I don't know anything about these type of dogs. But my girls want one really bad. I'm going next week to pick one out. What should I look for?
Answers:
Look for a different breed..
They are really sweet dogs once they get to know you. Get a teacup chihuaua. They are the smallest ones.
the cutest one
Chihuahua's are very hyper and sometimes very agressive. More so the females. Just remember that before you get one. If you're looking for a good small dog boston terriers are great. They're very intelligent and great with kids.
not a long haired get one like paris hiltons they will adore that!!
I know the secret! Just look for the one that's happy tail goes the fastest!
Temperament
The official AKC standard for the breed describes the Chihuahua as “A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.” However, some Chihuahuas carry “saucy” and “terrier-like” to extremes and are grumpy, haughty, or downright nasty when provoked – and provocation may come easy.
The tendency to be temperamental, a reputation for being suspicious of everyone but his owner, and a clannish dislike of any breed but his own makes the Chihuahua an unsuitable pet for households with small or boisterous children. On the other hand, he may be perfect for an elderly couple or individual, a pet owner who loves to pamper, those who live in apartments, and those on limited incomes.
Unfortunately, the Chihuahua’s innate curiosity, intelligence, and loyalty to and affection for his owner often get lost in the oft-repeated description of the more prominent features of his temperament, but in the right circumstances, he is a wonderful companion.
The Chihuahua is also born with a soft spot on the top of his head that may not fully close, so a blow here could kill him.
For more information, click the link: (Always research the breed before purchasing one)
I got one that is 8 months old. Depending on your daughter's age you may not want to get her one. They are very delicate also and they have a soft spot in the middle of their head that stays that way throughout their life. They can be very attached, mine only has eyes for me. Doesn't like my 7 year old too much because he constantly teases her and I have to come to her rescue. They do chew a lot of stuff so you may want to hide your shoes, or anything chewable that she can reach. They are very hard to train to go outside to the bathroom. Mine is still in training but she has gotten better. You may want to keep her crated for a few minutes when she doesn't go to the bathroom outside and then try to take her out again. They seem to go like every 2 hours pi that is. Mine poops about twice a day -- morning and night. If you train her to be crated at night, she may cry a little but it will stop and sleep all night. I put a blanket over her crate and she sleeps until we wake up.
Bad choice. Survey says best dog for children are beagles. Chihuahuas are very hateful and possessive. For your daughters safety, you should definitely reconsider. They are best for older people that live alone.
There is no such thing as a 'teacup' The AKC doesn't use that term. They're just very small. The smaller the dog, the more health problems it may have. Chihuahuas are usually great dogs, spunky, sweet, and they think they're much bigger than they are. I'd look for a respective pet store. You've probably heard horrible things about pet stores, but I work at one and I wouldn't buy a dog from anywhere else. Most stores give you a warranty as well. Just try and get a healthy puppy that you like.
you should get a book on them and look them up online before you decide when to get it. you want to be absolutely sure this is the type of dog that suits your family before buying it. they are wonderful dogs and make a great house pet, but they are also a bit on the yappy side, meaning they bark at just about anything even their own shadows. I have a friend who breeds these types of dogs, my next door neighbor has one, my husbands cousin who lives down the road had one for about 12 years before he passed away, and my mother in-law has 3 herself, so they are popular dogs I guess.
Oh my--there are a TON of things you should learn about this breed before getting one--This is a tiny breed that tends to be a one person dog-and small hands grabbing and holding and possible dropping this breed can cause alot of damage- there are also alot of questions you should ask a breeder including information about the parents--health testing, temperment of parents etc and the list goes on--A good breeder should be able to help you in getting the right puppy for your home and lifes--Try searching AKC for a list of breeders.Not trying to be mean or rude but Im not sure I would get this breed for children to have--What ever you do DONT buy from a pet store as that is just a puppy mill puppy.and dont go on looks--find a GOOD breeder if you really think this is the breed for your family after doing the research and they will be able to help you find the perfect puppy
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chihuahua.ht.
check out this website. it'll give you a lot of info.
I posted this info on another question just a few minutes ago.
Chihuahuas are absolutely the best dogs in the world. I have known, owned, and loved Chihuahuas for most of my life. I have also owned lots of other breeds of all sizes and by far the chihuahua is just the best. I cannot imagine my life without these wonderful little dogs. They require little exercise. They can usually get enough of that running around the house, jumping on and off the furniture. They love to play in the yard if you have a nice fenced one where they can run and play. They are easily trained, very smart little dogs. They do have a stubborn streak which will often make them want to do things their way, not your way. They require very little food. Can be pretty picky. If you ever get them started on people food, forget the dog food, they will refuse to eat it. Very little grooming on a smooth coat. Once a week brushing is about all they need. Once a day brushing with the long cotas. A bath once a month. their nails can grow really quickly and some of them will have a fit over nail trimming. They are the most loving, loyal companion dog, love to be with their masters, on your lap, shoulder, beside you on the chair, sleep with you. When you go from room to room they will usually follow you around. They do bark, but with small dogs it is a defense mechanism, I mean really what else do they have? LOL. People who always thought they didn't like chihuahuas and finally get one, always wondered how they managed to get thru life so long without one of these adorable companions. If you want to join a fun chihuahua group, click on the link.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/chilo.
I wouldn't get one of the tiny ones with kids, even older kids. They are so fragile and their bones can be Broken so easily. You learn to watch where you sit, walk, lay down, because they may be hiding there, matbe under a blanket, etc. Chihuahua puppies should be free fed because they are prone to hypoglycemia(low blood sugar). Also check the pups for a soft spot. Almost all chi pups have them. Just like a baby. If it is very large, don't get the pup. It could have hydrocephalus(water on the brain).
You will love your chihuahua so much. It will be another child for your family. Whatever you do, do NOT buy from a pet store like another person said. That is the last place you would want to buy a pup. Also make sure you visit the home of the breeder, see how and where the pup is raised and see the parents of the pup. Ask the breeder for a vet reference. Make sure the pup has been vet checked and shots and wormings are up to date.
Please don't buy a dog, get one from the pound. You can find just about anything you want there. If it is to be an inside dog, I suggest a female, and have it spayed right away. Male dogs mark their territory (inside) with their urine-it can be a bad thing.
Take your girls to the local Animal Shelter and see what kind of puppies they have there. I bet they could find one there they would like.
Go to this website and check out the different breeds.
Good luck
I'm not going to give you advice on how to pick the best sort of Chihuahua - partly because other people have %26 partly because it sounds like you are looking for a pet, some little dog for you daughers %26 you to love %26 cherish. This is just advice on how to choose between the puppies that you are offered %26 what you ought to look out for.
You should be able to meet the mother of the puppies %26 possibly the father (though this is not always possible) - you don't really want to buy a puppy from a puppy farm. It would be ideal if she (%26 he) have good temperments %26 are friendly little dogs as that gives an indication as to the likely temperment of the puppies.
Check the puppies over, they should all look bright eyed, have clean coats %26 look generally well %26 happy - with no great big pot bellies that could be a sign of worms.
Please don't pick a puppy if they look sick . they were always be other puppies for sale at another time from another breeder.
I also wouldn't recommend that you pick the one that comes charging up to you - this is likely to grow into a dominant dog who bosses you %26 your daughters around. Conversely, don't pick the shy, timid ones who cowers in a corner - this one may stay nervous as it grows up - nervous dogs can become aggressive %26 may bite. Pick the one who comes to you, happily wagging it's tail after it's checked you out a little %26 after you've been there a while with them all.
The breeder should provide you with a diet sheet, details of any innoculations that the puppy might have had, it's pedigree %26 registration details (if registered) %26 hopefully, will also tell you to call him or her if you have any problems!
There's a great website giving all this sort of advice in more detail %26 probably much better explained (lol):
http://www.doglistener.co.uk/choosing/ch.
I would recommend though that you buy a book - one that will give you specific advice on Chihuahuas %26 on on raising a puppy - socialising/housebreaking, etc.
There's lots out there .
'Chihuahuas for Dummies' looks quite good - but probably doesn't have as many photos as something like 'Chihuahuas a complete owners manual' - why not log onto Amazon %26 search for 'Chihuahua'? If you don't want to buy a book then you might be able to borrow one from your local library . nothing like a little light reading in bed at night, lol.
Good luck!
DON'T DO IT!
Kids are TOO YOUNG %26.. you WILL get SCAMMMED into paying a HUGE price for a POS!!
I have a tea cup Chihuahua and she is the best dog ever. She is very loyal and lovable. She is only agressive when she is protecting me. The only problem I have had is potty training her. But she loves people, loves sleeping with me and she lets me dress her. Make sure you get one that looks healthy. They sometimes have alot of health problems. I also would get a female because I had a male once and it was even harder to potty train.
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