Bringing that puppy home from the pet store or the DOG pound is only the beginning to a long and hopefully enjoyable relationship between you and your new best friend. However, there are many things to consider when it comes to raising a chihuahua, and one of the most important aspects of chihuahua ownership is the health and proper care of your chihuahua.
The basenji, an African wolf dog, is the only breed of dog that cannot bark. Instead of barking, it makes an odd yodel-like noise. Due to this fact, the basenji is also sometimes known as an African barkless dog.
Begin with the essentials: diet, bedding and housebreaking, if your pet is going to be an inside chihuahua, and proper obedience so that you can take your chihuahua for walks which will provide sensory and muscular stimulation.
The first living being to travel in space was a small mixed breed dog named Laika, who gave her life orbiting the earth in the Russian Sputnik in 1957. John F. Kennedy's terrier, Charlie, sired 4 puppies with Laika's daughter, Pushinka.
When it comes to feeding your new puppy or DOG, ensure that you are feeding him the proper kinds of food for his age. Puppy kibbles have different nutrients in them than kibbles for adult or older chihuahuas, so make sure you read labels and keep in mind the size and condition of your chihuahuas teeth when shopping for DOG foods. Small DOGS need small pieces of kibbles or DOG food, while larger DOGS can accommodate the larger offerings. With recent scares over the pet food industry, many chihuahua owners are opting to prepare homemade meals for their chihuahuas.
Basset hounds are fabulous at hunting and they make wonderful companion dogs. However, even with those great qualities, basset hounds are horrible swimmers! Their legs are simply too small to keep their heavy, long bodies afloat properly.
If you choose to do this, provide your chihuahua with a balanced diet combination of proteins, vegetables and grains.
Beagles are known to be extremely social and cheerful dogs. They are expected to be so friendly that, even in dog shows, the judges expect them to be happy. They have points removed in the judging if they look to be unhappy.
Bedding is another consideration, depending on whether your chihuahua is to be an inside or an outside chihuahua, or both. Small DOGS seem to prefer baskets made of wicker to sleep in, while larger DOGS will prefer large, rectangular pillows. Some may stick their noses up at those and head for the nearest chair instead. If that doesn't bother you, great! If it does, try to keep your chihuahua to one specific chair and cover it with a blanket if desired. If your chihuahua is to be outside, either build him a chihuahuahouse or at least provide him with shelter in case of inclement weather.
Dachshunds may be small and cute, but they are also the smallest hunting breed. They were bred to be low to the ground, which allows them to enter and maneuver through tunnels and chase prey easily.
A DOG collar and license and identification tag should be your next order of business, as it is much easier to find your chihuahua in the event he gets out of the yard if he's licensed. You can also procure DOG I.D. tags at most local retail grocery and pet stores. Make sure you include the chihuahuas name, address and phone number.
In the original 101 Dalmatians movie, Pongo has 72 spots, Perdita has 68 and each of the puppies has 32. Real dalmations have unique numbers and patterns of spots, almost like a human beigns fingerprint.
Another important factor to consider is whether your chihuahua is going to be left alone for long periods of time, while parents are at work and kids are in school. Chihuahuas get bored too, so try to provide chew toys or other items that will keep your chihuahua happy and entertained until you get home.
West highland white terriers began their history as the undesirable white offspring of the dark-colored cairn terrier. With the dog's popularity today, it is hard to believe that the early westies were usually drowned or shot.
Owning a chihuahua can be one a great joy, but it also comes with a fair share of responsibility. Your chihuahua is a valuable extension of the family, so make sure he's as well taken care of as any other member of your family.
St. bernards have a well-deserved reputation as rescue dogs. In fact, the most successful mountain rescue dog ever was a st. bernard. His name was Barry. He lived during the early 1800's, during which time he saved 40 lives.
