Tips and Tricks

 WHY DOES MY CHIHUAHUA SNORT OR SEEM TO CHOKE FOR NO REASON?

This is a characteristic of the breed and usually occurs when they are exited or playing or for no reason at all. There is no need to do anything, as they will stop themselves. The noise is actually reverse sneezing causing the throat to go into spasms. However in very rare cases this can be caused by a soft or dropped trachea. It can be a result of chronic tonsillitis or the dog being overweight your vet will tell you if any medical condition is evident.

 WHY HAS MY CHIHUAHUA GOT SO LITTLE LONG COAT?

The Chihuahua has five stages of coat and does not get its full coat until it is about three years old. If it is an entire female it may lose some coat when the hormones change with her heat seasons or when she has puppies. You should not put coats or jackets on Chihuahuas when they are young. Incorrect feeding also has an effect on skin condition and coat growth. If none of these apply to yours check with your vet in case yours is deficient in vitamins, minerals or has allergies etc.

 WHY IS MY CHIHUAHUA SO MUCH BIGGER/SMALLER THAN OTHERS ARE?

Chihuahuas range in size from two to six pound for the show standard but can be as small as one pound or as big as ten or more pounds. There is no such thing as miniature, standard, tea-cup, toy or pocket sizes there is only the Chihuahua, that, like people comes in all sizes even in the same family.

 WHAT IS MY CHIHUAHUA’S LIFE EXPECTANCY?

If it is of normal size and kept in good condition the average for the breed is ten years. Many live more than twelve years but of course it generally depends on the individual dog and to some extent the "line" it is bred from.

 ARE CHIHUAHUA’S GOOD WITH CHILDREN?

Yes, but we would encourage families with young children to purchase a larger specimen. Because the smaller ones have fine bones and ligaments we don't generally advise them for children under 8-10 years or for very rough and tumble games with large groups of children, particularly if bikes and ball games are involved.

15. AREN’T CHIHUAHUAS SNAPPY, NERVOUS AND IRRITABLE DOGS?

Not generally. The modern chihuahua is bred for extremely good temperament and if bred and socialised properly it has none of the vices mentioned. They are extremely protective of their owners and possessions. This is often mistaken for nastiness or aggressiveness. Food colourings and other artificial additives and preservatives can cause hyperactivity and aggressiveness.

16. MY CHIHUAHUA EATS GRASS OFTEN. WHY? IS SHE LACKING SOMETHING?

Grass has medicinal properties and couch grass is a particular favourite for upsets in the urinary tract and bladder. Other grasses provide fibrous bulk to induce vomiting or reduce constipation dogs are extremely good herbalists and will seek the grass they need at a particular time.

17. WHAT IS THE IDEAL DIET FOR AN ADULT CHIHUAHUA?

Basically any commercially prepared dog food without artificial colourings and additives is better than human foods. We use Scotty's as the moist meat content at night and pal mince and vegetable biscuits free choice during the day. Feed the right amount for the size of the dog. Your breeder should advise you.

18. WHAT CAUSES SMELLY BREATH AND WHAT CURES IT?

There are several causes (often age related) they are:

1) dental or intestinal, 2) nasal or lung inflammations

A vet will help with dental/medical conditions and a good diet will help with gastro-intestinal ones. Activated charcoal tablets will help reduce the smell until the health is restored.

19. HOW OFTEN SHOULD A CHIHUAHUA BE BATHED?

Any dog needs to be bathed 3 or 4 times a year, long coated breeds a little more often. Of course if the coat is dirty, smelly or contaminated by something foul the animal should be shampooed, preferably with a good quality dog shampoo for small dogs. Otherwise, daily brushing will keep the coat clean and fresh. Twice a week, rub the coat over thoroughly with lanolin baby wipes (Wet Ones) this will remove general grime.

20. HOW DO YOU TRIM THE NAILS ON A VERY RELUCTANT CHIHUAHUA?

First, you need to buy the scissor type clippers not the guillotine. Then apply the blades to the sides of the nail and cut just the curved hook off the end. Take it slowly, cutting only one or two each day, until you become expert and gain the trust of the Chihuahua then you won’t need the tag-team wrestle. If this doesn't work try making a sling as shown below. This can be held by an assistant or attached to a planter hook in a door frame. This often works very well