About Toy Dogs

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

A Little Bit about the Cavalier King Charles Spanielby Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) This breed was named for the Cavalier King, who ruled Great Britain in the 1700s. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is usually a pampered house dog that requires frequent and careful combing and brushing to prevent matting. It is an ideal house pet and family companion that socializes well with other family pets. The Cavalier King Charles is noted to be particularly good with children. He has very few quirks in his personality and not many hang-ups either, which helps to make him a good companion for children. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is active and high-spirited. He enjoys pleasing his family in every way possible. The Cavalier King Charles is loving and loveable. Among his assets are intelligence and obedience. He is usually ready for walks or play time but will be just as content by himself dozing near his family when asked. This dog is charming and usually undemanding. The Cavalier King Charles also makes a good companion to senior citizens, young families and singles as well. His exercise requirements are easily accomplished in daily household activities. His need for exercise is not great, although as mentioned above, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does enjoy walks with his loved ones. If walking with his loved ones is not available he is just as content romping around in the backyard. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel enjoys consistent training. He will bond well with the entire family. He is blessed with an even and fairly predictable temperament. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel adjust well to most situations. They are especially good for agility and obedience training. They are fine athletes. The roots of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as with all true Spaniels are probably found in Spain, although the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel claims origin in seventeenth-century England. It is felt by some historians that the breed probably has some of the ancient Oriental toy breeds among its ancestors as well. King Charles II favored a Cavalier type that evolved into a dog with a shorter muzzle and lighter body. In the early 1900s selective breeding created a swing back to the original head and body type. Originally, Spaniels were sporting dogs used mostly to flush and retrieve game birds. In the 1600s the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel served a similar function, but the principal purpose at this time was to provide pleasure for its English royalty owners. They would lie at the feet in the beds of Kings and provide warmth to the master's feet. They provided companionship for dukes and earls. The English Kennel Club distinguished them from the King Charles spaniel in 1945 as a separate breed by the addition of the Cavalier to its name. There was a long period of discord among American Cavalier fanciers. However, the breed was recognized by AKC in 1996. The Cavalier King Charles stands 12 to 13 inches tall and weighs 10 to 18 pounds. He resembles a miniature hunting spaniel with a moderately long, full muzzle, long, high-set ears and a long or docked tail. The coat of a Cavalier King Charles is soft, gently-waving and longish hair that is almost like silk. The red and white color type is called Blenheim after the Duke of Marlborough's estate. Other acceptable colors of the Cavalier King Charles are solid red, black and white and tricolor. The tricolor is a combination of black and white with russet brown accents. Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures for one year at the rate of $25. The ad includes newsletter advertisement and movie clips with up to 12 pictures to showcase your breed. Sign up for our FREE bi-weekly newsletter. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

The Japanese Chin, a Sweet, Little Lapdog

The Japanese Chin, a Sweet, Little Lapdogby Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) The Japanese Chin is a tiny oriental dog that was formerly known as the Japanese Spaniel. It has been associated with China, Japan and Korea. The Japanese Chin has a long coat that does not tangle. It can be kept beautiful with careful combing and brushing several times a week. So far as exercise, the Chin requires a small amount of exercise. Usually the backyard is sufficient enough of an outlet for its energy or a couple short walks a day. The Japanese Chin is well suited for apartment living because of its lapdog heritage and low-maintenance exercise requirements. The Japanese Chin has a regal appearance and one function that are of a lively and lovely companion. The Chin is happiest in the lap of its owner. Though the Japanese Chin prefers to be the center of attention they are not demanding and are quite devoted to their loved ones. A chin makes a fine companion for older children who have been instructed in this tiny dog's care and handling. The Japanese Chin is cheerful and calm. They bond quickly to their owners and will go to great lengths to please them. Usually the Japanese Chin is easily housebroken and trained. Some might say the Japanese Chin has an obstinate side that occasionally appears, but generally, they are very accommodating. The Japanese Chin has a stronger will to please far outweigh any kind of an obstinate streak. This tiny toy breed is rarely seen in canine sports, but does do well in obedience work. The handler must be dedicated and consistent. The height of a Japanese Chin should be 8 to 10 inches and weighs generally around 5 pounds. The smaller size is the better size with this breed. The purpose for creating the Japanese Chin was to provide lapdogs for Japanese fanciers with the imperial aristocracy's ranks. They perform very well as loving and affectionate companions. They were carried to Europe and America in the mid-1800s. They were first known as the Japanese Spaniel. The name was changed to Japanese Chin in 1977 by the AKC. According to some writers the Japanese Chin originated in Korea. Others give Japan as its native land. Still yet another set of writers agree that the Chin came from China, where it was bred and maintained for the aristocracy. Date of origin is sometime before 700 A.D. At this time there were several accounts of the Japanese Chin being presented to the emperor of Japan. From that time the Japanese Chin was adopted and developed by the Japanese into a lapdog. The Japanese Chin does resemble the English toy spaniel. They may have common origins. The Japanese Chin may have been crossed with the English dog sometime during his development. The Japanese Chin is a dainty little dog with an Oriental pug face, a lively, high-stepping gait, and a coat that is long and generally tangles free. The colors are mostly black and white patterns, although there are some lemon and white, red and white or brindle and white. The Japanese Chin is perfect little lapdogs for small homes and apartments. They are also perfect for cute little dog outfits, and a good choice for older children, but not such a good choice for small children. Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy breed dogs. We feature articles, dog books, dog supplies, dog clothes and a Toy Dog Breeder Directory. Purchase full page ads at the rate of $25 per year for your website, kennel, puppies for sale or other dog supplies. Sign up for our FREE bi-weekly newsletter. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Friday, October 27, 2006

To Own a Dog or Not To Own a Dog - this is the Big Question?

To Own a Dog or Not To Own a Dog – this is the Big Question?

by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

So you are thinking about getting a puppy? Do you really want to own a dog? All your neighbors have dogs. If this is your first puppy, please review the following thoughts before you commit to buying a dog. In the end, however, I personally believe owning at least one dog is a benefit to every individual and/or family. You need to make your own decision, however, and do your research about which dog might be best for you. There is a vast amount of information on the internet that cost you only your monthly internet fee and your time to look over. Use the resources available to you and you should be able to make the right decision. Dogs Require Time. Puppies Require More Time. Having a puppy is like having a 2-year-old. Until they are trained, they require pretty much constant supervision. After they are trained, they still require supervision until they are older. If you can't entertain them all day, you may want to consider two dogs, a cat, or puppy day care. Puppies Need Training. You might want to invest in several puppy classes and possibly more classes when your puppy is grown. Dogs are not independent, and you need to teach them proper behavior. There are also 100's of dog training programs and books you can find on the internet if you have the time to do the training yourself. If you do have the time, this is much better for the bonding and relationship with your new friend. If you have children, they need to take the classes with their puppies so they can learn how to interact with your new pet. This is true also is you do the training yourself. Involve your children in the training sessions. Puppies Are an Extra Expense You need to add the puppy expenses into your budget. They need toys, bones, food, a housebreaking crate, a separate sleeping dog bed, soft blankets, a collar and leash and clothes. Your individual puppy expenses will depend upon your desires. You can spend a little money or you can spend lots and lots of money on your new puppy. It all depends on your budget and your desires. Puppies are a lot of fun and having the extras can make having puppies even more fun! Puppies Grow Into Dogs. I know that's obvious - but you need to be sure you know how big your dog will be. If you have young children, your puppy may outweigh them within a year. Do the research so you know how big your cute little puppy will be when he's a dog. Will he fit into your home and lifestyle? So many people today are attracted to the Toy Breed puppies just because they are still quite small as adults and take up less space in a home. They also eat less. Most Toy Breed dogs do quite well on one serving of about ¾ cup of dog food per day as adults. If you go for the larger breeds, you will probably be looking at 2 to 3 cups of dog food a day. Dogs Need Exercise. And people need exercise - so this can actually be an advantage if handled properly. Puppies need room to run and play. They need people to play with, and they need toys to play with. If you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, be sure you pick a dog breed that is low activity. If you are thinking about starting a walking routine, a dog to take along can be perfect company. Taking your dog on your walks can be an incentive to keep walking and exercising for your own good health. The larger the dog, the more room and exercise they need. You will probably need to walk your dog several times a week. Be sure and plan that into your schedule now - or you may find your puppy running around the house all day without you. One thing for certain is all dogs need exercise. The larger the breed, the more exercise they will require. The Toy Breed dogs will require less exercise and can survive quite nicely on ½ hour walks three to five times per week just want is appropriate for you. In Conclusion A dog can be a very rewarding experience - even if this is your first puppy. Your dog will become a family member and be a faithful companion for life. Be prepared for your new puppy, and it will be a great adventure for both of you. Many single and elderly people are finding that owning a dog is much better for their health than not owning dogs. Studies have shown people who own pets actually enjoy better health and live longer. So........don't worry too much about the extra expenses or what could happen to your dog that would cause you to have pay this and that in a vet bill. Chances are, regardless of your budget, you can afford at least one dog or maybe even two dogs. And....chances is you will be much better off with pets than without them.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com About Toy Dogs is a guide to information about the selection and care of Toy Dog Breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a Toy Dog Breeder Directory. Sign up for our FREE bi-weekly newsletter. Purchase ad space for your kennel, dog supplies, website or puppies for sale at a rate of $25 per year for a full page ad with up to three pictures.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Danny Imperial Shih Tzu




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Monday, October 23, 2006

Who is Taking Care of Your Italian Greyhound While You Are Away?

Who is Taking Care of Your Italian Greyhound While You Are Away?
by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

Have you thought about how your Italian Greyhound will be taken care of in your absences? With just a little planning and thinking ahead you can make adequate arrangements for all your pets for the times you need to be away from them. This article will help you do some of that planning. Can your Italian Greyhound wait 10 hours to go for a walk? What if you can't come home Wednesday nights because of a prior commitment? Anytime an Italian Greyhound owner needs to go away on vacation, stay long hours at work or has regular scheduled activities that take them away from home they must consider how their Italian Greyhound will be cared for. Your Italian Greyhound provides entertainment and companionship but is also a huge responsibility. You show respect for your Italian Greyhound by taking its needs into consideration and planning accordingly. Fortunately there are many services available to assist you in caring for your Italian Greyhound during times when you can't personally give them the attention and care they need. What are they? Which is best for your Italian Greyhound? DAY CARE Social animals, like Italian Greyhounds, can suffer emotionally from a lack of attention. If your Italian Greyhound has access to the outdoors they will be able to relieve themselves when necessary but a house-bound Italian Greyhound will physically require a walk or you will come home to an accident on your rug and a frustrated animal. Day care centers provide the needed social stimulation most dogs crave. At the day care your Italian Greyhound will spend time with other dogs and have people looking after its physical needs. If you have a young Italian Greyhound this can be especially important as your Italian Greyhound may become destructive with a lack of supervision and an abundance of unused energy. BOARDING KENNELS If you plan to be away overnight or for longer your Italian Greyhound or may be placed in a boarding kennel. This can be expensive but will ensure your Italian Greyhound is cared for daily and overnight. IN-HOME CARE If you are comfortable leaving your Italian Greyhound at home all day you may find the in-home services of a visitor or dog walker to be sufficient and less costly while still providing personal attention. Cats and other animals may not need daily visits if you come home in the evening but will need some attention if you are away overnight or for several days. Cats prefer their own homes rather than the highly social aspect of day cares or boarding kennels. Other pets, such as birds and reptiles, will most likely do better with in-home care as well. In-home care can be as basic as someone taking your Italian Greyhound for a walk in the middle of the day or as inclusive as having a sitter stay in your home with your Italian Greyhound. Examine your situation and budget when choosing a method of care. Take your pet's best interests in mind. If you are having someone come to your home be sure they are reputable. Licensed businesses should be insured and bonded when employees are trusted with entering and locking up your home. Keep all these things in mind. Prepare ahead for your absences, and you should be able to have peace of mind while you are away from your Greyhound and/or other pets.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our bi-weekly FREE newsletter. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a Toy Dog Breeder Directory. Purchase a full page, 3 picture ad to showcase your toy dog website, kennel or puppies for sale for $25 per year.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Thank you, Connie Limon

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Seven Simple Tips to Help Your New Papillon Puppy Live a Happier Life

Seven Simple Tips to Help Your New Papillon Puppy Live a Happier Life

by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

In this article you will learn seven easy steps toward making your Papillon happier. As a new Papillon owner I am certain you will want to provide the very best life possible for your pet. Pet ownership is a responsibility much like having children.

The responsibility that comes with having a Papillon is not to be taken lightly. It is up to you to make sure that your Papillon needs are met and that you have done everything in your power to make your Papillon's life a happy one.

Below are the seven easy things you can do to make sure that your Papillon has the best life possible:

1. Make sure your Papillon has its ID tag. The ID tag tells where your Papillon lives and of any medical conditions your Papillon may have. If your Papillon wanders off, it may be the only thing standing between your Papillon and the pound!

2. Prevent behavioral problems by enrolling your Papillon in a behavior training class before it acquires any bad habits. This tip will make both you and your Papillon happier for the entire lifetime you are together!

3. Get your Papillon a check up from a vet at least once a year. Some behavior problems can be health related and taking your Papillon to the vet on a regular basis will help you with tip # 2.

4. Prepare for disasters. Your Papillon cannot read the escape plan you have made for your family in case of a flood, fire, or other disaster! Make sure your escape plans include someone in your family having the job of securing or gathering up and removing your Papillon from your home and taking them to a safe place.

5. Plan for the future. Who will take care of your Papillon if something happens to you? Make sure you have a "godparent" for all of your pets. This includes short term care as well if you are in the hospital, incapacitated, or out of town.

6. Learn to avoid dog bites by training your dog and your family. This is especially important for children. Every year 4.7 million children are bitten by dogs. 80% are by dogs they know and have been in daily contact with! See http://nodogbites.org/ for more information and how to videos. (The site is part of The Humane Society web site.)

7. And last but not least - Have a heart - Be smart - and have your Papillon neutered or spayed as soon as they are old enough. If you can't afford to have your pet spayed or neutered go to these two web sites to see their requirements for getting a voucher to pay to have the procedure done. http://spayusa.org/ or http://pets911.com/. Both sites will help you pay for the vet bill to get your pet spayed or neutered. And those are 7 simple tips to help you make your Papillon's life happier. Seven simple steps to keep you and your pets happy for a long, long time.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com/ and sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We features articles, dog training resources, dog supplies, dog books and a Toy Dog Breeder Directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures to advertise your toy dog kennel, website, puppies for sale or other dog supply or services for only $25 for one year. Your ad will also be featured on a rotating basis with other advertisers in our newsletter.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
Thank you, Connie Limon

Saturday, October 21, 2006

The Beginning of the Yorkshire Terrier in England and The United States

The Beginning of the Yorkshire Terrier in England and the United States

by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

If you are looking for a tiny dog with the spirit of a much bigger terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier most certainly fits this description. Despite the Yorkshire Terrier's tiny size of just a few pounds, this dog is lively and thinks of himself as much larger than he is. The Yorkie's background goes back to the 18th century. During this time of the Industrial Revolution in England, many Scotsmen left their country for the south. They looked for work in the mills in England. They brought their families and also their dogs. The dogs they brought to England during this period were Skye Terriers, Paisley Terriers and Clydesdale Terriers. The dogs ranged weight of 6 pounds to nearly 20 pounds. All of these dogs were heavily coated. Some of them had a silky texture. All of them carried blue-tan or gray coat colors. One of the most common breeds in Yorkshire, England at the time was the Waterside Terrier. The Waterside Terrier was a blue-gray dog with a long coat. The size of this dog was between 6 and 20 pounds. It was a combination of the Skye Terrier, Paisley Terrier and Clydesdale Terrier and formed the present-day Yorkshire Terrier. This Yorkshire Terrier of today has a long, beautiful coat with silky steel blue and tan colors. The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dogs in the world and one of the most popular toy breeds. Weavers who worked in the mills liked the Yorkshire Terriers because of their ability to kill rats as quickly as a terrier, but was small enough to carry in their pockets when they went to rat-killing competitions. The weavers desired a small size of the breed, but also ones with the toughness and intelligence of the terrier. This may account for the attitude much bigger than the actual size a Yorkshire Terrier still possesses today. Yorkies were being shown in England by the early 1850s. The weight fell between 5 and 18 pounds. The classes they were shown in were: Broken-haired Scotch, Scotch Terriers, Blue and Fawn Terriers or Yorkshire Terriers. At the time the English divided the approved breeds at the time into two groups: The Sporting Group and the Non-Sporting Group. The Yorkshire breed was placed in the Non-Sporting Group. However, the dogs were still shown in the various classes of Scotch Terriers, Blue and Fawn Terriers among whatever other classes the dog seemed to fit into. The English Kennel Club recognized the breed as the Yorkshire Terrier and placed it in the Toy Group by 1886. The Yorkshire Terrier Club of England was formed in 1898. The Yorkie still reigns in the top ten breeds in popularity in Britain. The breed became quickly known in England and had numerous supporters. The "Father of the Yorkshire Terrier" was a dog owned by J. Forster and bred by Mr. Eastwood of Huddersfield. The dog's name was Huddersfield Ben. Huddersfield Ben sired numerous champions for other kennels. The first Yorkie whelped in the United States was in 1872. American shows began in 1887. The breed classes were divided by weight: under 5 pounds and over 5 pounds. Eventually it was decided to have one weight class for all Yorkies with weight between 3 and 7 pounds. There were just too few entries of the larger sizes to have two different classes. The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America was formed in 1951. The Yorkshire Terrier is a very popular breed in the United States. Many breeders have contributed to the breed through excellent breeding and outstanding wins. The Yorkshire Terrier places in the top ten breeds in popularity of the AKC breeds. It also ranks as the number-one Toy Dog in America. The little Yorkshire Terrier remains a great favorite to many people.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dogs. We feature articles on breed types, behavior, housebreaking and much more plus dog training resources and a Toy Dog Breeder Directory. Purchase a full page toy dog breeder ad or other pet supply or services ad with up to 3 pictures for one full year for $25.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
Connie Limon
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Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Try to Choose the Right Signature Toy for Your Affenpinscher Puppy

Try to Choose the Right Signature Toy for Your Affenpinscher Puppy
by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

When choosing the right signature toy for your Affenpinscher puppy, you should consider several factorsConnie Limon. Even when selecting dog toys that are made by signature and high-end labels, you should weigh in several things aside from price and manufacturers.

Here are some tips on choosing the right toys for your Affenpinscher Puppy.

Toys for the Affenpinscher puppy should be enjoyable and fun. But, at the same time, you should check whether the toys are durable and safe. What if your Affenpinscher accidentally chokes because it swallowed a part of its toy? Toy safety should be of paramount concern.

The safety and durability of a Affenpinscher dog toy depends on many factors - such as the size of your dog, its activity level, as well as your and your dog's personal preference. Ask dog-owning friends or family members for tips. Consult with your vet if needed on what toys should you buy for your Affenpinscher.

Be careful when choosing the toys

In general, the toys that dogs find most attractive are the ones that could pose the greatest danger. Check with the store staff of the features of toys. Evaluate if some toys could be dangerous to your dog. Do not buy dog toys that are so small that can be easily swallowed or could cause your Affenpinscher to choke. Do not, on the other hand, pick toys that are way too big and heavy for your Affenpinscher, as it would not enjoy the toy. Pick a toy that is just perfect for the size of your pet.

Look out for toys that may have parts that are not "dog proof." Some of the parts a Affenpinscher could chew or ingest are strings, eyes, ribbons, among others. Avoid such toys.

Some Affenpinscher that is gentler can play well with designer toys that are soft and squeaky. Some, however, like to play rough with the designer toys that they have. Ask your vet for any tips on what kind of designer toys should you buy your Affenpinscher.

You could also check the store staff or surf through the Internet for additional information on toys.

Designer toys are fun - but you have to also look for other concerns such as the toy's safety for your Affenpinscher.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com About Toy Dogs is a guide to information about selection, and the care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, toy dog breeder directory, pet supplies and more. Purchase ad space to advertise your puppies for sale, website, kennel or other pet care service or supplies for $25 a full page ad for one year.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Naming Your New Maltese Puppy

Naming Your New Maltese Puppy

by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

So, you finally decided to get a Maltese puppy. You spent many hours talking to Maltese dog breeders and surfed the Internet countless times to find the perfect Maltese puppy for you and your family. You went from pet shop to pet shop, to dog associations, to animal societies, looking and meeting Maltese puppies until you have found the right one. Question is: Now what? Your Maltese puppy needs a name! Throughout his lifetime, you will use the Maltese puppy name over 35,000 times. So, make sure that you choose a name that you and your family will use to refer to that loving Maltese of yours. Here are some tips in finding the perfect name for your Maltese puppy. Remember that dogs understand brief commands. Names should therefore be easy to remember. Don't expect that your Maltese would be able to respond to you immediately when you named him "John Dewey McArthur". The name of your puppy should not sound like the rest of the commands. For example, do not call your dog "Stacy". It's too close with the command "stay". Having a name like that will only confuse the Maltese. Remember that you will be using the Maltese's name in public. Remember the joke circulating in emails when someone has a dog named "Sex" and gotten the dog owner into trouble? "Boner" might be funny for your drinking buddies, but may have a different reaction when you are in a veterinarian clinic or at a park. Ask your kids what they want to name the Maltese puppy. Let them participate in name decision process. If they want to name the Maltese "Champ" or "Tootsie" so be it. Reserve your funky names when in front of other people. You may believe that it would be an honor for your Uncle Tom or best friend Bobby if the Maltese is named after them. Maybe naming your baby after them might honor them, but naming your Maltese puppy after them won't. If you decided to bring home a Maltese that is quite older, it would be probably better to stick with its old name. But, what if the name of the Maltese is "Barney", the name of your-ex whom you had a bitter breakup? Then, stick with other sounds similar to it. Once you've picked a name, see if it works out. If not, then there are tons of dog names available to replace it. With these tips, naming your Maltese puppy should be fun.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com About Toy Dogs is a guide to information, about selection, and the care of Toy Dog Breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, a toy dog breeder directory and other pet supply websites. List your Toy Dog Breed site or pet supply site with us for only $25 per year for a limited time.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Selecting a Chihuahua - Puppy or Adult?


Selecting a Chihuahua – Puppy or Adult?by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to select a Chihuahua. Truly a man's best friend, you can rely on your Chihuahua in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a Chihuahua. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which Chihuahua to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

About Chihuahua Puppies

* Bringing up a Chihuahua puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your Chihuahua puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a Chihuahua puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Chihuahua puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both Chihuahua puppy and for the mother Chihuahua as well.

* A Chihuahua puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult Chihuahua. Although most Chihuahua puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a Chihuahua puppy would look like when it gets old. Also, his temperament might change when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how Chihuahua puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Chihuahua puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

About an adult Chihuahua

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult Chihuahua. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the adult Chihuahua more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult Chihuahua. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire information from the previous owners of the Chihuahua. Some adult Chihuahuas may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them. * It may take some time and effort for an adult Chihuahua to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult Chihuahua to your children and other household members. This would help the Chihuahua be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult Chihuahuas may not need your full attention unlike Chihuahua puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown Chihuahua, physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get. * Most adult Chihuahuas are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don't wake up at night like most puppies do. Usually, they have grown out of the impulse of chewing things.

* An older Chihuahua can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household. Selecting a Chihuahua is not an easy task. Everyone loves sweet looking Chihuahua puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them. Adult Chihuahuas need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them requires a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at: http://www.abouttoydogs.com/ About Toy Dogs is a guide to information about selection of and the care of Toy Dog Breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, toy dog breeder directory. If you raise Chihuahua puppies purchase an ad in our directory to advertise your puppies, kennel or website. This article is FREE to publish with resource box.