Thinking of getting a chihuahua?

Thinking of getting a chihuahua?

Somethings you should consider

Before you even begin your search for the perfect chihuahua puppy, please ask yourself if you truly want a CHI or if you simply want a furbaby to love. If you are not truly determined that a chi is the only breed for you, then please consider saving a life and adopting your next family member ffrom your local shelter or pound. Many dogs, cats, and other animals are put to sleep on a daily basis because there is no one to love them. They have so much to offer and will remain grateful to you and serve you faithfully as a best friend for the rest of their lives. I do not want to see one of my pups in a home where someone would be just as happy with a loving pet from their local shelter. I encourage you to adopt instead.

If you know that you have your heart set on a full blooded chihuahua only, then please read on.

Chihuahua's are more than just small dogs. As a breed, Chihuahuas have special health needs and different general care needs than most other breeds. Buying a chihuahua pup could easily mean a 15 to 20 year commitment. Before you decide that a chihuahua is right for you, please do your research, consult with MANY breeders and other professionals and speak to other chi owners.

Once you have made an informed decision that a chi is right for you and your family and you begin your search for the perfect match, please keep a few things in mind. First, there is no such thing as a "teacup", "Tiny", "toy", "miniture", or any other term used to describe a small chi. If a breeder uses these terms, be cautious. The smaller ones are simply smaller. But they are no more chi than the larger ones. The AKC divides chihuahua's into only 2 catagories....long haired and short haired. There is a standard weight. Chihuahua's should be 6 pounds or less. But again, the larger ones are just as much chi as the smaller ones. Also remember, the smaller your chi, the more likely he or she is to have health problems.

Second, they are not a breed than can survive outside in most circumstances. Few areas in this world offer the proper weather conditions for a chi to live outdoor. Of course, they can spend play time out door and do love it for limited periods. They are sun worshippers and it is not uncommon to see a chi find that small elusive spot of sun shining through a window and curl up in it!!

Finally.....be weary of all prices. If a chihuahua is sold very cheap...wonder why? You get what you pay for. On the other hand, if the price is outrageous, ask yourself if the breeder is selling pups only for the money. Look at a lot of sellers to try to get a general idea of what is reasonable in your area.....and it does vary from area to area

NOW WHAT? So, now you have your new chi puppy picked out, now what? First, be aware that most ethical chihuahua breeders will not allow a new pup to leave untill it is at least 9 to 12 weeks old. In fact, many states prohibit, by law, ANY pup leaving before 8 weeks! The old 6 weeks rule is a thing of the past. If your breeder is allowing a pup to leave before 9 weeks, warning flags should go up!

Second, prepare for babies homecomming. There are certain things that should be on hand prior to bringing baby home. With chis, it is very important to have some nutracal on hand! Chihuahuas are prone to hypoglecimia and can fail very quickly. It is important that you be prepared a head of time. Also, make sure you know what kind of food the pup has been weaned on or is currently eating. Even if you do not plan to feed that brand, it is important that you have enough on hand to make a gradual transition to the food you decide to feed. A pet crate is essential for both housebreaking and for the safety/comfort of the chi pup. An unsupervised and unconfined chi pup is a recipie for disaster! Anytime you can not supervise your new pup, he or she must be confined to an area that is safe and a crate best serves this purpose. As a chihuahua grows and is allowed more freedom, you will find that he or she will actually want to return to his crate! A crate serves as aden...a place for the chi to feel "safe". Other things you may want to have on hand are small toys, a warm blanket, food and water bowles, and of course a halter. NEVER use a collar on a chi!

By visiting the site below and clicking on the link there, you provide rescued animals with food! The "click" is free and the food is provided by corporate sponsors. Please take a short minut to "click". You can visit daily and each click is more food for rescued animals!