Monday, August 4, 2008

Grooming Your Chihuahua The Easy Way

The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and that is not surprising at all. Not only are these dogs the tiniest of all breeds, they are the oldest as well. According to the American Kennel Club these dogs have been around from the time of the Aztecs.

You will find these dogs to be very attractive growing no taller than nine inches and weighing a mere three to six pounds. They have a sweet small face with a sharp muzzle and large fox-type pointed ears. Their eyes are large and quietly intelligent. The Chihuahua coat comes in two varieties – one is short and straight and another is long and fluffy.

Grooming your Chihuahua mostly involves brushing and bathing which needs to be done at regular intervals every two to three months. You will also need to pay attention to its eyes, which tend to water creating tear signs on the face, and its nails that need regular clipping
Clipping the nails could be the trickiest part of grooming your Chihuahua. They are very frisky and normally hate to sit still which is absolutely required when the nails are clipped. This is a moderately challenging task, which will require your utmost patience and a certain degree of skill in order to do a good job.

Since most people have a lot difficulty with this kind of grooming here are some sure-fire tips that will help you clip your Chihuahua nails without any trouble at all. You will need a few things first – a large towel, grooming clippers for dogs, another person who can assist you, and your pet - preferably in a good mood.

Take your Chihuahua and wrap it tightly in the large towel just like you would wrap a baby leaving only the feet free at both ends. Ask the person who agreed to assist you to hold the dog tightly in his or her arms. The dogs usually love this because they love cuddling. Check carefully how far the quick is and then cut the nail straight across.
The most common method of grooming your Chihuahua is bathing. Though this dog is very small and giving it a bath hardly involves any major effort, very few people really know how to perform this task optimally. Do you know how to bath your pet?

Before you proceed with the bath you need to gather a few things that you will need during the bath – balls of cotton, medium sized comb, a large towel and a quiet, gentle hair drier. Before you wet the dog, comb the fur and remove all the matted hair. Then, take the cotton balls and put them into the ears of the dog. This will stop water entering and prevent ear infections. Use only dog soap and dog shampoo for bathing your pet. Lastly, dry the dog with the towel and gently blow-dry the fur. Follow these tips to grooming your Chihuahua and you will have a wonderful, happy and clean pet in the house.

Chihuahua grooming need not be too tough if you follow a regular schedule followed by treats which will be an incentive to good behavior during the process. This article offers you some very critical Chihuahua grooming tips which will ensure that your pet is well taken care of with minimal effort.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

A Chihuahua Pup And How To Raise It

When you bring your new Chihuahua pup home for the first time you feel like you are ready to bond with your little dog and get started on a life full of love and happiness. That is great but you need to also be constantly learning about their behavior and the things you should be doing to help your dog get used to you and your house and also what you can do to help your dog learn to interact better with people. It is a long road you have ahead of you, but if you keep learning about your dog then the possibilities are endless.

Right off the bat let's just get this one out of the way and say that Chihuahuas and kids do not mix. Chihuahuas do not like loud noise, a lot of commotion, and also the kind of running around that kids do. That kind of activity will stress your dog out and possibly cause it to rely on a bite reaction where it will bite everyone it sees and it will also start barking uncontrollably. So if you have kids you will probably want to avoid purchasing a Chihuahua pup.
Everyone loves to watch a little Chihuahua pup bark and protect a toy or it's bed from evil forces. But the fact is that behavior such as this protection behavior can develop into serious problems later in the dog's life where the dog will not trust anyone and will bark and snip at anyone that comes near it. You need to let the dog have its space but also let it know that it is safe in the house and that no one is trying to take anything from it. Positive reinforcement and lots of love can do this.

A Chihuahua is a toy breed and one of the smallest of the toy breeds so they are also very fragile dogs. Unlike many other breeds the Chihuahua does not do well with running and jumping around so you may want to discourage your dog from climbing too much. A Chihuahua is fragile and a jump from a table to the floor can break bones so discourage climbing. Also avoid picking the dog up too much, as the leap from your arms to the floor can be extremely unsafe as well.
The Chihuahua has a mind of its own so when it comes to housebreaking a Chihuahua pup will give you quite a battle. You will need a lot of patience and a lot of advice, so be sure to do a lot of research on Chihuahua housebreaking before you get started. The biggest thing you will have to contend with is the fact that the Chihuahua hates the elements like rain and wind so getting them to go outside for anything can be a challenge. Exercise patience and be ready for a long fight.

There is a lot to know about such a little dog and the Chihuahua is the smallest of the toy breeds. You need to be well informed in order to properly deal with all of the issues that will come up when training your pup so be sure you do a lot of reading and if you bought your dog from a breeder then be sure to ask them a lot of questions too because you will need all the help you can get.

If you need advice on raising Chihuahua puppies then you can use this article. If you need assistance with Chihuahua puppy care then this article may help.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Where To Find Chihuahua Puppies

Chihuahua puppies come in two varieties; the long coat variety and the smooth coat variety. The smooth coat has short hair with a very smooth coat. The long coat variety has a longer thicker coat, sometimes curly around the head and ears. Bathing once a month is sufficient for this breed and brushing once a week is enough grooming for a Chihuahua puppy. Chihuahua puppies are the smallest of the breeds but live just as long as any size of dog breeds and are for the most part very sweet and even tempered dogs.

This toy breed is actually quite muscular with a fine bone structure, but can be prone to ear infections. Chihuahua puppies are not good with children do to their small stature. They also do not do well in homes with other animals. However, they are very loyal to their masters. Be sure your new Chihuahua puppy has AKC papers, is wormed, has been given it's first shots and a very good health guarantee. All reputable Chihuahua breeders will provide these services with the purchase of your new puppy.
It is very important to bathe your Chihuahua puppy at least once a month and brushing your Chihuahua puppy’s coat once a week is also highly recommended if you want to maintain a healthy coat for your puppy. If you own a longhaired Chihuahua puppy it is very important to brush your puppy’s coat at least twice a week. The long hair on Chihuahua puppies can get tangled quite easily because the coat on a longhaired Chihuahua puppy is long and thin especially around his chin, ears and neck. A good brush will remedy the problems with tangles.

It doesn’t take long to groom Chihuahua puppies because of their stature and the puppies enjoy all of the attention. Chihuahua puppies are fun to dress in little outfits with matching hair bows. This toy breed is very popular with teenage girls and many celebrities. They are easy and fun to care for.

The AKC tries to govern all registered puppy breeders especially those breeding Chihuahua puppies. Because there are so many Chihuahua breeders in existence it is very difficult to watchdog over all of them, however, if you know what you are looking for and ask the breeder a lot of questions, you will soon know whether you have found a good breeder. The breeder of Chihuahua puppies should be very open about his breeding policies and provide the proper AKC papers for every puppy.

The puppies should be wormed, have its shots and have a very generous health guarantee. Most of these breeders will not provide a crate, so you should invest in a good one to help make the moving transition easier on the puppy and the owner. Be sure and ask about these items before even looking at the puppies because there will be no need to spend time with this breeder if he does not provide you with these essential items for the new puppy.

Chihuahua puppies only need to be bathed once a month. They also only need to be brushed once or twice a week. How to choose the right Chihuahua puppy is simple when researching and consulting with the AKC.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

The Care And Naming Of Chihuahua Puppies

Big eyes, big attitude in a teeny body no bigger than a guinea pig – who can resist Chihuahua puppies? Since Chihuahuas are the world's smallest breeds of dog, they aren't going to get too much bigger than their puppy height. But don't just rush out and bring one home. Because of their size, they can be easily hurt. You need to adjust your life and your home around your Chihuahua puppy.

Simply being stepped on can kill a Chihuahua puppy, because they are so small. If you have ever taken care of a hamster, gerbil, rat, mouse or guinea pig, then you already have a good idea of what is involved. Unfortunately, you can't keep Chihuahua puppies in a cage indefinitely, but you can crate them or seclude them in one room if rowdy visitors drop by. Chihuahua puppies think they are immortal, so you need to look out for them.
You need to call your Chihuahua puppy away from potential dangers such as chocolate, cleansers, slug bait, other dogs, laundry machines and even a fall out of a window. Keep treats on you or a special little squeaky toy to reward your Chihuahua puppy for looking at you and then coming over to you. Never hit or yell at the pup after they have obeyed and come over – even if you feel like it. This will teach them that coming to your side will get them smacked or screamed at. Would you want to go near anyone who did that to you?

When Chihuahua puppies run free in the home, being stepped on by a human being can kill them. To prevent this just shuffle or scuff your feet across the floor, never picking them up. Open and close your doors really slowly to avoid a collision with the pup. Check underneath cushions before sitting down. This all becomes second nature after a couple of days.
Keep an eye on your Chihuahua puppy for health problems, especially for vomiting or diarrhea. Because of their small size, they can die of dehydration very quickly. Feed them small frequent meals of quality puppy food for small dogs until they are about six months old, when they can be fed twice a day. People food, especially cow's milk, will give Chihuahua puppies' diarrhea, so avoid them. If you are not sure of what to feed, ask your vet or a Chihuahua breeder.

This might sound daunting, but bringing home a newborn human baby is more work than a Chihuahua puppy. They grow quickly and learn even quicker. With a good name, positive reinforcement and a sense of humor, you will be able to voice train your Chihuahua puppy in a matter of weeks or months. You can't do that with a kid. And they won't drop out of college on you, either.

Dreaming of Chihuahua puppies can become a reality if you find the right breeder. Anyone looking for the best Chihuahua puppy names should keep the moniker smaller than the dog.

Monday, June 16, 2008

The Most Adorable Chihuahua Puppy For Sale

When looking for the right Chihuahua puppy for sale, it is important that you have already read up on the history of the breed along with its temperaments so that you are sure that this breed will fit nicely within your home. Before beginning your shopping, you will also want to make sure that you are stocked up on proper Chihuahua puppy supplies so that your new addition to your home will feel welcomed when they first arrive.

And now, once you have fully informed yourself about the important things to know regarding Chihuahua puppies, it is time to carefully consider how and where you will begin your search for a Chihuahua puppy for sale. It is very important that, just like researching the puppy's needs, you research sellers, or breeders, very carefully. There are many reasons why selecting the right place to buy from is important and you never want to end up regretting your decision later.
Now that you are all ready to head out and start looking for that perfect Chihuahua puppy for sale, you need to consider exactly where you are going to look. There are many places that sell Chihuahua puppies but you will want to select a place that can give you a good idea about the puppy itself and what type of breeding home it came from. When looking for a seller, they must have a vast knowledge of their animals and if they don’t then it would be best to look somewhere else.

Even though the convenience of a pet shop is sometimes appealing, it is important that you consider what is truly more important. If the convenience of a pet shop outweighs the benefits of a knowledgeable seller or breeder, then I guess a pet shop would work well but that does not mean that it is the right decision. Pet stores often will not be able to give you any information about the breeder whether it is for reasons of privacy or for the fact that they really don’t know anything about the breeder.
Even if you are not a first time puppy owner, you may still end up having a lot of questions and concerns that can be addressed by small experienced breeders. It is often these smaller breeders, instead of puppy mills, that have the time and the passion to share love and knowledge of this breed with other people. Finding the right Chihuahua puppy for sale is more then just what puppy is the best looking, but it is also about finding a breeder that you feel comfortable with so you can ask as many questions as needed.

Make sure that when you first go to the breeder’s location, you get a good look around to see what the living conditions are for the Chihuahua puppies. The last thing you want is for you puppy to come from a dirty, abusive or neglectful home, as they will in turn be a terror to your home. Many dogs that come from uncaring breeders end up in trouble in their new homes.

Chihuahua puppies can range from mild to harsh behaviors and it all comes down to who bred them. Ask what Chihuahua puppy supplies are really needed and you will be able to get a feel for the breeder who has the Chihuahua puppy for sale.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Chihuahua Puppy Care

A Chihuahua puppy can be a great choice of a family pet for many folks, as long as you exercise some caution in deciding where you will get your puppy. Pet stores will advertise, “Chihuahua puppies for sale!” and people will flock to the shop to get their pet. However, pet stores that sell dogs are really nothing more than a broker who is working for commercial breeders and puppy mills that are interested in nothing more than taking your money for a substandard dog. These places do not care about breeding animals that are healthy or well socialized. Purchasing a dog from a pet store is simply asking for trouble.

However, breeders of Chihuahuas are not all created equal either, and you need to be able to determine whether the breeder you select is a reputable one or one that you would be better to stay away from. It is also a fact that some “breeders” offering Chihuahua puppies for sale are merely con-artists that want to take your money and run, but by doing your homework you can protect yourself from these shady types as well.
Finding a breeder is the best way to purchase a Chihuahua puppy for sale, but not all who claim to be breeders really are. To find out for sure, check the registration papers for the mother of your puppy. If the person’s name is on the papers, then he is the legitimate owner of the dog. If not, you are dealing with a broker, which takes you back to the problems listed above.

If you can determine that you are indeed working with the actual breeder, there are then some other red flags to watch for. First, bad breeders will not have veterinarian records for their dogs, often because they are trying to cut corners by cutting back on vet visits. Next, a breeder that does not allow you to see the place where the puppies are being cared for may not be keeping his puppies in a clean environment. Puppies that live in their own waste can be very difficult dogs to housetrain. Finally, no Chihuahua breeder should allow you to take a puppy home until he is at least ten weeks of age, due to the frailty of these small pups.
There are plenty of ways to identify a bad breeder, now let’s look at the ways to recognize a good one. A reputable breeder with Chihuahua puppies for sale will never sell them without ensuring that the people purchasing them will be able to provide them with good homes. It’s not all about the money for a good breeder, but about the betterment of the breed and the best care for the dogs. A good breeder will be willing to take a dog back at any time in the dog’s life because he never surrenders the responsibility of his dogs entirely.

You will know a good breeder because he will let you see where his dogs are raised, and the area will be clean. A good breeder will willingly provide references for you and happily answer all of your questions about his dogs because this shows that you care about the dogs as well. Reputable breeders usually belong to breeder clubs and register all of their puppies with the AKC. By knowing what to look for in a breeder, you are more likely to find a healthy Chihuahua puppy that you can enjoy for many years to come.

Although all Chihuahua puppies are cute, you want to make sure that you get yours from a reputable breeder. If you do your homework in regards to responsible breeding practices and Chihuahua puppy care you will be ready for a long and happy relationship with your new puppy.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Protect Yourself: Buy From A Chihuahua Breeder Not A Pet Store

One of the most popular small breed dogs in the world is the Chihuahua. Ever since the sweet, little face of one of these adorable dogs graced our televisions to ask us if we wanted some tacos, the world has gone crazy with people looking for the perfect little pup. Unfortunately, this has created a wide open market for the dishonest Chihuahua breeder who is looking to make a quick dollar. These unscrupulous breeders are churning out pups by the dozen in breeding centers known as puppy mills.

The sad thing is, most people do not realize that when they purchase a Chihuahua puppy from a pet store, they are contributing to the inhumane conditions in which these puppy mills keep their dogs. Because, unbeknownst to buyers who only see the sweet little faces in the window, the majority of pet stores are being supplied directly by many a dishonest Chihuahua breeder. Even store owners which claim they only buy from respected breeders are playing into this fallacy.
This spreading pandemic of dishonest Chihuahua breeder is forcing more and more people to join the fight to end their despicable breeding practices. A Chihuahua breeder that runs a puppy mill generally cares for nothing other than the money that he or she can get from churning out dozens of litters in a year. With Chihuahuas already being so small, the female must usually deliver her pups via cesarean section. Each litter she has deteriorates her body a little more.

The unscrupulous Chihuahua breeder will breed each female in their kennel each time they come into season. By breeding unhealthy females, they produce sickly pups. These pups are then shipped as quickly as possible, often before they are completely weaned, without receiving the medical treatment that is necessary to ensure their health. This has led many a new dog owner to take home a pup that will eventually cost them thousands of dollars in vet bills.
You can do your part in the battle against the dishonest Chihuahua breeder by simply refusing to purchase any pup from a pet store. The conditions in which pet store animals are forced to live aren't much better than those in the puppy mills. This has led to many new dog owners discovering that their new puppy needs extensive medical attention, or worse needs to be put down immediately. All too often, the pups bought in pet stores die within just a few months of going home with their new owners.

The most important thing to remember is that an honest Chihuahua breeder will never sell a single puppy to any pet store. Respectable breeders will make certain that their pups receive the medical attention they need to ensure they are healthy, and will never breed a female before she has completely healed from her last litter. Join the fight against puppy mills by talking to your vet, and asking for a recommendation for a respectable Chihuahua breeder today!

Puppy mills across the country are finding themselves being put out of business, thanks to the efforts of honest Chihuahua breeders who are doing their part to educate the public. This article provides valuable Chihuahua information for anyone who needs help deciding where to buy their new pup from.

Chihuahua Rescue