| Chihuahuas are disproportionately crowding pet | | | | children but do well with elderly individuals or couples, |
| shelters and small dog rescue agencies, at least in | | | | or an owner who loves to spoil their pets. Being |
| California. Chihuahuas are the most popular breed of | | | | naturally territorial and protective, Chihuahuas can be |
| dog in Los Angeles, so it makes sense it is the most | | | | easily provoked to attack, and are therefore |
| abandoned breed, said Madeline Bernstein, President | | | | generally unsuitable for homes with small children. |
| of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to | | | | Chihuahuas are NOT suited to children, no matter |
| Animals Los Angeles. Experts say pop culture is to | | | | how well-meaning the child. A toddler can snap a dog |
| blame with fans imitating Chihuahua-toting celebrities | | | | leg in a second. Are you getting the idea that this |
| like Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus, then abandoning the | | | | breed is not recommended for homes with small |
| dogs. Apparently, at least in California's Bay Area, | | | | children? If you make the correct decision you will |
| Chihuahuas are replacing pit bulls as the breed most | | | | not need to call your vet or small dog rescue. |
| left behind in animal shelters, and shelters and rescue | | | | Diet-More Bad News |
| groups are seeking the public's help. | | | | Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters, and care |
| Among the reasons for the glut is breed popularity in | | | | must be taken to provide them with adequate |
| movies like "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and as celebrity | | | | nutrition. "They will eat when they are hungry" does |
| pets, said a senior coordinator for Chihuahua Rescue | | | | not apply to this breed. Chihuahuas are prone to |
| of Beverly Hills. There are so many Chihuahuas at | | | | hypoglycemia or low blood sugar and could be at a |
| shelters in Oakland, they have started shipping the | | | | critical state if allowed to go too long without a meal. |
| dogs out of state, said the director of Oakland | | | | Chihuahua owners should have a simple sugar |
| Animal Services. And so it goes with more and more | | | | supplement on hand to use in emergencies, such as a |
| disturbing reports of these wonderful animals being | | | | sweet syrup or honey. |
| given up to shelters and small dog rescue agencies | | | | Overweight Chihuahuas are susceptible to having an |
| and perhaps some not lucky enough to be delivered | | | | increased rate of joint injuries, tracheal collapse, |
| to a shelter. | | | | chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span. Chihuahuas |
| Chihuahuas are a dime a dozen, and most of them | | | | are sometimes picky eaters and care must be taken |
| are bred and offered for sale by people who do not | | | | to provide them with adequate nutrition. Overfeeding |
| have the slightest idea of how to breed | | | | a Chihuahua can be a great danger to dog health, |
| good-tempered dogs. Though they are adorable and | | | | shortening its life and leading to diabetes. |
| wonderful dogs, Chihuahuas are not right for | | | | Be a responsible buyer and stick with Chihuahuas |
| everyone. The Chihuahua makes the perfect pal for | | | | who will mature at 4 pounds and up, who have the |
| anyone interested in a long-term companion | | | | best chance of living a normal healthy life. You can |
| Chihuahua the Breed-the Good News | | | | see that they may require a bit more attention, |
| First the good news then some bad news then I will | | | | especially in the area of nutrition, than some other |
| close with a positive thought or two. Always do your | | | | breeds. |
| homework before acquiring or adopting any pet. | | | | Veterinary Care |
| They will, hopefully, be with you for many years. It is | | | | This breed requires expert veterinary attention in |
| a big decision especially if there are children of any | | | | areas such as birthing and dental care. Dental |
| age in the home. | | | | problems are a common health problem with this |
| The Chihuahua is recognized as one of the oldest | | | | breed, so keeping them clean is of utmost |
| dog breeds. Historical facts concerning Pyramids and | | | | importance. |
| ruins indicate that Chihuahuas have existed before | | | | Some common health problems of the Teacup |
| the 16th century. It is said that the ancestors of the | | | | Chihuahuas are bladder stones, heart and tracheal |
| Chihuahua were the companions of the ancients | | | | diseases which means excessive coughing and |
| during the 9th century and were used for religious | | | | sometimes arthritis. Chihuahuas are also prone to |
| reasons. | | | | some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such |
| Chihuahuas crave attention, affection, exercise and | | | | as epilepsy and seizure disorders. They are prone to |
| being petted. Pretty typical for a dog, right. | | | | eye infections or eye injury due to their large round |
| Chihuahuas with proper breeding are not yappy; the | | | | protruding eyes and their relatively low ground |
| American Kennel Club standard calls for "a terrier-like" | | | | clearance. |
| attitude. Chihuahuas often like to dig and snuggle | | | | Positive Thought about Chihuahas |
| down in blankets for sleeping. Now I know we all love | | | | Graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy |
| that. Just be sure your bed is not too far from the | | | | expression, Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and should |
| floor. We do no want any broken legs when the little | | | | not be underestimated though small in size. |
| one jumps off the bed by surprise. Chihuahuas are a | | | | Chihuahuas are intelligent, graceful, and sometimes |
| lively dog breed that adores human companionship. | | | | too brave for their own good. Chihuahuas are prized |
| They are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. They | | | | for their devotion and personality. While Chihuahuas |
| are one of the smallest dog breeds making them | | | | are often thought of as high-strung and fragile, |
| part of the Toy dog group. | | | | correct training and socialization can result in an |
| They are a relatively clever breed, but it is said that | | | | outstanding companion animal. |
| Chihuahua training is not easy. They shed and come | | | | If you delve deep enough into the positive and |
| in two coat varieties: short hair and long hair but have | | | | negative aspects of each breed this breed may hold |
| minimal grooming needs. Long haired Chihuahuas tend | | | | its own with regard to health issues. And face it, how |
| to have a more mellow temperament. Chihuahuas are | | | | cuddly are they. I believe them to be extremely loyal |
| one of the longest living dog breeds, and can live up | | | | and protective. What more could one ask for in a |
| to 18 years or more. They dislike the cold and | | | | companion pet. |
| appreciate a sweater on cool days. Chihuahuas are | | | | Don't forget the puppy accessories. You should have |
| tenacious, proud, and very energetic. | | | | a small dog crate for your new Chis. This is for their |
| They are best known for their small size and large, | | | | potty training and their safety. Of course a pet |
| erect ears. Chihuahuas have very different | | | | carrier is a must. You will need some new clothes to |
| personalities not really depending on their gender, but | | | | keep him or her warm. |
| they are all unique just like people. These little ones | | | | If you have done your homework and believe a |
| also have a wonderful sense of play. They sport | | | | Chihuahua is right for you then now is the time to |
| some exotic colors but please do concentrate on | | | | help relieve the pressure and adopt one. |
| healthy, happy puppies as your first priority when | | | | "She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your |
| making your selection. | | | | dog. You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be |
| Now for some bad news | | | | yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. |
| This breed is not recommended for homes with small | | | | You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion. |