CHIHUAHUAS

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a "Tea-Cup" or "Pocket" size Chihuahua?
2. Will a Chihuahua get along with other dogs?
3. Do young children and Chihuahuas mix well?
4. Are Chihuahuas very active?
5. Can my Chihuahua sleep outside?
6. How much does it cost to keep a Chihuahua?
7. Can we breed our Chihuahua?
8. How long does a Chihuahua live?
9. What would I have to do to keep a Chihuahua looking nice?
10. Can my Chihuahua sleep on my bed?
11. Why does a Chihuahua sometimes run on three legs?
12. Do Chihuahuas really have soft heads?
13. Will my Chihuahua be a good watchdog?
14. Is it true that Chihuahuas are better suited to older people?
15. Will our Chihuahua be OK if it is left home alone while we are all at work and school?
16. What is the difference between a ‘deer type’ Chihuahua and an ‘apple dome’ Chihuahua?
17. My Dog is a Picky Eater. What can I do?

1. What is a "Tea-Cup" or "Pocket" size Chihuahua?

These are expressions you sometimes hear from people who know no better. They are usually trying to simply say that their Chihuahua is even smaller than the norm. If you hear it from a pet owner, just nod your head and admire their cute little dog. If however you hear it from a supposed breeder, be instantly suspicious. The only classifications given to Chihuahuas are long or smooth, male or female. Any breeder who implies any different, usually has "more money" as a motive for applying this term to their dog. These pups are usually the runts of the litter, and as such are more prone to ill health.

See the story of LeeFlea on our Stories page.

The 'Tea-Cup Chihuahua' Myth
Buyer Beware!

Submitted by Allison Rhodes
Reynosa Chihuahuas

If you are seeking a 'Tea-Cup Chihuahua', search no longer, this creature does not exist!

The Chihuahua is a small breed of dog, which can be any size up to 6 lb according to the written standard and quite often individuals will exceed this amount. They are not recognised as any more than either a Long Coat or Smooth Coat Chihuahua. A 1kg Chihuahua is very small, but will not fit into a tea-cup.

Within the breed there is a great variation of size, just like any other breed of dog and for that matter humans. There are smaller Chihuahuas and larger Chihuahuas, but there are no 'tea-cup Chihuahuas'. Within a litter even, the sizes of individuals when adult can vary considerably from the very small to the very large, so even viewing the parents will not necessarily give an indication of the eventual size of a young pup.

When puppies are 8 weeks old, of course they are very small, but they grow and at 8 weeks, no one can tell you what size they will eventually grow to.

Most photos of 'Tea-Cup Chihuahuas' are very young pups that will actually fit into a tea-cup. They will not stay this size.

Very small Chihuahua pups are possibly that size because of health problems, others though live long healthy lives. It is the ones with health problems that can cause distress to new owners when they either die at a very early age or become a financial burden requiring constant veterinary care. Potential buyers need to be aware of health issues such a hydrocephalus or heart problems.

If you really want a very small Chihuahua, you are best to leave buying one until it is at least 4 months old and then even 6 months is better. At this time it should be clear as to their size and health status.

When buying a Chihuahua, seek out a breeder registered with the governing body in your state. They will be able to refer you to the appropriate club for information and details on breeders with available pups. (See also the Dogz Online Breeder Listing for registered breeders.)

On the whole, yes. Especially with others of their own breed. However, always take great care in the presence of a another dog and introduce them carefully. Remember that your little Chihuahua can be a bit of a bully, and size is no barrier. They will take on a Rottweiler as quickly as a Fox Terrier. Once they know each other, there is usually no problem. Introducing a new Chihuahua to your home where another dog already lives, usually ends with the Chihuahua on top of the heap and lording it over the dog that was there first.

Yes... There is nothing inbred into the Chihuahua that would mean that it has any problem with children. However, more so than other, larger, breeds there can sometimes be a problem with some children getting along with a Chihuahua.

As long as great care is taken to teach young children the correct handling of such a small dog, there shouldn't be any issues. Children need to know that Chihuahuas (and any pet) are living creatures that feel pain, and they simply cannot be treated in the same way a stuffed toy is.

This is like asking if people are very active. It depends entirely on the dog. There was recently some very good advice on an American Chihuahua breeders page (Legend Chihuahuas) that stated that when choosing a puppy, the one that comes running over to you and is in to everything will probably end up a dog that enjoys long walks and chasing balls etc. The quiet little thing in the corner will probably grow up to be happier to curl up on your lap and snooze. This sum it up nicely. All Chihuahuas will want to play at some time, but the average living room, or the smallest of back yards is quite large enough to provide all the exercise they need.

Preferably not! Not only do they feel the cold, but they are a very social breed who crave your company. They are much happier inside with the family than outside in a kennel. Having said that, many breeders will house their Chihuahuas outdoors in a kennel, simply due to the numbers. However, they are intimately aware of their dogs needs. The kennel area should be especially designed for Chihuahuas. For a single dog with a family, the answer must be no. If you feel that a dog should live outside, please choose another breed.

Not a whole lot! In terms of feeding, Chihuahuas don't require the amount of food that larger dogs do. A vaccination once a year will cost between $35 and $45. Worming is only a few dollars and heart worm prevention a few more. On the whole, the Chihuahua will never be a dog that eats into your budget.

Generally speaking, no. More so than almost any other breed, the Chihuahua is not for a novice. The physical problems of trying to get a litter of puppies out of the worlds smallest dog can, and has, filled a book. Caesarean Sections, Uterine Inertia and problems with nutrition leading to eclampsia are common to the point where they must be expected, and when they do happen, you'd better know what to do or you can very easily kill your dog. Don't try it. However, do you have in the back of your mind that you would like to be a breeder? Talk to us. It can be done (obviously) but you must be prepared to do your homework first, and you WILL need the help of an experienced breeder to avoid some not too obvious pitfalls. For a one time pet owner? Absolutely not.

On average, 10 to 13 years. Now all you need to do is find an average Chihuahua! Some Chihuahuas live to 21 years, although this is the exception, not the rule.

A quick brush once a week, if you remember. If you don't it really won't matter. Watch for grass seeds in the long coats and bath both varieties only if they are dirty or smelly. Other than that, once a year when they lose their winter coat is the only time you really must groom them. More important than grooming is to keep their nails clipped. This is easier with the light coloured nails but your breeder can show you how in either case.

Many people do share their beds with their Chihuahua! If you're a child asking, it's really up to your parents. If you're an adult, it's up to you. Just remember, if you don't want your new puppy to sleep with you when it's older, make sure it has a bed of it's own right from the start and don't start any habit you don't want it to keep for the rest of it's life.

A warning must be issued here, however; if you intend to share your bed with such a small pet, you need to be extremely careful. Rolling over onto a Chihuahua could lead to its death.

It's a condition called Patella Luxation, and it's arguably the single most important genetic problem facing Chihuahua breeders today. Unfortunately it's polygenetic in nature.

Polygenetic means that more than one gene controls it and a range is possible. Unlike the simple gene that causes say eye colour, where you either have blue eyes or you don't, things of a polygenetic nature can have a range. The most common example is size where either large or small is possible PLUS a wide range in between.

The other problem in dealing with this fault is that it usually doesn't show itself until the dog is quite a bit older and probably has already had, or produced, puppies. There is at present no DNA test available to breeders to test for its presence and opinion is divided on whether it can be physically detected in a younger dog. This all leads to major hurdles in eliminating the problem. It CAN be done, and the Chihuahua has come a long way, but any breeder who claims to definitely not have it in their kennel, and any breeder who is prepared to guarantee that any given puppy will not have the problem is trying to fool either you, themselves, or both.

To you, as someone interested in maybe buying a Chihuahua, it usually means exactly what the original question asks. The dog occasionally walks on three legs as their knee-cap pops out of place. As the dog gets older it can lead to arthritis and that can cause the dog more pain than the luxating patella itself. In some cases however, it can be more serious, and can lead to expensive surgery.

Believe it or not..Yes. It's called a Molera. You won't find it in all Chihuahuas but it is still quite common. It's basically the dog's fontanel, or soft spot, (the same as a human baby) that doesn't quite close up. A lot of breeders don't consider it a problem, and in the overall scheme of the dog it usually isn't considered life threatening.

None the less, with a permanent hole directly to the brain, some extra care is warranted. It has been exaccerbated by breeders trying for a higher and more defined dome on the head, although it has been a feature of the Chihuahua for 100's of years. It's an relatively easy one to breed out of the breed and a few breeders in Australia are doing just that.

Oh Boy..will he ever! You will never know if your door bell stops working as no-one will get a chance to use it. How long the dog keeps it up is up to you. Don't let your Chihuahua keep barking after the visitor is inside!

Sure!.. They're also better suited to young people...and truck drivers and ballerinas and just about anyone who can love them. There is no one group of people better suited than another.

15. Will our Chihuahua be OK if it is left home alone while we are all at work and school?

This should really be your main consideration when deciding on a Chihuahua. They are a very social animal and will fret badly if denied companionship. To a Chihuahua, being left alone is like solitary confinement to us. It's OK for a little while, but regular, long periods of it will turn your little dog into a destructive, nervy and generally miserable little individual.

Chihuahuas can live happily in just about every environment you can picture. If however, your lifestyle dictates that you must be away during the day for long periods, definitely consider two Chihuahuas. They'll keep each other company and you're less likely to come home to a disaster.

16. What is the difference between a ‘deer type’ Chihuahua and an ‘apple dome’ Chihuahua?

This seems to be question never asked in Australia as we just don't use these expressions. To our American visitors however, we can try to explain. There is only one description in either the American or Australian standard. It quite clearly states an “Apple Domed” head and then goes on to detail various characteristics.

A “Deer Type” is therefore basically a dog whose head does not conform to the standard of the breed. It may well be a lovely dog in it's own right, but it is not a Chihuahua as defined by the AKC standard, and is a dog that no reputable breeder would intentionally breed.

Having said that, there is a definite movement in the USA to intentionally breed this style of Chihuahua in the belief that it represents the original Mexican dog.

ANY dog will become a picky eater if you allow yourself to be trained to respond to his/her pickiness. Dogs are much like children and any parent knows that some children will whinge and whine at some foods. As a parent what do you do? Buy them McDonalds every day because you know they like it or tell them to eat what's put in front of them?

Your dog is no different. If your dog won't eat what is given to them, you have two choices. Take the food away and give it to them later when they are more hungry or take it away and give them something you know they will eat. If you choose the second, your dog has just trained you to provide a different meal if they don't happen to feel like what's on tonight's menu.

The answer is simple.

If your dog won't eat, it's obviously not hungry enough. There is one exception to this thinking. In the case of an extra tiny Chihuahua. Say under 2 lbs. It MAY be the result of a drop in blood sugars. Roll a bit of honey onto the dog's tongue and see if that perks him up and gives him his appetite back. If so, this is something you will need to watch on a regular basis.

CHIHUAHUAS

Frequently Asked Questions:

The 'Tea-Cup Chihuahua' Myth Buyer Beware!

The 'Tea-Cup Chihuahua' Myth
Buyer Beware!