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Articles & Books From Jacqueline O'Neil
Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-07-2023
As endearing and expressive as Chihuahuas are, it’s no wonder they’re a popular toy dog breed. If you’re in the market for a Chihuahua puppy, you need to know how to identify a healthy, happy animal — and then know what items to stock up on at the pet store.Going to the veterinarian is something you and your pup will do regularly, so tips on finding a good vet and how to prepare for your dog’s first visit count as valuable info.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Dogs may not talk (except on television commercials), but if you watch your Chihuahua's body language, you soon find out how to read her needs and even predict her next move. Your Chihauhua (Chi for short) communicates through her facial expressions, including her ears, eyes, brows, lips, nose, and mouth. She also talks through her tail, coat (hackles), and body position, and emits a variety of sounds.
Article / Updated 04-14-2017
The Chihuahua is a graceful, alert, swift-moving, compact little dog with a saucy expression and terrier-like qualities of temperament.Manchita (the name of the perfect Chihuahua described throughout this article) is compact, feels solid in your hands, and appears well proportioned — not long of body or lanky or too tall.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
While Chihuahuas have fewer genetic defects than many breeds (maybe because so many breeders try hard to eliminate problems), no breed is perfect. The following sections show you some idiosyncrasies — a few serious but most not — that are sometimes seen in Chihuahuas and other Toy breeds.
Subluxation of the patella
In dog lingo, subluxation of the patella is called slipped stifles or loose kneecaps.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Most mature dogs catch a nap when their owners leave the house, but some pitch a fit when they're home alone. They may chew on the carpet, shred the toilet paper, urinate, bark nonstop, or any combination of other destructive behaviors. You're probably thinking, poor owners. But believe it or not, the destructive dogs are miserable, too.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
If you’re introducing a Chihuahua to the household, you need to make your new furry friend feel welcome by purchasing items to meet a small canine’s needs. The following shopping list offers the essentials and some not-so essentials:
Two dishes — one for water and one for food
Nail clippers
Dog bed (optional)
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Just as you have an annual checkup with your doctor, your Chihuahua should see the vet regularly. Once you get the hang of them, they’re no big deal, but you can use the tips on the following list to help get you through your Chihuahua’s first checkup:
To reduce the probability of carsickness, feed your dog a couple of biscuits an hour or more before driving to the clinic.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
When you decide to bring a Chihuahua puppy into your life, you need to choose with your head as well as your heart. The tips in the following list can help you bring home a puppy you’ll be happy to raise:
Trust your instincts. Does one puppy catch your eye immediately? First impressions are important, and love at first sight can last a lifetime.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Taking responsibility for bringing a Chihuahua into your home means taking responsibility for your dog’s health, so you need to find a vet as soon as your pooch comes home — or even sooner if your pup is still getting puppy shots. Sharpen your search for a good vet with one or more of the tactics in the following list:
Ask your Chihuahua’s breeder.
Keep up to date with the latest info on raising, training, and living with your ChihuahuaChihuahuas For Dummies is your guide to discovering whether a Chihuahua is the right addition to your family and to caring for these little dogs once they’re under your roof. This fun book answers your most pressing questions about the breed’s needs and temperament, plus offers loads of friendly advice on everything a Chihuahua owner should know.