Chihuahua Puppies
31 Mar 2010
Chihuahuas Can Be Great Pets
Chihuahuas 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.
Chihuahua puppies do not mix well with other dogs, since they can be easily killed by one bite. They need constant supervision, such as any other newborn. They need to be protected from extremes in temperature because of their small size. It is best that they live inside the home with you all the time. Chihuahua puppies (especially the short haired kind) shiver often and very easily. This is not always because they are cold, but also when they are agitated or nervous.
You need to keep a close eye on your Chihuahua puppy’s health. Since they are so small, they dehydrate very quickly and can die from it. Any vomiting more than twice a day and any diarrhea needs to be dealt with immediately. Don’t give them lots of table scraps or milk as this can give them diarrhea. They need good quality dry and wet dog food. Dog food is actually more nutritious than the stuff you are eating.
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.
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.
For your Chihuahua puppy’s safety, you need to not only puppy-proof your home and have a regular and emergency vet’s number by the phone, but you need to make sure your Chihuahua puppy’s name is sensible. Your pup will get into a lot of mischief – some of it potentially lethal. Your Chihuahua puppy will need to learn to pay attention to you and look to you for guidance. You can’t do that if you don’t give the pup a name that he or she ignores.
Chihuahua puppy names should make them look at you. They should be two syllables or less. They should sound different from any of the commands the puppy needs to learn for training. Even “Puppy” is a better name than “Senior Taco Bell Loco” or “Sit.” You never should physically reprimand your Chihuahua puppy because one blow could kill them. You need to voice train them, which is only possible if they recognize their name.


