Chihuahua Dogs - F.A.Q.
1. What are Chihuahuas most suitable for?
2. What is their temperament like?
3. Can Chihuahuas be trained to participate in dog sports?
4. We have small children. Will Chihuahua be the right choice for our family?
5. We have other dogs. Is Chihuahua likely to get along with them?
6. Where can I buy a Chihuahua puppy?
7. Which gender is better - male or female?
8. Do Chihuahua require a lot of grooming?
9. What should I look for when buying a Chihuahua puppy?
10. Are Chihuahuas difficult to house break?
11. Do Chihuahuas bark a lot?
1. What are Chihuahuas most suitable for?
According the FCI standard, Chihuahuas are utilised as companion and watch dogs. Most owners prefer this toy breed for its extraordinary loyalty to his master. Chihuahua loves people and is always happy to be cuddled on a lap. The loving Chihuahua is the perfect therapy dog, bringing comfort to both children and adults in need. Despite his size, he is a mini guard dog, as he will be quick to bark if strangers approach. He is ofthen described as having terrierlike qualities, and this can be seen in his fearless, outgoing nature.
2. What is their temperament like?
Chihuahuas are very intelligent, high-spirited and happy.
3. Can Chihuahuas be trained to participate in dog sports?
Dispite the fact that they are most commonly perceived as "lapdogs", Chihuahuas are succesfully trained in a number of different disciplines, including Competitive Obedience, Flyball, and Agility.
4. We have small children. Will Chihuahua be the right choice for our family?
If you have very small children, a Chihuahua is not a good choice. A tiny dog could easily get injured in the rough and tumble of family life. Most responsible breeders will not sell a puppy to a family that has children under eight years of age.
Plus, Chihuahuas have one trait peculiar exclusively to this breed - molera, or open fontanel. It can be felt as a soft spot on the top of the dogs's head. In other breeds ( and in human babies), the frontal bones of the cranium fuse soon after birth. In some Chihuahuas, this process may take a lot longer, or the bones may never fuse completely. In 50 percent of Chihuahuas born with this condition, the bones will fuse by the age of three.
Although a Chihuahua with a molera is perfectly healthy, the dog should be treated with more care, as the head is more vulnerable.
5. We have other dogs. Is Chihuahua likely to get along with them?
If you already own a Chihuahua dog, there is no problem. If you have a bigger breed, you must be confident that your dog is well trained and will not take advantage of a small size dog. You must supervise the interaction of your Chihuahua puppy or dog with a bigger breed and praise him for being friendly with the Chihuahua.
6. Where can I buy a Chihuahua puppy?
You can find a breeder by contacting directly your local Chihuahua club for a list of breeders. Another helpful place to find a breeder is dog shows.
7. Which gender is better - male or female?
Many pet owners say that male Chihuahuas are more affectionate and friendly. Female Chihuahuas are less predictable in their choice of their special person - some are friendly with everybody, other prefer one person. However, regardless of gender, a Chihuahua will be loyal and affectionate companion.
8. Do Chihuahuas require a lot of grooming?
The long-coated variety is more time consuming than the smooth-coat one. The feathering around the ears and the tail will mat and tangle unless it is groomed on a daily basis. The smooth-coat Chihuahua is obviously easier to care for.
9. What should I look for when buying a Chihuahua puppy?
When you go to the breeder to look at the puppies, look for the following signs:
- The puppies should be in a clean, fresh-smelling environment. There should not be evidence of leftover food.
- The puppies should be well covered, but certainly not fat.
- The coat should be clean with no sign of dandruff.
- The eyes should be bright with no evidence of discharge.
- The ears should be clean and free from bad odor. If puppies are at around 8 week of age, their ears should be in erect position
It is important to see the mother with her puppies. The mother should look fit and happy to show off her puppies. The Chihuahua will "drop" her coat after having a litter, so don't be surprised if she is looking a bit sparse.
10. Are Chihuahuas difficult to house break?
No. Puppies are quick learners and if you follow a few simple rules, you will be surprised how quickly your puppy learns to be clean. When you take your puppy outside, use the same spot in the yeard, and use the same command. The puppy will soon build up an association and soon will understand what is required. Praise him lavishly. Housebreaking is much easier if you are using a crate. A dog is loath to foul his sleeping quarters, and he will soon learn to wait until he is let out of his crate.
11. Do Chihuahuas bark a lot?
Normally, a Chihuahua will bark to warn you if a stranger approches the house. Sometimes, he will bark for attention, or when he is left on his own and is experiencing separation anxiety. If he barks for attention, you need to stop this behavior. Most Chihuahuas respond well to some simple techniques.
|