Thinking about getting A Dog, a Chihuahua to be exact

[christina_ski]

I have been doing some research on these guys but thought people who actually have them could provide a little more insight. I have never had a dog but always wanted one. I have just had every other kind of pet. I want a dog that can stay in the house and can go to shows and be around people. Jamie did have an austrailian shepard, But he chased so the horses and cats around here to he had to go.

I think a chihuahua would be a good first time dog, someone told me they are more like cats then dogs and I have alot of experience with cats so it works out lol. I just want some info like are they good with cats and traveling? Has anyone who has one ever taken it to a show? What was your experience with that? Do they make good first time dogs? I would like to get a puppy and train it basic obidence while it is young and expose to shows and horses and our cats. My friend has had dogs her whole life (till now) And can help alot with its care.

Any tips you have I will glady listen!

Thanks!

 

[Buckskin gal]

Too bad you don't live closer for I know of two that need a home. Our son and DIL bought two some time back ...the little male was impossible to housetrain...had been told they were difficult to housetrain but ignorede the advice. The little female isn't so bad and shows some intelligence but the litle guy is strange. Personally I would choose a different breed for a pet but then you may be lucky to find one that is trainable.

I have been doing some research on these guys but thought people who actually have them could provide a little more insight. I have never had a dog but always wanted one. I have just had every other kind of pet. I want a dog that can stay in the house and can go to shows and be around people. Jamie did have an austrailian shepard, But he chased so the horses and cats around here to he had to go.

I think a chihuahua would be a good first time dog, someone told me they are more like cats then dogs and I have alot of experience with cats so it works out lol. I just want some info like are they good with cats and traveling? Has anyone who has one ever taken it to a show? What was your experience with that? Do they make good first time dogs? I would like to get a puppy and train it basic obidence while it is young and expose to shows and horses and our cats. My friend has had dogs her whole life (till now) And can help alot with its care.

Any tips you have I will glady listen!

Thanks!

 

[mininik]

I think a chihuahua would be a good first time dog, someone told me they are more like cats then dogs and I have alot of experience with cats so it works out lol. I just want some info like are they good with cats and traveling? Has anyone who has one ever taken it to a show? What was your experience with that? Do they make good first time dogs? I would like to get a puppy and train it basic obidence while it is young and expose to shows and horses and our cats. My friend has had dogs her whole life (till now) And can help alot with its care.

Check out http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/

The key to raising any pup is what you mentioned above: daily socialization, training, exercise and play. It's also very important that you get your puppy from a responsible breeder as Chihuahuas are prone to some serious health concerns. Rescue is another option, but keep in mind that you'll likely end up with a dog with some baggage. That said, I know many people who travel with their small dogs (Chihuahuas included) and they do just fine. Of course you do have to take the weather into consideration (both heat and cold) due to a Chi's thin skin and shorter coat. Keeping these small dogs safe is also important when there are other animals, and people (especially children) around.

ETA: I think many people have issues potty training small breeds because they don't keep in mind how small the dogs are in comparison to their homes as well as how small the dogs' bladders are.

 

[DrivinTime]

Hi!

We have a chihuahua, he's a bit bigger than the standard (11 pounds) and he's an absolute doll. He thinks he's a greyhound, and spends his days wrestling and playing chase with my schipperke. So he's no wimp, but he does like a good snuggle in my lap, or a good scritch. Here's some things I would want to pass along to a potential chichi owner, based on our experience with little Marlowe:

- he flies around the house and yard, jumps on and off of couches, and will climb up on tables if a chair is left handy.

- his legs are pretty delicate, and he's hurt a shoulder a couple times, but a few days of pain reliever and he's good as new. (important not to leave him alone with small children for this reason)

- potty training has been an issue, partly because he's so little (and it's COLD outside) and partly because he really doesn't want to put you to any trouble... I finally had to get a bit Firm with ours, and lecture him when I found him leaving the scene of a "crime" - and he's been much better since.

- mostly, you don't need to scold him, he'll come running if you call his name. Unless, of course, he hears the word "bath" or he sees you carrying his coat (he hates wearing clothes). then he cringes and creeps away until you come get him.

- firmness in training is essential, otherwise he'll decide you don't really mean what you say. trust me on this one... no need to yell, but if you ask him to do something, make sure he does it!

- we do have fleece pajamas and coats for outside on cold days, because they do get cold easily.

- he loves little stuffed toys, but still (at nearly 3 years of age) shreds any stuffed toy that comes his way.

- still steals my gloves and dirty underwear, too, if I leave it lying around...

- he loves walks, we use a harness - to avoid injury to his neck/trachea - and a 30-foot long lead. he keeps up with the schipperke and the shiba pretty well, believe it or not.

We love our chichi (never thought I'd like them until I met Marlowe) and wouldn't trade him for anything!

Sorry this is long...

 

[Ashley]

I only have experiance with one. Hated him he was very aggressive towards people(well except my sister) and would bite alot. NOt my kind of dog.

That said any dog is going to chase cats, they have to be trained. I have 4 dogs. Theres only one that has never bothered a cat a day in her life, thats my cocker. The other 3 are all bad. The puppy is learning well but the other two I am training are older dogs so I suspect it will take me a bit longer to get them to learn its not allowed.

 

[hrselady]

My neice has one that we all love, but if you are not family or she thinks you are some sort of threat, she gets you. She waits until you are leaving, runs up behind you and bites the back of your leg. She was raised by my niece and grandfather, socialized alot (neice took her EVERYWHERE, still does). She doesnt get along with other dogs, not even the one she grew up with. She's never offered to bite a child (but they dont chance it). She's 5 now and just getting house trained, they have worked with her forever (with a crate and a schedule). Thats just my experience.. not all dogs are the same!!!

Mendy

 

[anoki]

I think the biggest problem with Chihuahuas is people don't treat them as dogs! They treat them as accessories....and well, they just don't think they need to be trained like a 'normal' dog.

I have met some at dog shows (as well as other places) that were really, really nice, but there are just as many that are the exact opposite

~kathryn

 

[Tracy CCF]

I have a chihuaha and he literally goes everywhere with me when I am not at work. During the day when I work, he goes to the babysitter, just like a child. He is there with two toy poodles, and actually looks forward to going everymorning Monday through Friday. 3

I have never in my 39 years have ever had a dog that was better housetrained as far as that goes. All my dogs before , at some point, would make a mistake (or two). This dog, and he is three years old has never , ever made a mistake in the house since he was a few months old.

Although I think of this dog like a child, I will say, ( and I have had 4 different chi's in my lifetime) he does not like certain people. If he chooses not to like you, he will not tolerate you reaching for him. I have to be careful,a s he goes to all the horse shows, every event in my life, and literally sits in the truck when I am at the grocery ( which presently is running up my diesal bill). I would say all of my chihuahas have had a different disposition. Love who they love, but can dislike others.

Anyone around me knows to keep their hands to theirselves, or Stanley Eugene will take care of any stray hands.

If I had to choose again, would I choose a Chi, yes I would.

 

[mininik]

That's exactly it, Kathryn. People may take little dogs everywhere, but many owners constantly pick them up and clutch them, cooing and laughing at and reinforcing behaviors that would be downright dangerous if exhibited by a bigger dog. These dogs grow up with only affection, no set rules or boundaries, don't have to work for anything and become incredibly unbalanced. Small dogs often get the run of the house and are allowed to have accidents because they are small and messes are easy to pick up or ignore. A small dog barking is also easier to ignore (usually until it's been allowed to become a habit). Most small dogs don't begin get enough daily exercise or training because "playing in the house or yard is all they need." In this way many small dogs are brought up to be obnoxious; biting, barking, tearing stuff up and eliminating in the house with the owners passing it off as their "personality." Certainly, while breeds do tend towards having certain traits, many owners simply allow these traits to be taken to extremes...

 

[StarRidgeAcres]

Hi Christina,

We have 4 chis and they are our favorite breed!

Two were purchased from a breeder, two are rescues. IMO, they are great dogs for adults, but not for homes with little children. They are too fragile to be handled by children and they are too tempermental to be trusted with children. They are very energetic, really love their humans and can be great companions. They can also be very over-protective of their humans. Ours bark like crazy when the doorbell rings are when they hear an unfamiliar voice. One of ours goes to all the shows with us. When she's away from her territory, she's not as protective, but we still keep eye on her either way. As far as potting training, we haven't had any reall issues. They all make mistakes from time to time, but it's generally because we haven't let them out as quickly as we should when the "ask" to go.

They can be prone to certain health issues - broken bones due to their size and they like to rough-house and jump, joint problems, an cataracts. We have one that we rescued that can't walk. We have to carry her everywhere, but she doesn't seem to mind and gets along just fine without using her legs!!

 

[christina_ski]

With this guy I definately plan on crate training. And setting the rules down firm as a pup. I have seen too many dogs allowed to get away with stuff as puppies because they are puppies, and then people to get frustrated when they do the same as adults, and wind up getting rid of the dog. I know they are sensitive to the weather, I have read that alot and have no problem with that, he can stay in the air conditioning when its hot and wear sweaters and what not when its cold. I had planned on getting a harness, I didn't think a small dog would handle a collor being pulled on very well at all (kinda like a cat, you cannot have any pressure on that collor or they have problems) And no small children are in our house so that would be a plus for the dog. Just some cats but they are very good with dogs. Our farrier has a chihuahua and she brought him down, and our cat Taz was wanting to play with him and I guess he had never seen a cat act that way so he ran away and hid lol.

I have found a breeder a few hours away that my friends knows. She has been breeding, raising, and showing Chihuahua's for a long time. She also rescues Chihuahua's in her area. She is very nice and looks for good homes for her dogs, Not just top $$$ when looking for homes. This dog will be spoiled rotten when it comes to being loved and toys and etc. But he will be treated like an actually dog (not an accesory)

Thanks for all the help!

 

[midnight star stables]

We just resently got a chihuahua puppy and I must say I love him.

As it is winter here he has not seen the horses, but I would fear that he would bo too small for that in the long run anyways.

We call him Borito

 

[Marnie]

We have 3 Chihuahua's and love them all very much. One is a licker, loves everyone, lives to eat and be loved on, that's Cookie. One is kinda crabby but is mellowing out with age, that's Tia and Fonzy, the male, is just plain strange. He is so shy, if I didn't know better, I'd swear he was beat every day of his life and I know he has never been hit or abused in any way. Strange little guy is totally loved anyway. If you want to see them, they are on my Critters and More page of my website. We were going to raise them yrs ago but hated the puppy selling part so changed our minds but loved them so much so just kept them here but we figure, with those 3 and our little Maggie, well, if you roll them all up together you only have half a dog so it's really not like having 4 house dogs. But my point is that they all have such different personalities that a person wouldn't even believe they are all the same breed.

 

[Suzie]

We got Tinker (my avatar) for my son when he was young. She weighed less than 10 ounces. My husband carried her in his shirt pocket in an old sock to keep her warm. Thankfully, I worked at home and could give her a lot of care. She stayed in a box at my feet forever it seemed. We got her one of those TY toys to sleep with and it was bigger than her for a long while. Tinker bonded with my husband, she never really cared for me or my son. I could care for her all day long and the minute my husband came through the door, I was chopped liver. She would bite me if he was holding her and I came near him and I have the scars to prove it.....We did not go on vacation for years because if we left her she would not eat and she was not a dog that liked to travel.

But....she was the apple of our eyes. We cared for her like a baby and she never considered herself a dog. She was extremely intelligent and acted more like a person than a dog anyway. She hated taking a bath and even learned that B-A-T-H meant trouble and would hide under the bed. I could ask her if she wanted to take a nap, and she would beat me to the bedroom....LOL!

When she passed we all cried like it was our child that we lost. I will never have another one, I don't have the time or energy to devote to one. We have a lab/golden retriever mix that is a real dog and goes with us everywhere. He can stay outside all night or come inside. Tinker was never alone for one minute outisde. We were always afraid a hawk would mistake her for a rabbit...

They can be the ultimate pet but they are a lot of trouble if you have time to invest, it is worth it. Obviously for all her trouble, we adored her and I still miss her.

 

[Kendra]

I've had my chihuahua, Timmy, for a little over a year. He's 3 pounds, and a total sweetheart! He has never, ever offered to bite anyone, he does think he's a guard dog at home, barks and growls when someone comes to the door, but as soon as a new person holds him he figures they're okay.

He does go everywhere with me, other than work, he has a Sherpa bag he rides in which he loves (don't worry, my similarities to Paris Hilton end there! LOL!). Timmy goes lots of places where dogs aren't allowed, restaurants, movie theaters, grocery stores, but he's quiet and no one ever notices him.

He's paper trained, and generally very good (there's no way he can go outside to pee, he can't go down stairs on his own, and for much of the year it's too cold for him outside. He does still have his boy bits (has some health concerns that have put off neutering him) so he will pee on the floor anywhere there are other dogs, or have been other dogs. He's very smart, sits, downs and spins, gets in his bag when told to and has even learned to pull the string on one of his toys to make it wiggle.

Timmy is a vetran of a number of horse shows (trade fairs, conferences, meetings, Aggie Days), but it wouldn't work so well if there wasn't so many great people willing to "Timmy-sit" for a while when we're all busy. He enjoys visiting with everyone else, and would hate to be left home, but "Mr. Co-Dependant" doesn't like it when I'm busy showing and ignore him. He's determined that it's the horses fault, and has quite the feud going with Hawk!

I absolutely think they're a great dog! The breeder I got Timmy from has nothing but sweet, well socialized chihuahuas like him. I guess there are nasty one's out there, when I'm out and about with Timmy, nearly every single person that visits with him makes some comment about how nice he is, and more often than not people are afraid to pet him for fear of getting bit. At our little fair this past fall there was a chihuahua who was snarking at his owner, she was afraid to pick him up. I can't imagine letting a dog turn into that.

 

[Just Us N Texas]

I have had at least one chi all my adult life. I love them, and think they are great little dogs. That said, I always tell people that it takes a certain kind of person to really love them. They are a lot more trouble in that you worry about them constantly. Watch out for kids, other dogs, large birds, and etc. They have a very small brain, but that little brain is full of love for his person/family. I just realized the other day that my current chi is 9 years old. Almost made me cry, for I doubt that Brandy will be with me for many more years. She is a long hair, absolutely beautiful, and quirky. She is one of those that doesn't like strangers, won't eat well when left alone, and if she goes to the door and you don't notice, it's okay, won't bother you with a bark or whine, I'll just go over in the corner and find my place, kind of dog. She loves to travel, is well behaved out in public, but just don't invade my space or hers. I have had several, and most of them have all had different dispositions, but still love me. And I have loved every one of them.

 

[PaintedPromiseRanch]

Christina i got a long-haired chi last May and i love her to pieces! she now thinks she is a "big dog" as we have 9 others, Darci is 5 pounds and they go on up like stair-steps to a Great Dane who is well over 100 pounds. Darci gets along with all of them and the big dogs are very careful with her, it's hilarious to watch her play with them because they are so cautious, she beats them up LOL

as for housebreaking we had no trouble at all, we started her out in her crate/playpen with potty pads and watched carefully, she seemed to pick a couple of spots around the house that she liked to use, we put the potty pads there and she uses them. she was the EASIEST dog i have ever potty-trained in my life and we have had tons, of all kinds...

as stated i would not recommend a chi for a home with small children, they are delicate and easily injured. that said she did come through a min incident with no residuals, we have been working on having her stay outside the fence when i go in a horse pen and getting "trampled" really made her pay attention to where the horses and the fences are! i put quotes around trampled because i don't think she actually got stepped on, just hit with a hoof as the horse ran right over top of her... but it sure taught her to pay attention and LISTEN TO MOMMY!

do i baby her? absolutely. but i also don't take any disobedience from her and she knows it.

it cracks me up to see her protect me - the neighbor will come out his back door and she puts herself between me and him and starts growling... first of all he could care less about me as he is just taking out his trash, and second it's not like she could stop him anyway... but it is too cute how she watches over me.

she is jealous though, of attention paid to any of the other dogs. and if she feels i am not giving her enough attention she lets me know - i spend most of my computer time at home typing on the keyboard around a chi in my lap

if i could have a dozen just like her, i wouldn't hesitate!

 

[StellaLenoir]

My chi, Peanut, is my first ever dog that I got as a grown up. I was just out on my own, job bills ect. I purchased her from a pet store

which I would never do again, but it was love at first sight.

She was my most expensive purchase ever at the time.

She was so cute!!!! She would run and her back legs would lift off the floor because her head was so big. She is boss of the other dogs, biggies included. She has helped raise at least 25 pups of diff breeds that we have found or had through rescue. She shows them who is in comand and can take down my BIG mix Drew (85+ solid muscle) and pin him if he is naughty. She defends all my kids, and will sleep with whoever is the baby. She is the best!!!!!

 

[outlawridge]

I had been a big dog person my whole life. My parents raised harlequin great danes on a very small scale, before I was school age so I was raised literally with them

Had Dobermans for years, St. Bernard, rough Collie, etc and LOVED every single one of them. When my beloved Seth died at 14 (92 pounds of muscle red Doberman) it took a very very long time for me to be able to get another dog, but my life is not complete without them. Volunteered at our local shelter alot and my studio did their educational videos etc. Cleaned alot of cages and helped rehabilitate rescues including foster care, and all seemed to always be large dogs. That spot was still, and still is, reserved for Seth.

One day I saw a tiny, scrawny 4 month old Chi mix. His barely heard whimper to me broke my heart, and my resolve. He came home with me and is the most loving and easiest to train dog I have ever had. I have never done anything in reprimand but my voice. That is all he needs, and he is very smart. Jimmy Jam is 16 pounds. His other half is some type of terrier that only his parents know for sure. Even though he is bigger than a purebred Chi, I worry about him no less. He is different then any dog I have had so I researched Chis a bit and found what I love about him most are actually Chi characteristics. His is extremely loyal and devoted to me but also loves my husband. He and our Rat Terrier are a great pair. Bea is a bigger Rat at 26 pounds.

Jims will stand up to the largest dog and go after them if loose so he is always leashed. Chis don't realize how small they are. They also can be clannish, prefering their own kind, and I have seen this in Jims. He adores everyone on two legs and even though Bea growls and barks like crazy when someone comes to the door, there's Jims wagging his tail and assuming a submissive pose. He also loves little children (which we don't have). I do not take him loose by the horses, not even our three wee dwarfs as I don't want him to be hurt. He was the easiest dog I ever had to housebreak and he goes outside. Jimmy Jam and I have shared 10 years together and I hope for many more.

One thing you need to be aware of is that these guys love to be snuggy warm and if you leave clothes or a blanket or anything on the floor, they will curl up in it or under it. PLEASE be careful. I have almost stepped on Jims twice because I didn't see him right away and he never moved. A breeder told me about her friend that didn't notice her purebred Chi on some laundry she was sorting and she stepped back and crushed him.

I cannot imagine her horror and pain once she realized she had done this. Even though this is painful to hear, I am glad I was told because now I always look and have told my husband to as well. Several times I have found him in the dirty laundry I was getting ready to do and he never moved.

Our pastor has a purebred Chi that I absolutely love. She makes the rounds like a wild and crazy fly, jumping from lap to lap and bringing her toys, expecting snaks etc, during our weekly Bible study. I would take that little girl in a heartbeat if they would ever part with her! I have met other Chis who are very timid as well.

Good luck with your search. Interact with several before you decide, and you will know. Please keep us posted on what you decide.

 

[minisch]

I love all dogs and have 1 chi that I rescued, but they would not be my breed of choice. I'd do a little bit more homework before you buy. Have you researched Shih Tzu's (my personal favorite)