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Home Page > Home and Family > Pets > Chihuahua — Choosing the Breed of Dog That’s Right for You

Chihuahua — Choosing the Breed of Dog That’s Right for You

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Posted: Apr 23, 2009 |Comments: 0
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Getting a dog can change your life. If you get a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires? Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog? Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog? Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader? Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed — a Chihuahua. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: The Chihuahua is said to be the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. It is native to Mexico but likely came from the ancient Techichi dogs of the Toltec, crossed with hairless dogs of the Orient. It was named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from where it was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed was used in religious ceremonies and is believed to have been sacred to the pre-Columbian Indian nations. It was brought to Europe at the end of the 19th century.

Physical Characteristics: The Chi, as it is sometimes called, is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short pointed muzzle. It has large, round, very dark eyes and large ears. Its body is stout, and it is longer than it is tall. The tail is curled over the back or to the side. There are two varieties — a short-haired type and a long-haired type. The various coat colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, black and tan and parti-colored. A Chihuahua weighs from 2 to 6 pounds and is 6 to 9 inches tall.

Personality/Temperament: The Chihuahua is a good companion dog with terrier-like qualities. Because of its small size, it makes a good traveler and usually loves outings. It craves attention, affection and petting and is intensely loyal, becoming very attached to its owners. It is a courageous, lively, proud and cocky little dog with a saucy expression. It moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on.

This breed may be slightly difficult to train but is intelligent, learns quickly and responds well to proper positive reinforcement training. It may require patience to housebreak. If the owner does not display strong pack leadership, this little dog can become strong willed and will develop other behavior issues such as jealousy and becoming suspicious of people other than its owner. This breed is not recommended for children as it is easily provoked to attack and may snap at them. If not walked daily, it may become yappy, protective, snappish and untrustworthy with children and people it does not know. The Chi should be socialized as a puppy to avoid excessive aggressiveness towards other dogs and being reserved with strangers.

Possible Health Conditions: The Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore because of its short nose. Its prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. It is also prone to slipped stifles (a knee injury caused by joint weakness), eye infections, gum problems, colds, stress, rheumatism, epilepsy, seizure disorder and low blood sugar. It tends to gain weight if overfed. It is vulnerable to fractures and other accidents as a puppy. This breed of dog is born with an unclosed section of skull which usually closes but can remain open throughout life and make it prone to injury. Life expectancy is about 15 or more years.

Exercise/Grooming: Although playing takes care of a lot of its exercise needs, the Chi requires a daily walk and also enjoys a good romp in an open area off leash such as a fenced-in yard.

The short-haired type should be gently brushed occasionally or wiped with a damp cloth. The long-haired type should be brushed daily with soft-bristle brush. Bathe both types only about once a month, taking care not to get water in the ears because of possibility of ear infections. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails kept trimmed. The Chihuahua is an average shedder.

Living Conditions: This little dog hates the cold and may shiver. It tolerates and even appreciates a warm sweater on cool days. It must be kept indoors and is a good dog for apartment life.

Summary: Chihuahuas make good companion dogs, travel well and require little grooming and exercise, but they may be a little difficult to housebreak and can become strong willed if not given proper pack leadership. So, now that you’ve learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains — Is a Chihuahua the right breed for you?

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Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.

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Home Page > Home and Family > Pets > Choosing the Best Breed for a Guard Dog

Choosing the Best Breed for a Guard Dog

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Choosing the Best Breed for a Guard Dog

By: Samantha Markham

About the Author

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer. She is working on behalf of remmeer.com, an online supplier of unique pet products. Visit remmeer.com for a range of items for dogs and their owners, including gift for dog lovers and dog rugs & mats.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Choosing the Best Breed for a Guard Dog

As most dog owners will know, all dogs have an innate desire to protect their home and the rest of their pack, which, in the case of a domestic pooch, is its human family. However, if you are looking for a good guard dog, then there are some breeds that are more suited to the role than others.

Traditionally, it is the larger breeds that are used as guard dogs, partly because the physical presence acts as a deterrent. This does not mean that smaller dogs are ineffective though. Small breeds, such as Jack Russell, Chihuahua or King Charles Spaniel, will be quick to raise the alarm if they sense danger. Therefore, although a smaller breed lacks the physical capability to protect its home, it will be quick to make the presence of an intruder known.

When choosing the right dog for you, it is important to consider the amount of space you can offer a pet and your financial situation. If you are looking for a good guard dog, here are just some of the breeds you may like to consider:

Doberman Pinscher

One of the most popular guard dogs, the Doberman Pinscher can have an intimidating demeanor. In addition, the breed is known to be very intelligent and can run very quickly. Many people assume that, because a Doberman is often used as a guard dog, it is aggressive and hard to handle. However, this could not be further from the truth. Dobermans are very loyal and can make great family pets; it is poor or irresponsible training, which leads to an aggressive dog.

German Shepherd

For a number of decades, the German Shepherd has been among the most popular breeds of dog. Used in police work, they are both intelligent and eager to please. Like the Doberman, German Shepherds are often used as guard dogs thanks to their ability to be physically intimidating to an intruder. However, when it comes to family life, the German Shepherd is a real softy. In particular, female German Shepherds have a wonderful relationship with the children of the family. Subsequently, the German Shepherd’s mixture of loyalty, intelligence and willingness to please make it a firm favorite family pet and guard dog.

Great Dane

An extremely large dog, the Great Dane’s presence and very loud bark is often a wonderful deterrent to prospective intruders. However, despite its fearsome stature, the Great Dane is, in fact, a gentle giant. Consequently, the Great Dane makes a wonderful family pet and, like the German Shepherd, is particularly fond of children.

Rottweiler

Another intimidating breed, the Rottweiler is incredibly strong and will do much to deter potential intruders. In addition, the Rottweiler is very intelligent and has a reputation for being a fast learner. With family members, Rottweilers will tend to be affectionate and very loyal. As with any potential guard dog, however, it is imperative that these animals are trained correctly to avoid unwanted aggression and issues with owner authority.

Boxer

The Boxer may not seem like an ideal guard dog given that the breed is known for being playful, energetic and a great lover of people. Nevertheless, Boxers are also very good at judging a person’s character. Therefore, a Boxer is intuitive and will raise the alarm if danger is sensed.

Before acquiring a guard dog, regardless of the breed you choose, it is important to remember that training is all important. There are few dogs that are known for being completely non-aggressive. Therefore, it is essential that you train your dog properly to ensure that he, or she, does not cause concern to your neighbors or injury to an innocent passer-by. If trained responsibly, your dog will learn to protect your home and family when necessary, but adopt an affection and easy going demeanor at all other times.

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Samantha Markham -
About the Author:

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer. She is working on behalf of remmeer.com, an online supplier of unique pet products. Visit remmeer.com for a range of items for dogs and their owners, including gift for dog lovers and dog rugs & mats.

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What is Feline Heartworm Infection?

Heartworm was an exclusively canine infection. However, in the early 1920s, it began to transmit to cats and feline heartworm has since been seen in 38 U.S. states. As it is a potentially life-threatening infection, it is important for all cat owners to be aware of how the infection is spread, the symptoms of infection and how to protect a cat from contracting heartworm.

By:
Samantha Markhaml

Home and Family>
Petsl
Jul 22, 2010

What to do if Your Dog Suffers From Travel Sickness

Although travel sickness is usually associated with young children, dogs can experience it too. In fact, it is estimated that around one in six dogs suffer from some level of travel sickness. As with humans, this is most likely to occur in youngsters, but adult dogs can also be affected. Unfortunately, due to the modern way of life, it is impractical for many people to simply avoid car travel with their dogs. Therefore, it is recommended that you take simple steps to improve the situation.

By:
Samantha Markhaml

Home and Family>
Petsl
Jul 22, 2010

The Dos and Don’ts of Buying a Puppy

If you and your family have decided it is time to welcome a new member, then it is important to do your homework. Acquiring a puppy is not something that should be done impulsively and in order to have a healthy, happy dog, it is wise to ensure that it has come from a reputable and responsible breeder.

By:
Samantha Markhaml

Home and Family>
Petsl
Jul 22, 2010

Basic Cat Health Care Advice for New Owners

Whether you are about to welcome a brand new kitten or adopted adult cat into your home, there are some important health care responsibilities that you will need to bear in mind. Many people choose to own a cat, because they believe that a cat is pretty self-sufficient. While this is true to a point, it is crucial that owners offer their cats the basic health care that is essential to overall well being. The following advice is intended for those new to pet ownership.

By:
Samantha Markhaml

Home and Family>
Petsl
Jul 12, 2010

A Guide to Purchasing Health Insurance for Your Cat

For most owners, pet health insurance is essential for peace of mind. However, if you about to purchase pet health insurance for your cat, you may want to think carefully about which policy to buy. Frequently, pet owners make the mistake of buying a policy that is too excessive or does not cover their needs. Consequently, you may find that you are paying too much for your pet insurance or that your policy does not cover all the vet‘s costs, leaving you with a hefty bill.

By:
Samantha Markhaml

Home and Family>
Petsl
Jul 12, 2010

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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!

A passionate Chihuahua breeder will have photos of the sire and dam as well as the entire family. The appearance of the sire and dame of the litter is the best predictor of the looks of their offspring.

Examine the pedigree for conformation champions. You can get a good idea of how well your dog’s ancestors conform to the official AKC standards.

A Good Temperament

The temperament of a Chihuahua should be alert with terrier like qualities according to the AKC standard. One of the reasons why the Chihuahua has earned a position as one of the most popular breeds is partly due to its stable temperament. The personality of the sire and dam will help predict the personality of their offspring.

A Chihuahua is usually reserved with strangers. They should not be afraid or aggressive. However, a dam with very young puppies will almost always act aggressive as a means of protecting her offspring. If you visit a litter of Chihuahua when they are very young, and witness an aggressive dam, revisit when the litter is older.

Obedience or agility titles on the pedigree indicate obedient ancestors and also breeders who care about temperament.

You want your Chihuahua to live as a housedog and companion. Choose puppies raised in a home as opposed to those raised in a garage, a cage out back or a mass-production puppy farm.

Good Health

How old have the relatives of your chosen Chihuahua puppy lived? A good guide to the health of a Chihuahua is the health of her or his ancestors. Are there veterinary certifications of health clearances, such as the heart, eye, and especially, patella certifications, available? These certifications add assurance that your pup’s parents are free of certain hereditary disorders. Breeders can’t predict or prevent every disease, but they can try to give you the best chance of sharing a long and active life with your new friend.

Now this is pretty much common sense but you should think about whether you are allowed to have a pet where you currently reside. Check the regulations if your are a tenant. If pets are allowed are you prepared for the extra amount of deposit money that will be required. Are you prepared for the carpet cleaning necessary when you move? These an other questions should be considered if you are a renter.

How many years are you willing to commit to this new pet? A pet can be a lifelong commitment depending on how old you are when you choose a puppy or other young pet. Personally I had a Dachshund that was with us for 17 years. Cats can live from 10 to 20 years subject to certain medical issues. Other pets like horses, turtles, parrots and other types of birds can live quite a bit longer even 30 to 40 years.

None of us have a crystal ball so we do not really know when we will get married, get divorced, relocate sometimes to another country, have children or maybe have grandma move in with us, you know, the one that hates animals. Do your best to look into the future to where a pet will fit in. Once adopted your pet becomes part of the family or to him, the pack. Later separation is hard on everyone.

If you should decide to choose a puppy or any type of young pet please know that younger animals require a lot more time to learn the ropes than adult dogs do. Plus, younger animals, especially dogs, do not appreciate being left alone. This is one way separation anxiety develops.

Younger animals need to be taught how to behave in the family or the pack. This cannot completely be done if the house is empty all day. Just as with children, traits developed at the younger ages are traits that stay with them most if not all of their lives. Proper training and interaction at the younger age will pay great dividends immediately and in later years.

Believe it or not there are many more considerations when choosing a pet. Those I will touch on in a different article. For now let me leave you by strongly suggesting that you make the decision about choosing a new pet a family decision.