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So You Want A Chihuahua Do You |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 24 January 2006 |
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So You Want A Chihuahua Do You
by Shari Belden and Rodney Boettger
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So you think that Chihuahuas are just so cute and cuddly, in
other words perfect for your lifestyle. Although Chihuahuas
may be small there are some very important things to know
and consider before buying one.
The Marketing Hype
You may have heard of phrases like: teacup Chihuahua, pocket
Chihuahua and miniature Chihuahua, amongst many others.
These phrases are sometimes used by breeders and pet shops
as a marketing play; to make more sales. These phrases do
not apply to Chihuahuas; they do not exist in the breed
standard. Implying that a Chihuahua pup is a teacup
Chihuahua is simply a device to entice the customer into
purchasing the pup with the hope of getting a very small
Chihuahua.
Tiny Dogs Mean Massive Safety Measures
Chihuahuas are not usually suited to small children.
They can actually be killed or badly injured if they are
stood on or dropped, or even crushed in a well-meaning
cuddle. Being such a small dog, the Chihuahua needs constant
supervision, and should always be walked with a leash and
harness when taken outdoors.
Housebreaking can be the hardest.
Of all the dog breeds, the Chihuahua would have to be one of
the hardest to train. This is especially the case if the
Chihuahua suffers from extreme shyness.
Raising your voice and/or losing your temper will not help
the matter as sometimes the deed is done on the carpet
before they even get to the litter tray. Patience and easy
access to facilities are the only avenues, and even then
this task may never be accomplished.
The Aggressive Chihuahua?
It's not often that you will come across an overly docile
Chihuahua. Most are loud and dominant, trying to run the
entire household and this includes your other pets.
Yes it may seem hard to believe but it's not unheard of for
a Chihuahua to boss around a Boxer or even a Rottweiler,
without any concern for their own safety. What they lack in
size, they make up for in spirit.
You need to be firm with some consistent training to help
gain the upper hand. This is also necessary if the Chihuahua
has developed the bad habit of what is sometimes called
'yapping'. They tend to bark at almost anything that moves
or frightens them, and can sometimes become quite aggressive
towards strangers.
This behaviour could lead to biting and needs to be
controlled.
Though there are a few downsides to owning a Chihuahua,
there are many more upsides, like: a friend for life (can
live well into their teens); a great travelling companion
(travels light); loves to snuggle (with no expectations);
doesn't need much exercise or space and will gladly give its
life for you. What more could you ask for?
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About the Authors:
Shari Belden and Rodney Boettger are both huge dog lovers
and wanted to help others enjoy "Man's Best Friend." They
have put together The Dog Care Handbook website to
provide useful information relating to all areas of dog
ownership.
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