| They are everywhere - Chihuahua puppies... | | | | litter box.) |
| Practically everytime you turn on the tv, or open | | | | 4. Chihuahuas are very loyal and have a tendency |
| up amagazine, you see a Chihuahua puppy in a | | | | to bondwith their owner...only. They are very |
| Hollywood starletsbag. Whether it be Paris Hilton's | | | | dependent and like tobe around you and do what |
| sidekick Tinkerbell, or | | | | you are doing. If you have littletime to spend with |
| Reese Witherspoons lovable pooch Bruiser in | | | | your puppy and want a dog who is a littlemore |
| "Legally | | | | independent, than this dog is not for you. |
| Blonde," Chihuahuas have hit the big time and | | | | 5. Chihuahuas have the longest life span of any |
| everyone wantsone: | | | | breed ofdog. If you are not ready to make an |
| Now before you buy a Chihuahua, there are | | | | 11-18 year commitmentto them, and your |
| absolutely somethings you need to know about | | | | interest in them is just a novelty (theylook so |
| this breed, their health andsocialization. | | | | cute in those celebrity magazines being toted |
| These 7 factors are the most important. | | | | aroundin a bag,) then don't get a Chihuahua. |
| 1. They need to be well socialized. If you don't | | | | 6. If you move around a lot, this may not be the |
| have timeto socialize your Chihuahua puppy then | | | | breed foryou. Chihuahuas don't adapt well to new |
| you shouldn't getone. Chihuahuas need to be | | | | environments andwill often act out with barking |
| socialized properly since theyhave a tendency to | | | | and unsuitable behavior. |
| bond only with their owners and alreadyhave a | | | | They prefer to have a stable environments so if |
| predisposition to being snippy with strangers. | | | | you areconstantly traveling around (business etc...) |
| 2. Seems chihuahuas are carried everywhere and | | | | then consider aless high strung breed. |
| that's partof their appeal, but make sure you put | | | | 7. They can be dog aggressive, so if you have |
| them down and getthem to walk on their own. | | | | another dog athome you may want to reconsider |
| When you don't let them walk ontheir own they | | | | getting a Chihuahua and optfor a more dog |
| can become very uncomfortable out of the | | | | friendly breed. |
| armsof their owner and react with aggression in | | | | That being said, the Chihuahua is a great dog and |
| order to dealwith they're uncomfortability. | | | | right forthe right type of person. Before buying a |
| 3. These dogs are not great with children unless | | | | Chihuahua puppythink about the various points |
| they wereraised with them. Chihuahuas are high | | | | mentioned above and decidewhether you see |
| strung and have a lowtolerance. They don't cope | | | | parts of your life in the above checklist. |
| well with the antics andrambunctiousness of little | | | | Chihuahuas are intelligent, alert, and loyal |
| children. They can be snippy andwill bite a child if | | | | companions. |
| provoked. This breed is better suitedto busy | | | | They love to give and receive affection but again |
| people without children and for elder people who | | | | this isdependent on your understanding of the |
| arelooking for a companion and little maintenance | | | | nuances of this breedand how well they are |
| (these dogsrequire little exercise, are great | | | | trained and socialized from puppyhood. |
| apartment dwellers andcan be trained to use the | | | | Good luck! |