Chihuahuas For Dummies E-Book

Jacqueline O'Neil

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 406

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

Are you crazy about Chihuahuas? Chihuahuas For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is fully updated to show you how to find the one you'll love most and make him or her part of your family. This one-stop guide gives you all the information you need to raise and care for your plucky little pooch. You'll find expert advice on everything from feeding and healthcare to housebreaking, grooming, training, and more. Plus, you'll learn the ins and outs of selecting the right vet, handling emergencies, and even entering your little darling in a dog show. You'll find out about the ups and downs of living with a pet, get familiar with the Chihuahua's classic physical characteristics, and find help in deciding whether you'd prefer a dog with a long coat or a smooth coat. Discover how to: * Choose your ideal Chihuahua * Prepare your home for your new arrival * Manage your puppy's nutrition and health * Prevent common behavior problems * Teach your Chihuahua fun tricks * Build a strong and loving bond with your pet * Train children to get along with your Chihuahua * Choose Chihuahua toys and accessories * Select a crate and bedding * Introduce your little dog to other pets * Teach your little dynamo manners and good behavior You know that bringing a Chihuahua into your home will be a happy and joyful experience. Chihuahuas For Dummies, 2nd Edition, makes it easy, too!

Leseprobe

Chihuahuas For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

by Jacqueline O’Neil

Chihuahuas For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Published byJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2007939647

ISBN: 978-0-470-22967-5, eISBNs: 978-0-470-28052-2, 978-0-470-29188-7, and 978-1-118-05225-9

Manufactured in the United States of America

About the Author

Jacqueline O’Neil is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books and a couple hundred magazine articles on animal care and training. She and her husband, Tom, a wildlife photographer, follow the sun around North America in a motor home. Favorite stops include the Florida Keys, Montana, Alaska, and the Yukon.

Before morphing into a Gypsy, Jackie was a successful dog breeder and trainer, handling her own dogs to top awards in the show and obedience rings.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Jackie is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, the National League of American Pen Women, and the Dog Writers Association of America, where she also served two terms as a director. In addition to dogs, she’s into horses, birds, fishing, scuba diving, and fiddling.

Jackie has two grown daughters, Peggy and Sunny Fraser, who have recently started their own menageries. The whole family is proud to be owned by a Chihuahua named Manchita.

Dedication

To my daughters, Peggy and Sunny Fraser, who served as mommies to a munchkin named Manchita, including their college and early career years.

Author’s Acknowledgments

My husband, Tom O’Neil, took some of the photos for this book and proofread the manuscript before I sent it to my editors.

My mother, Dori Freedman, taught me that anything worth doing is worth doing right, and that once started, projects must be finished. Perhaps that’s why I’ve been able to make writing my career.

My stepdad, Needham Parrish, contributed to the research in a big way by sending me books, articles, and videos on Chihuahuas. He also took the photos of the Chihuahua named Chiquita.

My daughter, Peggy Fraser, who hates posing for pictures, did it anyway. Thanks, honey.

Taco Bell Corp. provided information about Gidget, the world’s most recognizable Chihuahua, and included photos of its superstar.

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our Dummies online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/.

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development

Project Editor (previous edition): Tim Gallan

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Editorial Manager: Jennifer Ehrlich

Editorial Supervisor & Reprint Editor: Carmen Krikorian

Editorial Assistants: Erin Calligan Mooney, Joe Niesen, Leeann Harney, David Lutton

Cover Photo: © Gerard Lacz/Animals Animals

Cartoons: Rich Tennant (www.the5thwave.com)

Composition Services

Project Coordinator: Erin Smith

Layout and Graphics: Carl Byers, Reuben W. Davis, Alissa D. Ellet, Melissa K. Jester, Stephanie D. Jumper, Barbara Moore, Christine Williams

Anniversary Logo Design: Richard Pacifico

Proofreader: Bonnie Mikkelson

Indexer: Sherry Massey

Special Help: Natalie Faye Harris

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

Kathleen Nebenhaus, Vice President and Executive Publisher

David Palmer, Associate Publisher

Kristin Ferguson-Wagstaffe, Product Development Director

Publishing for Technology Dummies

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher

Composition Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Contents

Title

Introduction

About This Book

Conventions Used in This Book

What You’re Not to Read

Foolish Assumptions

How This Book Is Organized

Icons Used in This Book

Where to Go from Here

Part I : Is a Chihuahua Your Canine Compadre?

Chapter 1: Sharing Your Digs with a Dog: A Big Decision

Deciding if and Why You Want a Dog

Doggy Dependents Aren’t Tax Deductible: Chi-Care Duties

Viewing the Chihuahua as a Toy Breed

Making a Match with a Chihuahua

Chapter 2: What’s Behind That Unique Chihuahua Look?

Look for Yourself: The Classic Chihuahua

Striving for the Picture-Perfect Chihuahua

What if Manchita Doesn’t Match the Standard?

Chapter 3: Perusing the Particulars of Chihuahua Charm

This Bit of a Dog Is Big on Character

Decisions, Decisions: Comparing Long/Smooth Coats

Battle of the Sexes: Observing Male and Female Traits

Checking a Chi Pup’s Résumé

Part II : Fitting a Compact Canine into Your Life

Chapter 4: Choosing Your Ideal Chihuahua

Buying from a Breeder

Surveying Additional Places to Purchase a Puppy

The Ups and Downs of Choosing a Mature Chihuahua

Understanding Pedigree

Chapter 5: Welcome Home, Little Amigo

Timing the Homecoming Just Right

Puppy-Proofing Your Chi’s Room

Shop till You Drop: Gathering the Chi Goods

Surviving the First Two Days

Suppressing That Dangerous Fantasy of Freedom

Chapter 6: What’s on the Chi Menu?

How Nutrients Work

Feeding for the First Few Days

What You Need to Know about Commercial Dog Food

Foods for Special Reasons

Setting Puppy Feeding Schedules

Filling a Mature Chi’s Belly

Warning: Don’t Feed Your Dog Any of These Foods

Chapter 7: Grooming the Body Beautiful

Keeping the Shine in Your Chihuahua’s Coat

Ears Looking at You Chi!

Keeping Those Pearlies White

Puppy-cure: Trimming the Toenails

Gazing into Your Chi’s Eyes

Bathing Your Beauty

Chapter 8: Chirobics: For Fitness and Fun

Make Exercise a Happy Habit

Games You and Your Chihuahua Can Play

Exercising Your Super Senior

Part III : Positive Training for Your Petite Pal

Chapter 9: Socializing Your Chihuahua

Building a Bond with Your Chi

Interpreting Body Language (And Preventing Anxiety)

It’s Party Time! Introducing Your Chi to Guests

Leaving Home: Hello, World!

Walking on a Lead

Socializing an Adult Dog

Chapter 10: Establishing Good Behavior and Manners

Making the Crate a Home Base

Housetraining — Avoiding Problems

Teaching Words that All Good Dogs Obey

Preventing Common Problems

Chapter 11: Keeping Your Place as Head of Household

Curing Your Crybaby

Quieting Your Barker

Housetraining a Stubborn Chihuahua

Reinforcing the “Drop It” Command

Humping (How Humiliating!)

Dealing with Dominance

Home Alone and Feeling Frantic

Chapter 12: Training Your Chi for Canine Events, Tricks, and for Show

Beginning Obedience Training

Passing the Good Citizen and Temperament Tests

Getting Active in Agility

Therapy Dogs: Delighting the Elderly and the Infirm

How to Teach Your Dog a Trick or Two

Touring the Dog Show Circuit

Part IV : Chihuahua Care and Concerns

Chapter 13: Visiting the Vet

Choosing Your Chihuahua’s Veterinarian

Being the Best Kind of Client

The Ins and Outs of the First Exam

Understanding Those Vital Vaccinations

Administering Medicine the Correct Way

Spaying or Neutering for a Happier, Healthier Dog

Slapping an ID on (Or in) Your Dog

Chapter 14: Debugging de Dog

Just Say “No Way!” to Worms and Other Internal Bugs

Controlling the External Pests: Fleas, Ticks, and Mites

Chapter 15: Dealing with Sickness, Injury, and Other Considerations

Recognizing the Signs of Sickness

Handling Serious Issues: First Aid and Transportation

Reviewing Veterinary Issues Specific to Chihuahuas

Keeping Your Senior Sassy

Coping with the Death of a Pet

Helping Yourself and Your Family Heal

Part V : The Part of Tens

Chapter 16: Ten Questions to Ask Chihuahua Breeders

How Many Litters a Year Do You Breed?

Can You Tell Me All about This Dog’s Personality?

May I See the Pup’s Family?

May I Test This Pup’s Temperament?

May I Have a Copy of the Chi’s Schedule and Records?

What Kind of Health (Or Show) Guarantee Do You Offer?

Is This Pup Eligible for Full or Limited AKC Registration?

Will I Receive a Registration Application When I Buy?

What Dog Clubs Do You Belong to and Recommend?

May I Call or E-mail You for Advice After We Get Home?

Chapter 17: Ten Web Sites Where Chihuahua Lovers Gather

The Chihuahua Club of America

The American Kennel Club

Chihuahua FAQ

Chihuahua Rescue and Transport, Inc.

Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport

Everwonder

Breeders.net

Agility Ability

Chihuahua Savvy

Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons

Chapter 18: Ten (Or So) Famous Chihuahuas

Tinkerbell Hilton

Bruiser

Wheely Willy

Gidget

Mojo

Xavier Cugat’s Dogs

Caranza

Tulip

Don Giovanni

Other Chihuahuas Associated with Celebrities

: Further Reading

Introduction

Years ago, the then editor of the AKC Gazette asked me to cover the Chihuahua National Specialty, the breed’s most prestigious annual dog show. The article I wrote was entitled, “Chihuahuas Charm Chicago,” but the truth is, those Chihuahuas charmed me. Although I bred and exhibited American Staffordshire Terriers and was a veteran writer — in other words, I was used to studying a breed, attending national specialty shows, and submitting articles — I was smitten with Chihuahuas. I fell as surely as a young girl whose first date brings her flowers. From that day on, I had to have a Chihuahua.

From singles on the fast track to business success to seniors out seeing the world, many of my friends and acquaintances share their lives with Chihuahuas. And do you know what? Every single one of us had our first Chihuahua years before television commercials boosted the breed’s popularity.

Today you can’t turn on the TV or browse in a gift shop without seeing Chihuahuas. From fashion centers to flea markets, they’ve become one of the nation’s most popular pets. But just because these critters attract attention with their incredible cuteness isn’t enough reason to run out and get one. You wouldn’t ask the prettiest cheerleader or the best football player to marry you when you don’t even know her or his name, would you? Instead, let me introduce you to the Chihuahua with this book.

A little guidance — that’s what I’m here for. So, turn to Chapter 1, or anywhere in the book for that matter, and let me do my job! Whether you’re a potential new owner or have enjoyed the companionship of Chihuahuas for years, this book can help you and your dog make the most of your relationship.

About This Book

Chihuahuas For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is designed to be a complete reference guide. I tell you everything you need to know about selecting, raising, and training a healthy, well-mannered Chihuahua. And although I promote prevention — not only in health matters but also by proposing positive training methods right from the start — I explain how to correct the bad habits your dog may have already picked up.

But wait. Maybe you don’t have a dog yet and you’re reading this book because you wonder if a Chihuahua is the breed for you. Well, you’ve come to the right place! This book covers the unique Chihuahua personality and gives honest answers about both the pleasures and problems of living with a Chihuahua. Ohmygosh! What if you read those sections and then decide a Chihuahua isn’t your dream dog after all? In that case, I just saved you a bundle of money and years of enduring a match that wasn’t made in heaven. It’s important to think about how your personality will blend with the unique disposition of this diminutive breed.

I wrote this book to make living with a Chihuahua easy and fun. Whether you have one Chi or half a dozen, this book simplifies daily care, tells you how to train your dog, and even helps you organize a nonviolent coup to take leadership away from a tiny tyrant!

Conventions Used in This Book

To make this book even easier to understand, I included a few conventions:

Italic text indicates new words or terms that I define. I also use it for emphasis (I get excited!).

Boldfaced type helps you remember the most important points when reading bulleted lists or numbered steps.

I use monofont to set apart Web sites and e-mail addresses.

Occasionally, I write “Chi” instead of spelling out “Chihuahua.” I do this to make for faster reading, not because it’s a nickname for the breed. It isn’t.

Because my degree is in English, I know that the proper way to refer to an animal is “it,” but I can’t stand “it” when talking about a member of a family. So, I get around this by using gender references. In some chapters I discuss all Chis as if they’re males, and in some chapters it’s ladies’ night. And occasionally, I’ll name the Chihuahuas I talk about for fun. In some of the chapters, the Chihuahua is named Pepe, and in the others, the Chi is named Manchita.

What You’re Not to Read

Although this book is brimming with essential info, it also contains some Chihuahua trivia, a few just-for-fun dog facts, and some technical stuff you don’t really need to know but that may make for good conversation. In case you’re in a hurry to find out what you do need to know, feel free to skip the following:

Text in sidebars: The shaded boxes are sidebars, and although they’re good reads, the info in them isn’t essential.

Paragraphs highlighted with a Technical Stuff icon: Yes, these icons precede good info, but you don’t need to know it to be an ideal Chihuahua owner. The icon also points out really short true stories and Chihuahua trivia.

Foolish Assumptions

Before writing this book, I had to think about who I was writing it for, so I made some assumptions about you, my dear reader, and the type of book you need. Here they are; am I close?

You like dogs in general, and the Chihuahua is one of the breeds you like in particular. You’re thinking about making one a part of your family. But first you want to know more about the breed, the pros and cons of living with a Chihuahua, and how to select your ideal dog.

You’ve already taken the plunge. Your Chihuahua puppy is coming home soon and you want to know what he needs right away and how to take care of him.

Your Chihuahua puppy is home, but doggonit she wakes you up during the night and can’t seem to get the hang of housetraining.

Your Chihuahua is an adult. You want to read this book in your comfy recliner, but that darn dog claimed it. Lately, he growls and nips whenever anyone tries to sit in it. And don’t even think about touching his food dish! Perhaps you want to know how to handle a stubborn Chi in his senior years!

Your Chihuahua is well behaved and super smart. Everyone agrees that he’s special, and now you want him to try obedience, agility, or maybe a dog show. Or perhaps you’re considering training him to be a therapy dog.

You don’t have and don’t want a Chihuahua, but your cousin just got one and her birthday is coming up!

How This Book Is Organized

Chihuahuas For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is divided into five sections, and each one covers an essential topic. If you’re looking for a Chihuahua, you may want to begin in the early chapters. If you already have a Chi, you can skip around, going quickly in and out of chapters that address your curiosity or urgent needs. Either way, here’s what you find.

Part I: Is a Chihuahua Your Canine Compadre?

Adopting a dog has a lot in common with adopting a soul mate of the human species: You know you’re in for a lot of give and take! But don’t let that scare you — bringing a Chihuahua into your life is both a serious commitment and one of life’s huge pleasures. This section helps you make good decisions and shows you what’s in store.

Part II: Fitting a Compact Canine into Your Life

What do you look for in a healthy Chihuahua? How do you prepare your home for your little amigo? What do Chihuahuas eat? How much exercise do they need? Part II provides the information you need to welcome a Chi into your household and have a good beginning to a special new relationship.

Part III: Positive Training for Your Petite Pal

Part III is your ready reference guide and everyday problem solver. Here I tell you how to raise a mannerly puppy and instill good habits in an adult dog. Housebreaking? Barking? Shyness? Dominance? I cover all the typical Chihuahua problems and their solutions here. I discuss plenty of fun, too. I include tricks Chihuahuas love to learn and a lot of info on dog shows and other activities you and your dog can enjoy together.

Part IV: Chihuahua Care and Concerns

Finding the right veterinarian for your dog — at a convenient location — is job one of the health plan. Part IV shows you how to find a good vet and make the most of your visits to the clinic. You also find out how to care for a senior Chihuahua and how to handle emergency illnesses and injuries. Basically, you use this section as a reference for identifying and dealing with common health needs of Chihuahuas.

Part V: The Part of Tens

So much to tell you about Chihuahuas, so little time! Part V is packed with more useful data. You find a handy list of questions to ask the breeder when you’re thinking of buying a dog, along with Web sites where you can find a huge variety of additional information. Finally, I raise the curtain on a stageful of celebrity Chihuahuas, including Tinkerbell, Bruiser, and Gidget.

Icons Used in This Book

The pages of this book are peppered with icons in the margins. Besides adding a little salsa, they also give you a quick bite of Chihuahua information. Here’s what’s on the menu:

You’ll see this icon quite often. It contains advice on Chihuahua care and training techniques and provides shortcuts to simplify life with a dog.

There are certain tidbits of information I’d like you to keep in your memory bank for the duration of your time as a Chihuahua owner. This icon highlights this information.

Whoa! This Chihuahua is on full alert. This information helps you to keep from skidding into common but potentially serious mistakes.

Every species has its own language and characteristics. These icons define the terms dog owners in general, and Chihuahua owners in particular, need to know. You also find some interesting dog lore and some fun trivia.

Where to Go from Here

Don’t you just hate it when you pick up a book that you’re sure has the information you need but it doesn’t give you a clue where to find it? Well, I promise I won’t do that to you. This book is organized for your convenience — whether you want to “read all about it” or simply find a trick you can teach your Chihuahua to do so that she can show off when Great Aunt Amelia visits.

You can start wherever you want to and easily find the information you need. Do you want to know how to raise an outgoing, social Chihuahua? Turn to Chapter 9. Are you concerned about housebreaking? Chapter 10 will help you handle that. Are you Chihuahua shopping? Chapter 4 will help you find a good breeder.

If you’re still wondering if a Chihuahua (or any dog) is right for you, read Chapters 1 and 3. They tell you what you need to know about dog ownership in general and living with a Chihuahua in particular.

There’s no need to read this book from cover to cover unless you want to. Flip through it at will. Let the table of contents and the index guide you quickly to the info you need. Happy reading!

Part I

Is a Chihuahua Your Canine Compadre?

In this part . . .

In this part, you find out all you ever wanted to know about the Chihuahua’s distinctive personality and body structure. I help you ponder the ups and downs of dog ownership and what you can and can’t expect from your pet. In short, Part I is the key to deciding whether the Chihuahua’s unique disposition fits your lifestyle.

Chapter 1

Sharing Your Digs with a Dog: A Big Decision

In This Chapter

Examining your motives for acquiring a Chihuahua

Caring for a Chihuahua

Focusing on the Toy breed

Making a match with a Chihuahua

Can money ever buy you love? Sure. Just use it to buy a Chihuahua. Your Chihuahua won’t waffle about making a permanent commitment to you. In fact, expect your Chi to envelop you in affection, do his best to protect you, and maybe even improve your health. No kidding! Scientific studies show that a pet’s companionship alleviates stress and helps people relax. In many cases, dogs (and other pets) get credit for lowering their owners’ blood pressure. However, although most Chihuahua owners are crazy about their pets, a few wish they had never brought a dog (or that dog) home.

I don’t want Chihuahua ownership to disappoint you, so in this chapter, I talk about the ups and downs of living with dogs in general, and Chis in particular. Is this portable pet with the king-sized heart the right breed for you? In this chapter, you find the answer.

Deciding if and Why You Want a Dog

If you are dog-deprived, you know it. You greet all your friends’ dogs by name, eye every dog that goes by on the street, and sometimes even ask strangers if you can pet their pups. Maybe you surf through your favorite breeds on the Internet or browse through the dog magazines at the bookstore. Do you have a list of possible puppy names in your head? You’re already a dog-goner. It won’t be long before other dog-deprived people are asking to pet your new puppy.

Ideally, you’re drawn to dogs, and playing with them makes you feel good. But your reason for buying a dog may be less than ideal. For example, maybe you’re lonely or bored, and you hope a dog can fill the void. The truth is, a little fur wrapped around a pleasant personality (like Manchita in Figure 1-1) spices up a bland life if you let it. Being loved by a dog is fulfilling in itself, and you can take it a step further and become involved in dog activities (see Chapter 12) that can bring you excitement, new friends, and a sense of purpose. So what’s the problem? The glitch is that dogs purchased to relieve monotony often are ignored when the novelty wears off.

Before buying a Chihuahua, you must decide if you’ll always appreciate your pet or if you just crave some instant entertainment. Still not sure? Ask yourself this: “Am I ready to love a dog for the duration (possibly 15 years for a Chihuahua), or will a cruise to the Caribbean be just as effective for banishing my boredom?”

Getting a dog is a big decision. After all, dogs are dependent, make demands on your time, cost money, and inhibit your freedom. Is your pet worth it? Absolutely. That’s why there are more than 60 million pet dogs in the United States. But just because dogs and people have been best buddies through the ages doesn’t necessarily mean you need to run out and get a puppy right away. Maybe Chihuahua ownership isn’t right for you; maybe it is right for you, but not right now. Hopefully you’ll find out by taking a look at the ownership requirements, the breed overview, and matchmaking tips in the following sections.

Chihuahuas are either smooth or long coated. Smooths have short hair that’s soft and shiny (see Figure 1-1). Long coats have (you guessed it) long hair that may be straight or wavy (see Chapter 3 for more).

Figure 1-1: Manchita is a smooth-coated Chihuahua.

Doggy Dependents Aren’t Tax Deductible: Chi-Care Duties

Like a child, a Chihuahua relies on you for food, housing, education, affection, toys, and medical care — and the IRS won’t even let you declare him. Unlike a child, your puppy won’t ever become independent. Your Chi won’t fix his own dinner, brush his own hair, or pay his own medical bills. Instead, he’ll depend on you for his health and happiness all his life.

Fortunately, most dog owners enjoy the small chores that make up daily dog care. For some, interacting with their dogs is a restful transition from a too-busy day. Others say that their dogs keep the nest from feeling empty and add laughter to their lives. And when you have a doggy dependent, you’re always the most important thing in his life. He needs you from puppyhood through old age. He doesn’t graduate, get a job, marry, or move halfway across the country.

You should discuss division of labor with your family before getting a dog, but don’t expect even the most logical schedule to be carved in stone. In the end, someone — one person — must take responsibility, making sure your dog is fed, watered, groomed, trained, exercised, and taken outdoors when he indicates a need to eliminate. Because you’re the one reading this book, I bet that someone is you. Will you relish or resent the responsibility?

Considering the long-term cost

Can you afford a dog? I’m talking not only about the price of the dog (which will probably be $300 to well over $1,000 for a Chihuahua puppy), but also the price of upkeep.

Some breeds — Chihuahuas for example — don’t eat much, but they still need the following:

Quality food (see Chapter 6)

Puppy shots, an annual checkup complete with vaccinations, and regular worming (see Part IV)

Minor surgery to spay or neuter (see Chapter 13)

Medication to prevent heartworm

A crate, grooming equipment, a collar and leash, dog dishes, and a variety of toys and treats (see Chapter 5)

And although Chis tend to be healthy, yours may rack up a big bill if he’s ever in an accident and requires emergency surgery.

You want my take? Darn right you can afford a dog! As hard as you work, you probably can swing that cruise to the Caribbean — if only you had time to take a vacation. Truth is, people seldom make time for a social life. At least you deserve the pleasure of an adoring dog when you finally get home from work at night.

Placing your Chi in your daily schedule

So you’re doing fine financially, but maybe you’re working crazy hours to reach the next rung up the corporate ladder. In that case, your Chihuahua’s excited antics when you come through the door can be just the ticket to turn your mood from office mania to bemused tranquility. Forget fuming over a frustrating meeting. Your dog needs to be walked and fed, and both of you will look forward to snuggling through a sitcom or two. Just keep in mind that no matter how frazzled you are, and no matter how late it is, your dog still needs your attention and affection. If you and he live alone, especially, you’re his entire world.

Chapter 5 and the chapters of Part III deal with setting up a schedule for your Chi and socializing and training your little guy.

Some offices allow employees to bring well-behaved pets to work. My Chihuahua spent many hours in the office when I worked for the American Kennel Club (AKC) in New York City. Sure, that’s a special case, but while we walked to work, we saw plenty of other pooches accompanying people carrying briefcases.

Fitting your Chi into your family’s future

Your spouse’s feelings about having a dog, your kids’ ages, your activity level, and your travel plans are important considerations when deciding whether to make a Chihuahua part of your family. Bringing home a dog when your spouse doesn’t want one is unfair to everyone. So is buying a breed your other half hates. Sure, a reluctant spouse, in some cases, comes to love the dog, but often one partner never quite comes around. Having to defend your dog on a daily basis gets old real fast, and you don’t need that. Furthermore, no dog deserves to be dumped at the pound because everyone got tired of the hassles at home.

Are you hoping to settle down and start a family in the near (or distant) future? Some breeds (Chihuahuas are one of them) are long lived, so with luck, you can plan on your dog being with you for your wedding and the births of your babies. But as sweet as that sounds, it may not be a good thing. Will your spouse also love your dog, or will he or she consider your Chi excess baggage?

Another potential problem is that some breeds (Chihuahuas included) don’t thrive around toddlers. It’s a no-fault, lose-lose situation. Tiny dogs are too delicate for young children, and kids under the ages of 6 or 7 still are geared toward stuffed animals. Imagine how long poor Pepe would last if a toddler tripped over him or swung him by one leg like a stuffed teddy.

Picking up after your Chi

What kind of housekeeper are you? Is your home casual and relaxed — the kind of place where friends gather to munch pop-corn and watch videos? Or is your house so immaculate that family members remove their shoes before stepping on the cream-colored carpet?

Puppies aren’t perfect. Chances are you’ll have to clean up some accidents while housetraining your Chihuahua. Not only that, he’ll shed at intervals (or constantly) all his life (see Chapter 7). Long after he’s reliably housebroken — maybe years after you’ve moved into your dream home — he can get sick and upchuck on the new sofa. When that happens, will you view the mess as a minor annoyance or a major tragedy? (The chapters of Part III deal with socializing and training your little guy.)

Even though a Chi’s poops are small, they can make a big mess on the bottom of someone’s shoe. Don’t forget to clean up after your dog every time you walk him (see Chapter 8). In many places, it’s the law!

Viewing the Chihuahua as a Toy Breed

Say that after reading about the ups and downs of dog ownership, you decide that you want a canine companion. Right on! You’re going to love living with a dog — that is, if your dog lives up to your expectations. Humans breed dogs capable of doing an extraordinary number of things, but dogs are specialists in a sense, and no one breed does it all. A wrong match between dog and owner usually brings misery, like a bad marriage, while a good match means years of satisfaction and fun.

Some Toy dogs, such as the Toy Poodle, are downsized versions of their larger cousins. Others, like the Miniature Pinscher, have been around longer than the larger dogs that resemble them. The Chihuahua isn’t a scaled-down version of anything. It’s a true Toy breed: a breed created for the sole purpose of being companions to people. The following sections give you more details on this breed (for more, head to Chapters 2 and 3).

What’s terrific about Toys

What do all the Toy breeds have in common? They’re living proof that great things really do come in small packages. Here’s the upside of a Toy dog:

Toy dogs are small. They fit anywhere — sometimes even in your pocket — and can get enough exercise in a small apartment.

Toy dogs are cuddly and love human attention. They form extremely strong bonds with their people, and many are content to warm a lap for hours.

Toy dogs are portable. They’re ideal for people who travel a lot and like to take their dogs along with them.

Toy dogs love to show off. Most of them enjoy learning new things from upbeat trainers.

Toy dogs often are welcome where larger breeds are not. For example, some condo associations limit the size of pets.

Toys are real dogs. They’re intelligent and affectionate, with bold, fun-loving temperaments. Many of them make alert watchdogs.

In the lingo of the dog fancier, the Chihuahua is considered a naturaldog. That means his coat isn’t trimmed, shaved, stripped, or plucked, and his ears and tail are left the way nature made them — not trimmed or docked (in the style of the Miniature Pinscher, among others). In dog-fancier slang, that makes the Chihuahua a wash-and-wear breed.

Toy breeds on parade

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes more than 150 dog breeds and divides them into 7 groups, depending on the function each breed originally performed. The Chihuahua is a member of the Toy Group — a companion breed to us people. The AKC recognizes the following Toy breeds:

Affenpinscher

Brussels Griffon

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Chihuahua (smooth or long coat)

Chinese Crested (hairless or powderpuff)

English Toy Spaniel

Fox Terrier (Toy)

Havanese

Italian Greyhound

Japanese Chin

Maltese

Manchester Terrier (Toy)

Miniature Pinscher

Papillon

Pekingese

Pomeranian

Poodle (Toy)

Pug

Shih Tzu

Silky Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

According to AKC statistics, the top three most popular Toy breeds in 2006 were the Yorkshire Terrier, the Shih Tzu, and the Chihuahua. Toy Poodles also are popular, but knowing where they rank is impossible because all three varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy) are counted as one.

Potential problems with portable pets

Toy dogs need careful owners. Depending on your nature, that’s one potential downside of owning a Chihuahua. Although most Chis think they’re tough, they’re more vulnerable to injury (especially being stepped on or tripped over) than larger dogs. Here are some other concerns:

When Toy dog owners overdo carrying and cuddling and skimp on the training, their pets become spoiled. And that turns them into tiny tyrants or nervous wimps.

Toy breeds are social creatures. Developing that typical Toy spirit means they need plenty of social interactions with a variety of people from puppyhood on.

Toy dogs that are neglected during puppyhood, or that come from inferior stock, may suffer myriad physical and/or mental problems at maturity.

Some people dislike Toy dogs and may make rude remarks about your Chi when you walk him. If you answer at all, smile and say something like, “Shhh. He thinks he’s a tiger.”

Toy dogs are real dogs. Like every other breed, they need training and guidance. In other words, if you don’t train your Chi, your Chi will train you.

Digging up the Mexican connection

Chihuahuas are lap warmers, and their purpose is companionship. But in tougher times — before people owned pets for pure pleasure — every creature had to have a function. “Just for fun” didn’t cut it. Historians are still uncertain about the precise origins and uses of the earliest Chihuahuas, but legends about their beginnings abound — a combination of fact and fantasy that makes the dog world’s littlest breed one of its biggest mysteries.

Relics from ancient Mexico include sculptures of small dogs that archeologists discovered while studying the remains of the Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec cultures. Although some of the statues (you can see them at the National Museum in Mexico City) don’t look much like modern Chihuahuas, and little is known about the Mayans, some relics from the Toltecs have aroused researchers’ attention.

The Toltec Indians lived in Mexico during the ninth century, and possibly even earlier. They had a dog called the Techichi, which some historians believe is the ancestor of today’s Chihuahua. Stone carvings of these dogs exist at the Monastery of Huejotzingo (on the highway between Mexico City and Puebla), and they look much more like the modern Chihuahua than the statues that are believed to be Mayan.

Making a Match with a Chihuahua

All the Toy breeds make exceptional companions, but they aren’t interchangeable. The 21 breeds come in a variety of shapes, coat types, and colors, and their temperaments and activity levels vary from lazy and laid back to extremely active and irritable. (Oops! I don’t know any breed that I’d characterize as “irritable.” Some individual dogs of any breed may be irritable, but definitely not the entire breed.) Is the Chihuahua the right breed choice for you? Here’s a synopsis of what a Chi can and can’t bring to a relationship. (And for more on the Chihuahua look and disposition, see Chapters 2 and 3.)

Pepe is the perfect pet — for some people. Because he thrives on togetherness, a Chihuahua is the ideal dog for someone who’s home a lot and spends some time sitting. That’s because Chis love to sit beside you, or better yet, on your lap. If you work from a home office, or if some of your favorite things are watching television, reading, or surfing the net, your dog will be in puppy paradise. He’s also an excellent family dog, provided the children are gentle and older than 7. But if you’re on the go all the time and can’t make space in your schedule to accommodate an accomplished lap warmer, this isn’t the breed for you.

Pepe tires easily. He enjoys a brisk walk around the block when the weather is nice, but if you want a jogging or hiking companion, check out some of the larger breeds. No, a Chihuahua isn’t wimpy when it comes to walking. He just gets tired because he takes several strides to keep up with just one of yours.

Pepe is an alert watchdog with a bark much bigger than he is. But he isn’t a guard dog or an attack dog, no matter what he thinks.

Pepe is loyal and loving. He believes in family first and is vigilant and discriminating when you have visitors. Your friends may become his friends after he gets to know them.

Pepe is easy to groom whether he’s a smooth or a long coat. If you’re looking forward to fussing with hair, many other Toys have thicker, longer coats.

Pepe is a housedog. He can’t tolerate cold or rainy weather, garages, or drafty basements.

Pepe is super short. That means you, your family, and your guests must watch where you walk. Don’t worry. It becomes second nature in a day or two. But when you or your children have friends over, you must remind them to be careful.

Pepe plays games with you (you can find some in Chapter 8). He may learn to fetch a ball or chase a small Frisbee, but he won’t be able to handle any rough stuff. If you want a tough dog that plays hard, get a larger pet.

Pepe probably is a good traveler. Most Chihuahuas adapt well to the open road and love to watch the world go by from the passenger’s seat (especially when a passenger is in the seat). Of course, a crate (see Chapter 5) is safer.

Pepe must be taught manners, the same as any other dog. Little and cute loses its charm real fast when your Chi develops bad habits.

Pepe is a natural born showoff with a good memory. After he learns a trick or two, he’ll be proud to perform for your friends (if he’s familiar with them).

Pepe is sensitive. He tries to comfort you when you’re sad and dances for joy when you’re happy. He won’t feel secure in a house full of friction.

Pepe is delicate. He needs your protection from bigger dogs, even if he doesn’t think so. And not just when he’s on the ground. Big dogs have been known to snatch tiny ones right out of their owners’ arms (yes, that’s rare, but I thought I should warn you).

Do you tend to get physical when you’re angry? If so, it’s best not to have any pet, especially not a Chihuahua. The first hot-tempered blow a Chihuahua receives will probably be his last.

Pepe is intelligent and highly trainable. In fact, he’s capable of becoming competitive in active events like agility and obedience (see Chapter 12). But don’t expect miracles. He’ll prefer indoor activities to performing on damp grass.

Loyal, intelligent, trainable, portable, and incredibly cute to boot! If all those endearing Chihuahua charms have you captivated, you have plenty of company. In 2006, 22,562 new Chihuahuas were registered with the American Kennel Club. That ranked the breed 11th among the 155 AKC breeds. And in 14 major cities, Chihuahuas placed in the top 10. The little guys are big on popularity!

Chapter 2

What’s Behind That Unique Chihuahua Look?

In This Chapter

Picturing the perfect Chihuahua

Examining heads, tails, and other body parts

Keeping perspective — nobody’s perfect!

Plenty of little dogs have compact bodies and expressive eyes (like the Toy breeds; see Chapter 3), so what makes a Chihuahua unmistakably a Chihuahua? Details. A whole bunch of details combine to create a dog that looks and acts like a Chihuahua and nothing but a Chihuahua. This chapter focuses on appearances and gives you the official (honest!) description of Chihuahua perfection.

Look for Yourself: The Classic Chihuahua

You may already have a mental picture of a Chihuahua from watching the old television ads that show Gidget, the Taco Bell dog (see Figure 2-1), mouth his polite request for a little grub. Of course, I should have said her request because Gidget is, after all, a gal dog playing a guy, but that’s neither here nor there.

Next to its diminutive size, the Chihuahua’s most recognizable feature is its apple-domed head, which you can plainly see in Manchita in Figure 2-2. Attached to Manchita’s signature head are big eyes, brimming with intelligence and an inquiring gaze (Gidget’s gaze is intense), and erect ears, a bit bigger than you may expect, that add to her aspect of alertness. On top of many Chihuahua heads, practically invisible but easily discernable through touch, is the molera — a soft spot similar to the one found on newborn babies. The molera is also called the fontanel.

Figure 2-1: The head of the best-known Chihuahua on television.

Photo courtesy of Taco Bell Corp.

A Chihuahua’s body is surprisingly sturdy. Although Manchita’s feet are dainty, her legs are muscular and swift. Her back is level, she’s a little longer than she is tall, and she carries her tail confidently — either in a semicircle or in a loop over her back.

Figure 2-2: Manchita presents the classic Chihuahua look: apple-shaped head, prominent leg muscles, level back, and confident tail.

The apple-shaped head and a few other features pretty much describe a Chihuahua’s distinctive appearance, but building a complete little superdog takes much more anatomy. Although knowing the details is important to successfully showing your Chihuahua (see Chapter 12), you don’t need to know the finer points to love and enjoy your pet. So, if you want details, stick with me. But if anatomy isn’t your thing, you can skip the following section.

Striving for the Picture-Perfect Chihuahua

Believe it or not, a blueprint exists for building a picture-perfect Chihuahua (and every other AKC registered breed). The blueprint is called the Official Standard for the Chihuahua. Of course, no dog is perfect (just as no person — not even a Miss America — is perfect), so no matter how charming a Chihuahua appears, the knowledgeable eyes of a good breeder or dog show judge always find room for improvement. Even the best breeders always have something to strive for.

Breed standards are serious stuff. Selecting breeding partners with the standard in mind is how breeders produce generation after generation of dogs that look and act like Chihuahuas. The best breeders try to produce dogs that come as close to matching the standard as possible, and dog-show judges select winners by comparing how closely each competitor matches its breed standard. (Head to Chapter 12 for more info on dog competitions.)

In Figure 2-3, you see dog lingo describing the external features of the Chihuahua. This is a handy diagram to refer to as you cruise through the details in the following sections. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to speak the language of dog people — breeders, show exhibitors, and judges.

Just like schools, Chihuahuas have a parent group

Every breed of dog that the American Kennel Club recognizes is backed by a national organization known as a parent club. Parent clubs educate owners and breeders and create the standards of excellence for their breeds. Respected breeders within the parent club write standards that the club membership must approve. The standards are created for the long term, and they seldom change. The parent club for the Chihuahua is the Chihuahua Club of America (CCA).

What can reading the Chihuahua standard do for you? It helps you develop an eye for an excellent specimen and understand what makes the breed unique. The only problem: The standard is hard to follow because it was written as a guide for judges and breeders, who already understand dog lingo. Not to worry: Throughout the rest of this chapter, I translate the official talk into plain English.

Figure 2-3: All the parts of the Chihuahua.

General appearance and demeanor

The Chihuahua is a graceful, alert, swift-moving, and compact little dog with a saucy expression and terrier-like qualities of temperament.

A Chi is compact, feels solid in your hands, and appears well proportioned. She isn’t long of body or lanky or too tall. Like a terrier, she’s confident, animated, spirited, curious, and interested in everything happening around her.

Size and proportion

A Chihuahua is a well-balanced little dog, weighing not more than 6 pounds (to qualify for the show ring). Her body is off-square, to quote the official standard — she should be slightly longer when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks than she is tall at the withers, or