Monday, November 5, 2007

Chihuahua Puppy topics that begin with “B”

 
Puppy topics that begin with “B” Barking, Bathing, Begging Barking

Puppies bark to communicate. Owners will quickly learn the message their pup is trying to pass along, for example, reporting that something is going on, calling for help with an invader to their territory, or simply trying to attract someone’s attention. Inappropriate barking may become an annoyance to family members and neighbors. Your vet is the best person to advise you on methods for correcting this behavior. He or she can also give you the names of any pet behaviorists in the area.

Bathing

Only bathe your puppy if it's absolutely necessary as too frequent bathing can cause dry, irritated skin. Often a good wipe with a damp cloth will work just as well as a full bath. Use dog shampoo instead of human shampoo. As a rule, puppies only need to be bathed if they're really dirty, although there are some breeds, such as West Highland White Terriers, that need regular clipping and bathing by a professional dog groomer. If using a domestic bathtub, place a non-slip mat on the bottom.

Towel dry your puppy thoroughly after bathing. Hair dryers can scare a pup who's not used to the experience; never blow the dryer towards your puppy’s face. Instead, blow towards his hind end from the front, moving towards the rear and directing the hot air along the hair shaft, not directly at the skin. Your puppy should then be kept in a warm, draft-free room for several hours.

Begging

Puppies very quickly learn that if they beg they will receive a tasty tidbit from their owner. Not only does this grow into an annoying habit, it can also put your pup on the road to obesity. From the very beginning, ignore any begging behavior, and teach your pup that he has set mealtimes and should not expect anything in between. Never feed your puppy from the dinner table.

 

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Chihuahuas come in all sizes

 

Chihuahuas come in all "Sizes"

Although such terms as "teacup", "pocket size", "tiny toy", "miniature" and "standard" have been used to describe different-sized Chihuahuas, the Chihuahua Club of America issued a statement stressing that these descriptions are misleading. Their statement reads:

"Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe the size differences and physical appearances are many and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate. Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned that these terms may be used to entice prospective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value. They are not and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading."[5]

As such, the Chihuahua Club of America and the American Kennel Club only recognizes two types of Chihuahuas - the Long-haired and the Short-haired Chihuahua. Please refer to Chihuahua Club of America Teacup Statement to read the entire release.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

AKC Texas Diva Chihuahuas


  Exercising Your Dog – Enough Exercise?
Figuring out how many times per day your dog should get physical activity depends on your dog's breed, age, and health. Some require short walks around the block while others require hours of running and playing. Even senior dogs enjoy getting outside after spending a day indoors. In general, make sure your dog exercises or plays actively at least 3 times per day for at least 15 minutes each time.

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Saturday, May 19, 2007

The Chihuahua

Affection:
Energy:
Playfulness:
Sociability - dogs:
Sociability - other pets:
Sociability - strangers:
Trainability:
Exercise needs:
Grooming needs:
Suitability to cold:
Suitability to heat:
Watch dog capability:
Guard dog capability:





  1. Description:

    The very smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua is ever vigilant and fleet of foot, with a spunky attitude. Compact with a terrier-like temperament, the Chihuahua has the appearance of a fine-boned but muscular dog that carries his sickle-shaped tail like a flag. The distinctive apple dome head features large eyes, dark or a luminous ruby in color, and large ears that stand erect when the dog is alert and flare out to the sides when at rest. The muzzle is short and pointed with a self-colored nose. Chihuahuas have two coat types, smooth and long. The smooth coat should be soft and close, with a perceptible sheen. Long coats can be flat or wavy, with an undercoat, fringed ears, feathering on the feet and legs, and a tail that looks much like a plume. A Chihuahua's coat can be of any color or patterning. Many Americans recognize the Chihuahua as the Taco Bell Dog from the popular "Yo quiero Taco Bell" advertising campaign.


  2. Temperament:

    Alert with terrier-like qualities, the Chihuahua can be irritable, overconfident or downright nasty when provoked. Nevertheless, this spunky little Toy's intense devotion to its "person" has earned the affection of millions of owners. The Chihuahua is brave and is known to defend itself and its home from large dogs and invaders by barking in protest and threatening mayhem. Chihuahuas are not recommended for homes with small children but do well with elderly individuals or couples, or an owner who loves to spoil. The Chihuahua is typically wary of strangers and unknown dogs (except other Chihuahuas), but gets along well with other pets in the house.


  3. Caring for a Chihuahua:

    Chihuahuas are a long-lived breed with minimal grooming needs. The smooth coat type should be brushed or wiped with a cloth occasionally; the long coat should be brushed daily. A monthly bath is recommended, but take care to keep the ears dry. This breed is an average shedder. Resist the temptation to carry these little dogs everywhere. They are much happier and fitter when walked; use a harness rather than a collar. Chihuahuas dislike the cold and appreciate a sweater on cool days. They are perfect for apartment living. Their “shivering or trembling” is not always a cold or health issue but often happens when the dog is excited or stressed. Do not allow your Chihuahua to jump off high furniture or from your arms as the impact could have serious consequences. For the same reason, do not allow children to play roughly with or to carry a Chihuahua. A rather healthy breed, the Chihuahua may nevertheless suffer from pulmonic stenosis, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia and hydrocephalus. Have your veterinarian perform all appropriate tests.


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