corneal dryness. Other common health problems include colds, stress, gum problems and rheumatism. You need to be sure not to over-feed Chihuahuas because they gain weight very easily.

Chihuahuas can be difficult to train, but if you are consistent they do well. The best way to train them is to use positive reinforcement. They do not respond well to other forms of discipline.

Chihuahuas make great pets if they have intense socialization and consistent training. The Chihuahua’s extremely small size makes it a great dog for people that live in apartments. It is very adaptable and hardy, but must live inside. They are good companions that travel very easily and are very loving to their owners.

Choosing A Healthy Chihuahua Puppy

Choosing a Healthy Chihuahua Puppy is an important task for anyone thinking about becoming a chihuahua owner. Chihuahuas can make great pets. They are very loyal, curious and have great (and often funny) personalities. Being the smallest breed of dogs in the world, they are great if you live in an apartment or in a cramped house. Their devotion to their masters and their desire to please is what really sets these dogs apart. Please note however that Chihuahuas are quite fragile animals that require special attention and may not be the ideal pet for you if you enjoy a very active lifestyle.

There are several things that you can look out for to ensure that your puppy is healthy. Making sure that your puppy is healthy before you make a purchase is very important. Start by making sure that the teeth of your puppy are straight and clean. Make sure that they do not have an overbite or other teeth and gum deformations as this can lead to complications later in the Chihuahua’s life. The fur of the puppy should be clean and regular, with no spots or flakes on the skin. You should also check the fur for fleas and parasites which could be an indication of bad health.

Don’t be fooled by breeders who advertise their puppies as being a certain size. They may use terms such as “teacup”, “miniature”, “tiny toy” or “pocket size”. The “Chihuahua Club of America” maintains that these names have no basis and they are merely used by breeders to help sell their dogs.

If a puppy seems to be very lethargic (i.e. if they have a slow reaction rate and don’t respond well to changes in their environment), this could be an indication that your puppy has hydrocephalus. Although we understand that you may want a puppy that is calm and quiet, we recommend that you choose a puppy that seems alert and awake – this will avoid heartbreak in the future.

You will also need to choose whether you would like a male or female Chihuahua. Males tend to guard their territory more aggressively than females. This could be useful for you if you live in a house, but if you live in an apartment (and especially if there are other dogs around), their barking could become a problem for your neighbors. Whether you choose to adopt a male or female puppy, it is very important that you get your dog neutered. This will limit certain unwanted traits such as agitation during mating season. Some people claim that female Chihuahuas are easier to train than males, but this has never been proven scientifically. It all comes down to personal preference.

It is very important to ask to see both parents when you go and choose your Chihuahua. They will give you a good idea about how your Chihuahua will grow. If they have a bad temperament, or if they appear unhealthy, it is best to find another dealer before it is too late. This will also assure you that both parents are in fact Chihuahuas and that your puppy is not a mixed-breed.

Chihuahuas can be great pets if you choose one wisely. Be sure to contact your vet when you have purchased your puppy, as he will ensure you that the puppy is in good health. Good luck and have fun with your Chihuahua!

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.

Giving The Necessary Care For Your Pregnant Chihuahua

Chihuahuas make popular pets especially amongst city dwellers that live in apartments with very limited spaces. While most people would purchase their first Chihuahua from the local pet shop, most would choose breeding as a choice for their subsequent Chihuahuas. Successful breeding is only the first step in this process and it is necessary for both experienced and inexperienced Chihuahua breeders to be equipped with knowledge to giving the necessary care for their pregnant Chihuahua. Care both during pregnancy and after pregnancy is vital to ensure the birth of healthy Chihuahuas free from illnesses and genetic defects.

The first step to care during pregnancy would be adequate nutrition. As with humans, pregnant Chihuahuas require a greater intake of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables to provide for their unborn little ones during pregnancy. It is important to consult your local veterinarian on your pregnant Chihuahua’s nutritional needs. In any case, good quality food is a must and Chihuahua owners should increase the quantity of food for their pregnant Chihuahua during feeding time. Insufficient nutrition can often lead to complications such as a malnourished puppy. Plenty of water should also be provided to enable sufficient hydration for the pregnant Chihuahua.

Frequent checkups at the local veterinarian are also a must for the pregnant Chihuahua during this period. Advice from the vet is necessary especially if the Chihuahua owner is relatively inexperienced in the breeding process. Vets would be able to provided answers to questions such as nutrition, and provide advice on how to care for the Chihuahua during pregnancy. Checkups would also ensure swift detection of any possible illnesses that may occur during pregnancy. If left untreated, illnesses can prove to be potentially dangerous for both the pregnant Chihuahua and the unborn puppy. While it may cost more financially, frequent checkups are insurance for healthy Chihuahua puppies.

It is important for inexperienced breeders to have a vet at present when their pregnant Chihuahua is giving birth. Complications are known to occur during delivery and professional service is required to remedy any possible complications at time of delivery. Severe complications are known to cause death for both the pregnant Chihuahua and her puppies and as such, it would always be handy to have a vet at hand if you are not an experienced breeder. A clean, quiet and disinfected place is also necessary for your pregnant Chihuahua to give birth, to lower the risks of infection to both the pregnant Chihuahua and her new born puppy.

Equally important is after pregnancy care. Sufficient nutrition and regular meals is necessary for both the mother and her puppies after the first few weeks of birth. Regular checkups at the vet are necessary to ensure the health of both the mother Chihuahua and her puppies. It is necessary to vaccinate the Chihuahua puppies early against common diseases such as Parvo, which is known to occur amongst Chihuahuas.

Allowing your pregnant Chihuahua to rest as much as possible in a clean, quiet room is important for the first nine weeks post pregnancy. This is to allow the Chihuahua mother to have undivided attention to care for her puppies in the immediate post-birth period.

Dedicated care, sufficient nutrition and regular checkups are the key to caring for your Chihuahua during pregnancy. With these in place, Chihuahua owners can look forward to a growing Chihuahua family.

Methods You Can Use to Find a Chihuahua Rescue Group

It is a cold and cruel person that would abandon or abuse a little Chihuahua dog and if you know of a situation where a little Chihuahua dog is being abused or has been abandoned then you can do the right thing and contact a Chihuahua rescue group right away. There are resources all around that can help you find a rescue group and it is the right thing to do rather than let the little dog suffer.

One of the best resources for any humane group contact information is your vet. Your vet is very concerned about the health and well being of all animals and does not want to see a little dog suffer any more than you do, so they would gladly give you any contact information they may have. If you do not use a vet then just contact one from the phone book and they would be able to help.

For some reason people always forget that the local newspaper is a collection area for a lot of important community contact information and they may just have Chihuahua rescue group contact information for you. Many local newspapers publish the animal rescue groups contact information on a regular basis or at least have it available to distribute should someone call looking for help. So it never hurts to call your local newspaper and see what they have in the way of contact information for local animal rescue groups.

Never forget about the Internet, as it is a great way for people all over the world to get the information they need. With an Internet search you may find contact information for local animal rescue groups or you may find the websites of national animal rescue groups. Check the national groups to see if they list any satellite offices near you and if they do not then give them a call and see what advice or assistance they can offer you.

Check your area for any reputable Chihuahua breeders and chances are that they can act as a Chihuahua rescue group for you. Many reputable breeders have no problem taking in abused or abandoned pets, as the breeder does not want to see an animal suffer any more than you do. So contact a breeder and explain your situation to them and ask them if they would be able to take in this poor neglected little animal and give it a second chance at life.

Never turn your back on an abandoned or abused Chihuahua or any other animal that is suffering. In many cases all you have to do is make a phone call and an animal rescue group will come out and take care of the rest. Every animal deserves the chance to be happy and no pet deserves the horror of being abused or abandoned so if you see a situation that requires immediate attention then track down contact information for a local animal rescue group and give a little pet a second chance.

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.