| After you've decided to adopt a Chihuahua and then | | | | your pet's temperament will be. If you visit the |
| chosen the breeder that has the line of dogs you're | | | | parents of your pet, keep in mind that Chihuahuas |
| looking for, there comes an important decision. Which | | | | are normally a little shy around strangers, but they |
| puppy to adopt? | | | | never should be aggressive or act afraid. |
| Someone looking to adopt a Chihuahua pup has many | | | | Also, you should consider what type of environment |
| factors to consider as they chose the perfect little | | | | your pup will be born and raised in. A pup that is raise |
| darling. The most important to consider being these | | | | with little or no human contact will often grow up to |
| three traits: | | | | have personality problems. That's why it's important |
| #1 - Good looks | | | | to find a dependable breeder who will love and care |
| You want you Chihuahua to, of course, look like a | | | | for their dogs. You want your pet to be a companion |
| Chihuahua so you'll need to know a few standards. | | | | and friend, don't you? Shouldn't he be raised that |
| To start with the Chihuahua should be a tiny dog | | | | way? |
| with a fairly stocky build. The Chihuahua head is round | | | | #3 - Good health |
| and its muzzle is short, but not squashed in. Its ears | | | | Again, check on the health of your pup's parents and |
| stand erect, although pups start out with floppy ears. | | | | that of his ancestors...how long have they lived? Do |
| Its eyes are large. Aside from these basics, you can | | | | the parents show any signs of sickness or disease? |
| take a look at the more particular breed standards in | | | | What are the conditions of the breeder's facility? Are |
| books and magazines that are devoted to our little | | | | there veterinary certificates of good health available? |
| friends. | | | | Such certifications prove not only that the pup's |
| When searching to adopt a Chihuahua of a certain | | | | parents are free from disorders and diseases, but |
| look or color, the appearance of the sire and dam of | | | | also show that the breeder is interested in |
| your pet-to-be is always a good indicator of what | | | | reproducing healthy dogs. |
| your pup will look like. A good breeder will have | | | | Before you adopt a Chihuahua make sure and |
| pictures and pedigrees of your dog's family. | | | | become educated on what disorders and health |
| #2 - Good temperament | | | | problems are common to the breed and how to |
| According to the AKC standard for the Chihuahua | | | | recognize the symptoms. You'll be glad you did! |
| breed, the proper temperament for a Chi is "alert, | | | | So, I know you're excited, but before you rush out |
| terrier-like qualities." One reason the Chi has earned | | | | and adopt a Chihuahua study up and pay attention to |
| the popularity it has is partly because of its stable | | | | finding a dog with good qualities. Remember the |
| temperament. | | | | three factors to a well-bred Chihuahua - looks, |
| Again, the temperament and personality of the | | | | temperament, and health. Have fun choosing your |
| parents of your pup will be a good predictor of what | | | | companion! |