Pros & Cons on owning a Chihuahua?
`Am picking up a new pup next weekend (if he's eating puppy food by then).
`Would like to know if anyone has owned or owns a Chihuahua. Pros & Cons? TIA! -- ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:- ¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Laurie ((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.· *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~* Aloha!!!!! "There is no remedy for love but to love more"... ~~Henry David Thoreau |
Am picking up a new pup next weekend (if he's eating puppy food by then).
`Would like to know if anyone has owned or owns a Chihuahua. Pros & Cons? Have you not researched the breed? It's very important to research the breed before you get it. And don't take a puppy less than 8 weeks old, with tiny dogs perferably 10 wks. The longer they stay with mom, the better for the pup. |
On Sun, 12 Jun 2005 14:47:40 GMT ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ whittled these words:
`Am picking up a new pup next weekend (if he's eating puppy food by then). `Would like to know if anyone has owned or owns a Chihuahua. Pros & Cons? Your puppy should be at least seven weeks old before you p[ick him up, although in many states the puppy must be at least eight weeks old. In small breeds good breeders will typically keep puppies at least 12 weeks because they know the average person isn't really diligent enough for early housetraining and socialization. A good chihuahua breeder would typically only have one litter at a time and litters are small so the breeder can provide good socialization and housetraining base. Chihuahuas are subject to a fair number of health problems. Many could be controlled by more knowledgable breeding practices and understanding of canine genetics. Sadly too many chihuahua breeders don't seem interested. So slipping knee caps (patellar luxation) is a very common reason for pain and limping in the breed. Various eye problems are also common. The temperament is greatly dependent on the temperament of the parents, particularly the mother. Good temperament also doesn't seem of great concern to many breeders. The mother's behavior is the window for seeing what the pup's will be. It is a breed heavily impacted by pups for bucks breeders. It takes a lot of caring to take the time to find a breeder concerned about the health and welfare of the dog combined with the knowledge to know how to put those concerns to work. -- Diane Blackman http://dog-play.com/ http://dogplay.com/Shop/ |
"Ronna" wrote in message
ups.com... Am picking up a new pup next weekend (if he's eating puppy food by then). `Would like to know if anyone has owned or owns a Chihuahua. Pros & Cons? Have you not researched the breed? It's very important to research the breed before you get it. And don't take a puppy less than 8 weeks old, with tiny dogs perferably 10 wks. The longer they stay with mom, the better for the pup. Of course I've researched the breed, and I'm also waiting on two books to arrive this week from Amazon. I wanted to read/hear opinions in here. That's why I asked. When we wanted our first dog 8 yrs. ago, we wanted a low maintenance couch potato type guy. After I did my homework, I decided on a Basset Hound. He hasn't let us down yet!! :) (Altho' he's got minor back troubles now, he's just the GREATEST dog in the world). Also own 4 indoor only cats. Two of which are rescues.... -- ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:- ¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Laurie ((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.· *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~* Aloha!!!!! "There is no remedy for love but to love more"... ~~Henry David Thoreau |
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On Sun, 12 Jun 2005 14:47:40 GMT ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ whittled these words: `Am picking up a new pup next weekend (if he's eating puppy food by then). `Would like to know if anyone has owned or owns a Chihuahua. Pros & Cons? Your puppy should be at least seven weeks old before you p[ick him up, although in many states the puppy must be at least eight weeks old. In small breeds good breeders will typically keep puppies at least 12 weeks because they know the average person isn't really diligent enough for early housetraining and socialization. A good chihuahua breeder would typically only have one litter at a time and litters are small so the breeder can provide good socialization and housetraining base. Chihuahuas are subject to a fair number of health problems. Many could be controlled by more knowledgable breeding practices and understanding of canine genetics. Sadly too many chihuahua breeders don't seem interested. So slipping knee caps (patellar luxation) is a very common reason for pain and limping in the breed. Various eye problems are also common. The temperament is greatly dependent on the temperament of the parents, particularly the mother. Good temperament also doesn't seem of great concern to many breeders. The mother's behavior is the window for seeing what the pup's will be. It is a breed heavily impacted by pups for bucks breeders. It takes a lot of caring to take the time to find a breeder concerned about the health and welfare of the dog combined with the knowledge to know how to put those concerns to work. Thank you for the detailed information!! I appreciate it!!! The breeder has only one litter that is hers (her bitch's). However, how I met her was through an online classified ads program for our local paper. She has a rescued Chihuahua which I was interested in, but the dog is nine. (Looked much younger in the pic... which got me interested). Again, thanks for the info. It helps to know *exactly* what the next 10 to 15 to 20 years entails for me and the new pup. -- ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:- ¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Laurie ((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.· *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~* Aloha!!!!! "There is no remedy for love but to love more"... ~~Henry David Thoreau |
In article ,
~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ wrote: The breeder has only one litter that is hers (her bitch's). However, how I met her was through an online classified ads program for our local paper. So far the responses you've received have been polite but pretty oblique. I do blunt. The fact that your breeder is willing to let the puppies go at such an extraordinarily young age and the fact that she's advertising in the local want ads are two warning signs that there's a good chance that this is not a careful, responsible breeder. And because chihuahuas are subject to so many congenital health problems it's really important to find a breeder who is scrupulous about health issues and responsible parent selection. That means health testing and knowing the pedigrees inside and out (knowing the health status several generations back). But definitely, letting the puppies go when they're that young is asking for temperament problems when they mature. Researching the breed is the first step. Researching breeders is the second, and it's a lot more work, frankly. -- Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis - 43% of all private-sector jobs created in the US from 2001 to April 2005 are housing-related |
"Melinda Shore" wrote in message
... In article , ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ wrote: The breeder has only one litter that is hers (her bitch's). However, how I met her was through an online classified ads program for our local paper. So far the responses you've received have been polite but pretty oblique. I do blunt. The fact that your breeder is willing to let the puppies go at such an extraordinarily young age and the fact that she's advertising in the local want ads are two warning signs that there's a good chance that this is not a careful, responsible breeder. And because chihuahuas are subject to so many congenital health problems it's really important to find a breeder who is scrupulous about health issues and responsible parent selection. That means health testing and knowing the pedigrees inside and out (knowing the health status several generations back). But definitely, letting the puppies go when they're that young is asking for temperament problems when they mature. Researching the breed is the first step. Researching breeders is the second, and it's a lot more work, frankly. Let me explain something. The ad was for the 9 y.o. "to a good home w/an adoption fee". The gal I meant in the group (Jenn: puppy mill rescue/adoption gal for Chi's) connected me with the Chi breeder (Judy) who had the 9 y.o. Chi. Judy doesn't put ads in the news paper. She's not computer savvy either, so she deals with Jenn to help w/letting folks know when she has had puppies/rescue Chi's on hand. Believe me, I am the *first one* to NOT be involved in a situation that leaves me to question anything. Now, because I've r'cvd valuable info. in here letting the pups go too early (they'll be 7 weeks), I'll call her, ask if I can pay her, but to please keep the pup a little longer. And, I thank you! (You weren't so blunt that it was offensive... just informative!) -- ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:- ¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Laurie ((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.· *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~* Aloha!!!!! "There is no remedy for love but to love more"... ~~Henry David Thoreau |
"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message ... `Am picking up a new pup next weekend (if he's eating puppy food by then). `Would like to know if anyone has owned or owns a Chihuahua. Pros & Cons? TIA! It sounds like your mind is made up on getting this puppy, though frankly I can imagine you are paying a good deal of money for a poor quality puppy and would be better off either researching breeders and finding a well bred pup or contacting rescue (either of which requires patience but pays off in the end, bigtime.) Chihuahua are, as Diane mentioned, a very popular breed for backyard breeders because they are small and fairly easy whelpers, and I'd say 99% of the Chihuahua born each year are from that type of irresponsible breeder. In my area, it is common to see half a dozen Chi in the shelter at any time. Very sad, what irresponsible breeding promotes, and I personally won't support it by buying from that type. That said, if you do go through with this risky venture, all I can say is to pay close attention to your pup's teeth, getting them cleaned regularly, as toy breeds can often have bad dental issues. Have the kneecaps and hips evaluated and prepare to spend several thousand dollars if the pup has luxating patellas or legg-calves perthes disease that is bad enough to require surgery. Be sure to socialize your pup and train him, so that he doesn't become one of those spoiled, obnoxious dogs - many toy owners think bad behavior is "cute" because they are so little, and it often ends tragically. Good luck! I think you'll need it. Christy |
"Christy" wrote in message
news:RY%qe.5176$2K4.4817@trnddc08... "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message ... `Am picking up a new pup next weekend (if he's eating puppy food by then). `Would like to know if anyone has owned or owns a Chihuahua. Pros & Cons? TIA! It sounds like your mind is made up on getting this puppy, though frankly I can imagine you are paying a good deal of money for a poor quality puppy and would be better off either researching breeders and finding a well bred pup or contacting rescue (either of which requires patience but pays off in the end, bigtime.) Chihuahua are, as Diane mentioned, a very popular breed for backyard breeders because they are small and fairly easy whelpers, and I'd say 99% of the Chihuahua born each year are from that type of irresponsible breeder. In my area, it is common to see half a dozen Chi in the shelter at any time. Very sad, what irresponsible breeding promotes, and I personally won't support it by buying from that type. That said, if you do go through with this risky venture, all I can say is to pay close attention to your pup's teeth, getting them cleaned regularly, as toy breeds can often have bad dental issues. Have the kneecaps and hips evaluated and prepare to spend several thousand dollars if the pup has luxating patellas or legg-calves perthes disease that is bad enough to require surgery. Be sure to socialize your pup and train him, so that he doesn't become one of those spoiled, obnoxious dogs - many toy owners think bad behavior is "cute" because they are so little, and it often ends tragically. Good luck! I think you'll need it. My mind isn't made up until I go to the bank and get the $400 out. I don't think that's a lot to pay. Do you? I've kindly asked for pro's and con's, and accept your opinion and pov's. As far as the luck "I will need" if I purchase a Chi pup... thank you, Christy! Another question. How do I check up on this breeder, besides getting her vet's phone #? Pertinent questions to ask? I'm sure these will be in the two (used) Chi dog books I bought, but I am trying to get ALL the info. I can, as I did w/my Basset Hound. -- ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:- ¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Laurie ((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.· *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~* Aloha!!!!! "There is no remedy for love but to love more"... ~~Henry David Thoreau |
On Sun, 12 Jun 2005 15:48:45 GMT ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ whittled these words:
When we wanted our first dog 8 yrs. ago, we wanted a low maintenance couch potato type guy. After I did my homework, I decided on a Basset Hound. He hasn't let us down yet!! :) (Altho' he's got minor back troubles now, he's just the GREATEST dog in the world). Well hopefully low maintenance isn't a big criteria for you now as with hypoglycemia and their small size extra care must be taken in regard to teperamture, sun light exposure, feeding timing and type etc. Keeping a chi healthy by paying close attention to the amount/type of food is a challenge many people seem to let slip. -- Diane Blackman http://dog-play.com/ http://dogplay.com/Shop/ |
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