chihuahua

[evie_smith]

Any chihuahua owners out there? I'm after a small dog with big personality. Could you let me know the ins and outs and average price - how to find a good breeder and general care thanks

Evelyn x

 

[LouiseB]

I don't have a chihuahua, but i take finding decent breeders and dog care in general very seriously

Are you just trying to pick the smallest breed because you don't have much room or something or do you love chihuahuas?

They're not very compatible with children because they are so small and frail and kids can be a bit clumsy.

For a decent chihuahua you are looking at upwards of £750. If you pay any less you'll probably more than make it up in vets fees.

A good breeder will be KC registered, have at a 5 generation pedigree, not rehome the puppy until 12 weeks (because it's a small breed), have breeding restrictions on the puppies, offer life time support, have the dam and sire tested for knee and heart issues and even have the puppies fully vaccinated too at that age.

If you was after a more rugged and robust breed, i'd go for something more like a smooth haired parson russel terrier - like a jack russel but without the stubby legs. Cheaper to buy too

As with all small breeds they can be snappy, so you must take your kids along to see both parents before you even consider a puppy. If the parents are all lovely and wriggly and friendly, the puppies very likely will be.

If the parents aren't comfortable with the kids then the pups won't be, even if raised around them, so walk away.

 

[Lacey's Mummy]

Toon has those dogs! (I can't spell it so not even gonna try lol)

 

[evie_smith]

I've got a big house just want one. It's not the "small" dog thing I don't want a terrior as they are very snappy with young children. The only reason I really want a chihuahua is because I have always wanted one I plan to make him/her many little dens to play in so if it wants time away from the kids it can and my kids are quite good if I say no they will generally do that. The only reason I asked about price was some are going quite cheap ie 450 but say they have a puppy pack and are not kc but some are extortionate and are £1800 I have found which to me a little bit pricey!! Lol!! I already plan to take the kids with me and I want a full history of both parents temperaments ect .. Is there any common medical conditions found in chihuahua's?

I know first thing I need to do is doggy proof the back garden ie cover the hole in the fence haha!! My back garden is huge as well so hopefully he/she will enjoy that and also plenty of walks

Any other advice?


And toooooooon where are you!!!!!

 

[Toonlass]

Hiya chick!

I have 2 chihuahua's and I'm currently on the look out for another one

Price- £450 to £1900 I think kc papers aren't worth the sheet they are printed on TBH, the kennel club takes the breeders word for it and it could easily be fiddled. KC papers get sold illegally so people can charge more for in registered dogs iykwim.

Temperament- very energetic, don't let their small size fool you, they need plenty of exercise and stimulation as any other breed. Quite difficult to house break. They chew stuff too, not furniture or anything but things like dummies and small toys lol. They NEED alot of cuddles and love, very clingy. My 2 never bother the kids and the kids don't bother the dogs but I bought Tia when Jacob had just turned 1 and Lucas was tiny so they all know no different. They have never once snapped at anyone, and they aren't yappy at all (Except when they get looked in a room by accident lol )

Health- it's a common problem in chihuahua's that there baby teeth don't fall out and the adult teeth grow in all crooked because of it. Both mine have this problem and have to have a little op to fix it . Chihuahua's have a soft spot on their skull that never closes (like a fontanel) thus makes them a bit fragile. I took rocco to work once and one of the lasses dropped him and he ended up a bit bashed up like. He is very tiny (2.5lbs) so you have to careful not to stand or sit on him lol.

I'll upload a pic in 2 secs. Any questions just give me a shout xx

 

[Toonlass]

Tia is chocolate and tan and rocco is black. You can see from the pic of them together that there is a size difference. Rocco really is very tiny. Tia weighs 5.5lbs and rocco just under 2.5 bless him xx

 

[cosmicgirl]

This is my baby girl, Princess Tinkerbell. She was £1600 and is fab with the kids. She amazing, chihuahuas are fab xx

 

[cosmicgirl]

With my lo xx

 

[xxbeckyxx]

Aww they are gorgeous

I can also highly recommend Lhasa Apsos, we have always owned/bred them in our family and they are lovely little dogs. You can keep them clipped if you haven't got time to brush the hair regularly

 

[Sparkle24]

I 2nd the apso, i have one and she is amazing and has a very good personality, very good with children and other animals. I always keep her clipped. If you do need help finding a good breeder i have two lots of friends who show and are members of the kc and i could find out breeders of the breed you decide on

 

[evie_smith]

Def want a chihuahua they are beautiful and my husband is really happy with my choice too

 

[inky]

Have you ever thought about rehoming a dog? I don't have anything against breeders personally, but I would never buy a dog from one. Dogs are family members, not commodities, and there are literally thousands desperate for someone to love them and give them a lovely home. All of my dogs have been rehomed and I've never had any problems at all, behavioural or otherwise, and I know the money I give as a donation in return is going to a wonderful cause.

Don't mean to offend anyone btw

 

[evie_smith]

I have a very proud moment now

We just looked round and called 3 other dog homes it's are first port of call otherwise I would like a breeder as it is a specific dog I'm after by we are trying dog homes for 6 months first on the fact that we want to give a dog a home and a second chance

 

[inky]

That's great Evie . Doggies need more people like you! X

 

[Cazza]

I adore Chihuahua's and would love to own one some day.......when I haven't got 9 other huge hairy beasts!!

I have a friend who breeds and shows them too so I get my fix then and I have several at the dog training classes I run.

They really do have HUGE personalities!!

Please do look carefully at breeders as there are so many health issues out there with people indescriminatly breeding them. Luxating patella's (kneecaps slipping), open fontanellas (Chi's have two plates in their skull which don't always close up and are sometimes left with a soft area between their ears) eye problems too especially if they are too prominent.

As a Kennel Club Accredited breeder myself (who's dog are first and foremost family )I would strongly suggest you look at the KC's website to find a breeder in your area that does the full range of health tests. Even if you have no ambition to show/breed it's imperative that you get a healthy, well reared and socialised pup. The back up of a good breeder is worth it's weight in gold too!

As for rehoming a Chi - have a look at the British Chihuahua Club site as they have a breed rescue which rehomes unwanted Chi's. Rescue Co-ordinators sometimes know of a breeder who may have a pup/youngster/adult returned to them through no fault of the dog and may look to rehome it.

http://www.the-british-chihuahua-club.org.uk/Rescue/Object.php

As for terriers being snappy.........I was brought up in a house surrounded by working Jack Russells (ratters) they were never snappy!!! It's all about the way they are raised!!!

HTH

 

[midnight]

hi hun my friend is a dog trainer and also owner of 3 chihauhau's and i asked her last night what is your best options and how likely is it that 1 will come into rescue as she also rescues and she said tbh they dont go into rescue often as people dont tend to have behaviour problems ect from them plus if the owner wanted to get rid they know they can get big money for them so the chances of 1 coming into a local rescue are pretty slim hth

 

[evie_smith]

Ahh pooh!! I will have to look at that link above (and thank you too ) my daughter every say when she gets u asks for a chihuahua now lol!!

 

[inky]

If the usual rehoming places don't have anything you're interested then there's always places like this:

http://www.the-british-chihuahua-club.org.uk/Rescue/InterestAdopt.php

edit: I see Cazza has already posted a link to these guys Hope they can help!

 

[evie_smith]

I've had a look but it's a case if writing in and waiting that could take forever x

 

[inky]

it's worth waiting for the right dog!