The Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are highly intelligent do not underestimated them for their diminutive size. Theses sassy little dogs have an independent streak. Oat this breed is overall healthy: however, their size makes them fragile. They should be kept indoors or wear a sporty sweater during the winter seasons because their tiny bodies cannot tolerate cold temperatures. 

Health Care

Upon receiving your new puppy we recommend going to the vet. We provide a health record which you can take with you for medical history. Remember your puppy is still young so you should wait untill all series of shots are completed before taking them out to public! This includes parks, walks outside in your neighborhood, malls, around other dogs or puppies, and the list goes on. Parvo acts fast and if you cannot catch it in early stages the results are fatal. Your veterinarian can advise you on how to keep your puppy healthy and free of fleas, heart worms  and other parasites. Immunizations are strongly recommended to prevent serious disease. Rabies is required by law.

Feeding

Chihuahuas have higher metabolism than other breeds and should be fed premium dog foods. We highly recommend Blue Buffalo, which contains no wheat, corn and is organic. NuVet plus supplements are also recommend to keep your chihuahua healthy and happy for the years to come. Young puppies should have dry food and fresh water available at all times to prevent hypoglycemia! Older adults may be fed twice daily. Be careful not to overfeed your chihuahua, as obesity can create health issues and shorten your pets lifespan.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It can occur if a puppy has gone too long between meals, has gotten chilled or is too stressed. A puppy who has hypoglycemia will lack energy and become listless. Corn syrup and honey (diluted 50-50 with water) are readily available items you can give your puppy to restore its sugar balance. If they do not respond immediately seek veterinary assistance.

Molera

Historically, the Chihuahua developed in Mexico and the U.S. has displayed a "soft spot" on the top of the head. In the Chihuahua this spot, or frontanel, is known as a molera; and is the same as that found in human babies. In the past, this molera was accepted as a mark of purity in the breed and is still mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards all over the world. A domed head with a molera present does not predispose the chihuahua to hydrocephalus.

Reverse Sneezing

Occasional bouts of sneezing, snorting, honking and wheezing are not unusual in chihuahuas, and is sometimes called a "reverse sneeze". This is usually caused by a elongated soft palate that is thought to become temporarily misaligned. It is a common trait in toy breeds. Pulling hard on a leash, drinking too fast or getting overly excited can lead to an episode of reverse sneezing. Reverse sneezing SHOULD NOT be confused with a different condition called "collapsed trachea". Although reverse sneezing may appear to be scary, it only lasts a short time and can be ended by massaging the dog's neck and throat and encouraging the dog to swallow or lick. Another way to slow the reverse sneeze is to clap your hands to distract the dog, or pinch closed the dog's nostrils with your fingers, forcing it to breathe through its mouths and to swallow.

Teacup Myth

Our breed recognizes two varieties of the chihuahuas, the long coat and the smooth coat. All Chihuahuas must weigh six pounds or under as our standard specifies in order to be shown. Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That puppy is a small chihuahua and any breakdown description is incorrect.

Children & Large Dogs

According to the AKC breed standard, Chihuahuas are six pounds or smaller. As tiny dogs they are defenseless with young children and large dogs. They must be costantly supervised or kept seperated when direct supervision is not possible. It is advisable to keep your chihuahua on a lesh when ever in public. This will enable you to quickly pull your chihuahua out of harms way, and will prevent the dog from running away when frightened. 

Activities

Regardless of what activities you choose, your chihuahua will be happy to simply be with you. If you are interested in participating in dog sports, the American Kennel Club provides a variety of events for owners and their dogs to participate in. The Chihuahua Club of America currently holds two annual specialties in conformation and companion events.

Grooming Your Chihuahua

Puppies should be bathed as needed with a mild, puppy safe shampoo and kept warm and out of drafts until completely dry. Chihuahuas should be brushed regularly, especially the long coat variety. Brush your Chihuahuas teeth regularly and provide appropriate chew toys. Have your veterinarian check their teeth yearly. Poorly maintained teeth may lead to other health problems. Clean ears with a cotton ball and a mild ear cleanser made for dogs. If the inside of the ear is red, irritated, and has a brown residue have your dog checked by a vet. Trim your chihuahuas nails regularly and have their anal glands squeezed. If you don't feel comfortable with this procedure have your vet or groomer do it if let untreated it can burst have your pet in incredible pain. Untrimmed nails can create splayed feet and make walking uncomfortable for your pet.

Responsible Dog Ownership

Along with proper feeding and care for your companion, if you are not going to show your dog in conformation then it shall not be bred and should be spayed or neutered. This will eliminate the risk of cancer in the reproductive organs, as well as birth complications in the females. Accidental breeding to larger breeds than chihuahuas can  produce fatal results in dam. The males will be much less prone to wandaring, aggressive behaviors and marking their territory. AKC allows the exhibiting of spayed/neutered dogs in any of its Companion sport events. If you find that you no longer can keep your Chihuahua for any reason, do not take your dog to a shelter or try to resale. A dog this size does not fare well in a shelter conditions. Immediately contact me and I will gladly take my chihuahua back with all AKC paper work. 

Conformation Events

Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows are one of many types of AKC dog events in which AKC-registered dogs can compete. These events, which draw over three million entries annually, include dog shows and tests of instinct and trainability, such as obedience trials, Canine Good Citizen tests, field trials, agility trials, lure coursing, rally, hunting tests, herding trials, tracking tests, coonhound and earthdog events. Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged.

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