Chihuahua

I agree with the article that people need to research the pets that they are going to add to their family. Recently we rescued an abandoned Chihuahua, that had been left in a park in the middle of winter. He had been treated badly and had been exposed to the elements, fortunately we found him before any permanent damage occured. We already had three dogs as part of our family, and the all of them accepted the Chihuahua, named Cujo without any problems. It turns out that our Newfoundland, Brutus, found a best friend in the new addition, (Cujo loves to sleep in Brutus tail fur). Although, the pros and cons of owning a small dog are absolutely true, they need constant attention and care, he does not like to leave my side and we never leave him without adult supervision. He is so delicate(although he does not know it, he thinks he's tough) he must be handled with great care. We love him very much and are glad that he has become a member of our family.

Posted by Amy Kelly on 2009-01-23 at 09:27:50

Small dog or not, no dog should be in a restaurant

unless it is a service dog! People who buy small 'accessory' dogs and then take them to places where pets are not allowed (restaurants, grocery stores - basically anywhere food is sold!) make life seriously difficult for service dog users. Please don't imply that this is okay just because the breed is small!

Posted by Cait on 2009-02-07 at 16:39:35

chihuahua

I had a rescue chi, the grandchilldren, 8 & 11 could hold her 24 hours a day. Very docile. Now I have a shelter one, have to keep a hand on her til I know how she will accept a stranger. Some she loves, others she wants to take their hand off. It really depends on the dog. they are all different. Bottom line, it is your responsibility to keep a close hand/eye on all dogs.

Posted by Emma Bausher on 2009-03-10 at 17:28:42

the most wonderful breed

I have 3 chihuhuas-2 mix breeds and 1 full chi and they are the most wonderful dogs. They are members of our family. Yes some can be afraid of strangers and kids but it just takes a little time to warm up to them. They are the best loyal and sweet dogs, that it makes me sad that people just abandon them. They all like to cuddle with me and add so much to our lives. You should feel lucky to own a chihuahua

Posted by Becca Kratochvil on 2009-03-13 at 12:05:22

Chihuahua

My family rescued a chihuahua (some other kind of terrier) mix seven years ago that someone had dumped (injured) alongside a road. He has been my little buddy ever since. Love him, love him, love him. Great dog.

Posted by Marco on 2009-03-13 at 14:12:33

Chihuahua's

I have a 7 1/2 mo. old Chihuahua, he is my 4th over a period of 30+ years. Would never have any other breed. They are loveing, loyal, sweet, babish. I agree they aren't for a home with children, not for the childs sake but for the Chi. They are very fragile. If you can't devote 100% of your time and attention to them then do not get one. As a baby they demand at least that much time and attention. Be prepaired to devote your time, they demand as much and more than a human baby.

Posted by Joan Sultemeier on 2009-03-17 at 14:17:28

Chihuahua

I have a 2 year old Chihuahua. She is the total and complete center of attention in our house or should I say "Her" house. Yes you should research and really think about getting a Chihuahua or any dog for that matter. They do take your time and attention but I would not trade our little baby for anything.

Posted by Laura on 2009-03-20 at 17:12:19

Chihuahuas

I rescued a chihuahua from the pound 4 yrs ago, she was a bag of bones with no hair and had sores all over her. Today she is my best friend and loyal to the bone but definitely fits the mold in that she does not like every one and is fiercely protective of me. She even goes on patrol of the house from time to time. But love her so much. BUT having said all this I agree that they are not a dog for everyone and should be thought out before getting one and then subjecting it to the sadness of rejection.

Posted by Katherine on 2009-03-23 at 17:07:09

my babys

i have 3 chihuahua they are my babys they are 7 and 6 yrs old.they are so sweet lovable but do not like little kids i would never part with my babys

Posted by sharon miller on 2009-03-24 at 00:01:34

Chihuahuas

I am a proud owner of a chihuahua for a number of years. She is my best friend. Knows when I'm not feeling well and is no trouble at all. The best decission was when she became a part of my home.

Posted by Jen on 2009-03-24 at 00:07:19

Chihuahua

We have a chi/terrier that we bought from now what is a puppy mill. He is almost 4 yrs old. He barks and will bite most strangers....I do not have a clue as to why he does.....He is a loving wonderful dog to us and some of the grandkids. Others he wants to bite them.......We also have a fox terrier that is 3. We were told that the both of them would not be more than 7 pounds......needless to say they both are huge the Chi is 22 and the terrier is 18lbs. When we go outdoors they bark at everyone and run to the fence and would love to get ahold of them. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do to break them of this?? Thank you.

Posted by Sue on 2009-03-24 at 05:31:16

Chihuahuas

I rescued my first Chihuahua from a pet store where he was kept in a too small cage, in the store window. I went in right to that cage, and when our eyes met, we both fell in love. Tiny Tim (better known as "Timmy") was 2 months old when I got him, and he just died last Oct. '08 - five months shy of 20 years! He was a prince of a dog. The greatest! And I've had many dogs in my life. I had a Boston Terrier when I got Timmy because she was lonely when I went to work and they bonded. When Lady died, Timmy mourned for her a long time. So I got him a "Buddy," another Chihuahua. You've heard, "You just can't have one Chihuahua!" Well, Buddy is now going into his 12th year and he has been lonely for Timmy, and has little appetite as they used to eat together and he misses his big brother so much. So I am in the process of adopting a senior special needs Chihuahua from a nearby shelter. I fell in love with this senior Chihuahua's photo and story that was online on the shelter website, and want to give this old guy a "forever home" where he can live out his days with a caring and loving family. He has poor eyesight and hearing, has lost his teeth, and a mild seizure problem, and his elderly owner had gone to a nursing home and he had no one to take him, so he went to a shelter. We are a retired couple and want Buddy to have a companion. If you have the willingness and commitment to care for a special needs senior dog, it is so worth it. The puppies will be adopted, but too often the older dogs, the seniors, are overlooked. What a waste and a shame. These tiny dogs are getting a bad rap, much like the pit bulls, Dobermans, and Rottis get. It all depends on the love they receive and training. All creatures great and small are to be loved and the rewards are wonderful when you have a loyal and faithful pet love you in return. My Timmy was a really old guy and was so lovable to the end and anyone would have had a great dog if I had passed away and he went to a shelter. That's why I am so willing to adopt another old dog in memory of my sweet old guy, Timmy. Rose, a Chihuahus Mommy

Posted by Rosemary on 2009-04-02 at 13:28:41

Reply to Sue

Can you send your problem to the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan? He is excellent on his TV show and has great results in rehabilitating problem dogs. Then there is "It's Me or the Dog" with Victoria Stillwell. They do accept letters from viewers with problem dogs. Worth a try. Good luck with your pets. Rose

Posted by Rose on 2009-04-02 at 13:33:27

chihuahuas

My husband and I rescued 3 very different but wonderful chihuahuas from a puppy mill and the local shelter. Two are brothers and we also have a female.lt is true they do bark alot and are very protective. The brothers are now 6yrs old and Sierra is 5. They are Great dogs but you need to devote your life to them as they do the same for you. We recently adopted two more abandoned chi's a brother and sister Jewel and TJ. They immediately bonded with are first three and we love them all. It is very important to do your research before bringing a dog home no matter the breed, and chihuahuas are really not meant for homes with small children for the safety of the dog and child. My husband and I truly enjoy all five of our chi's, they each have their own personality and bring great joy to our home and lives. Teri

Posted by Teri on 2009-04-03 at 05:41:29

Chihuahuas

I rescued a male long-haired Chihuahua almost 6 years ago. When I got him he was literally starving to death, had so many fleas that the fleas had fleas, and had been horribly abused. On top of all that, his former 'owners' had let him roam basically wild in town for the 8 months they had him. He was only 14 months when I got him. He is not very sociable towards children, though he won't hurt them, and he is my full-time protector. I love him dearly and I certainly hope he lives 20 years. Sam

Posted by Sam on 2009-04-04 at 19:26:28

Chihuahua's

I have four chihuahuas. Two are full blooded and two are mixed with Jack Russell or Dashound. They range in age from 9 years to 3 years. I would not give them up for anything. They love everyone and are not ankle biters. They bark a lot but so do the neighbors large dogs. The Dashound mix is leary of children but that is mostly because she was abused before I got her. They get along fine together. I recently got a very young Papillon pup(not knowing much about the breed). She is a real love and has been accepted by the other pets even though she is a real mischief. She and the three year old (who is very small)sleep together. I have had other breed dogs at one time or another but I would not exchange these for any other. They are my kids. Jennie

Posted by Jennie on 2009-04-06 at 18:16:41

all dogs

I read the letters on the chi breed u had posted . I wanted to say u are so right about pit bulls people dont understand that its not the breed thats bad is the owners of the dogs who dont train them right. I have two pits and friends and family who love this breed alot of them were rescues from animal shelters who were about to also be put to sleep. These dogs got a second chance in life and once they get better and get love showed a different way of life they will always protect there owners and there space. They are like any other breathing life. Please try not to judge any animal they only take care protect of what they know is theres . Respect them and gain there respect it will come back to u when u least expect. They may help save a life when u least expected.

Posted by Terisa on 2009-04-07 at 01:43:02

Angry

I live in Nesconset LI New York the population is 95% white it was recent in the local news that not to far from my home an off duty police officer shot and killed a pit bull. This pit was protecting his property when a small dog was being walked went on the property of this pit he did attack the little dog i understand that they wanted the pit to let go of the dog but how do u let ur dog walk on someones property where u know all dogs are to be walked on a leash and u know that this house has another dog a pit bull the police officer made two shots one missed the dog and the other hit the pit and killed it..This family was Hispanic and there dog was the pit can people let me know what they think and what should happen with the officer and both dog owners.I dont understand how ! the owner of the small dog let his dog get on there property 2 not have the dog leashed and under his supervision at all times like the town says they should be 3 this cop shutting not once but two times hitting the pit killing it with second shot, i myself have bin having a problem with a few people on my block (police officer) regarding my large pit bull pup that has bin jumping the fence and looking to play no aggression when out of the fence the pup was born and has had contacts with the neighbors and there young kids i have bin living here for 4yrs with pups mom she will growl and bark in the yard never bite.My husband and i are an inter racial young couple on this block I understand safety but we always have him in our sight why not talk to us the first time instead of calling and making a report to animal control Can anyone help me understand why it would be so hard for u to talk with us instead of tracking the owner of the houses father then the owners home talking about leaves and dog fence outside then blowing things up im going to sue u and i want them out of here.

Posted by Miles Tee on 2009-04-07 at 02:35:04

chis

i have two sweet little babies male and female and i would not trad them in for enything . bout would love to help and devote my time for one more sweet baby and yes they can love kids to my female princess loves them all and would kiss them all if she could but sweet baby jack would hid behind mom the hole time. thank you

Posted by bonnie on 2009-04-07 at 23:13:23

Chihuahuas

I am glad to read about all the chihuahua lovers out there. I am the proud owner of three chis, the most recent one I rescued from roaming the streets. We tried to find her owners but it turned out she was a pup without a home. After a few days with my two other chis she has become a friendly, lovable member to our family. I would hate for people to have generalizations about this breed as to compare them pitbulls. All dogs, no matter what breed they are develop personalities from how they are raised, not just only from what breed they are. My dogs are very protective and loyal but would never bite or nip another person, child or adult because of they way I have trained them. Chihuahuas make great pets so please don't stray away from adopting one because someone compares them to a pit bull.

Posted by Samantha on 2009-04-08 at 15:59:34

Dog breeds

u agree it's all the way the dog is raised. Unfortunatly some people have given a good breed a bad rap, like the pits, rotties, and other's. When we bought our house we were told no shephards, dobies, rotties, pits and one other breed because of the insurance. At the time my son-in- law's rotties was living with us, and my husband had to sign a waiver for the insurance. Herc died about 9 mos later, but he was the most loving dog I've know. I think it's cruel the way some breeds have gotten a bad rap from some people's doing's, like Micheal Vick's situation. You rarily hear anything nice about the breed, and why won't the AKC recognize them????

Posted by Candace L Seaman on 2009-04-10 at 13:37:10

Leashes & Owners

"Angry I live in Nesconset LI New York the population is 95% white it was recent in the local news that not to far from my home an off duty police officer shot and killed a pit bull. This pit was protecting his property when a small dog was being walked went on the property of this pit he did attack the little dog i understand that they wanted the pit to let go of the dog but how do u let ur dog walk on someones property where u know all dogs are to be walked on a leash and u know that this house has another dog a pit bull" I have to agree here. That pit bull was doing the job it was trained to do. Just like my little dog protects the home here. Barking when he hears something outside. Usually it's the newspaper being delivered, but at least I know the paper has arrived. Many people also do NOT P/Up their dog's droppings as rules and laws state they must do. Then, when their dog craps (trying to be nice here) on OUR PROPERTY we are supposed to pick it up? I don't think that's right either. Some large dogs leave large piles and owners let it go. Pick it up and we'll all be happier. RESPECT ALL people whether they have TWO LEGS or FOUR LEGS - we are all LIVING breathing people and should be respected as such. Dogs and other animals that breathe like we do are human, too. ALL living breathing things must be respected. Stay out of our yard and our dog will leave yours alone. Obey the laws and leash the dog PLAY w/them IN YOUR OWN YARD unleashed only. OR, if no fenced in yard play indoors. On the note of Chihuahuas - my one friend will ONLY OWN a chi and she loves hers dearly.

Posted by Kay on 2009-04-13 at 18:08:40

Chihuahua's

I have the sweetest chi named Baby, she is almost 7 yrs old, she is very protective of my husband and I, she is so funny, she makes us laugh all the time, she gets under blankets to sleep and loves to have her tummy rubbed, we love her so much!!!!!!

Posted by Kathleen on 2009-04-20 at 03:26:25

My Chuis

My sister and I bought a pair of long haired chuis all most 6 yers ago. I have them both now as her dtr move din with 3 litttle ones. One burrows next to all the time and the other is a loner except when its bedtime. Would not give them up for any thing.

Posted by Sandy on 2009-04-26 at 18:57:01

rescued!!

I rescued a little 1/2 long haired chihuahua 1/2 pom last August off the street. He was terrified, phone # on tags no good, full of fleas and cockleburrs- just pitiful!! I took him and had him groomed and de-fleaed right then. Took him to the vet a few days later, and he agreed with me that he had been abused. So, I decided to keep him. He was very anti-social, but I watched the Dog Whisperer every day for months and picked up on how to socialize him. We've hit on some very bad times with the economy in the condition it's in, but now I have a lot of comfort with my little doggie, my little best bud in the world. He sleeps with me every night and is a wonderful addition to our family. You can really learn a lot from Cesar Milan-this dog actually use to BITE me on occassion, but something told me not to give up and here we are!

Posted by Rae on 2009-05-07 at 12:14:44

My Chihuahua

My Baby boy is a lover. Know way would he ever bit someone. He loves kids. When he was young a breeder told me to put my hands in his face often. It teaches them not to fear being handled. I just love my little guy to peices. Kathy

Posted by Kathy on 2009-05-07 at 21:14:18

What love can do...

I rescued a chihuahua/jack russell mix that I found in traffic in Los Angeles. He actually jumped into my backseat when I stopped on the street and got out to look for him. I did not know he was int he car till I got back in the car after I could not find him and thought he took off into the cars. It was straight out of a movie. "Peanut" was absolutely terrified, shaking, cut up, starving and filthy. He had obviously been attacked as well because he had a bite taken out of his ear. I knew I had my hands full with this little boy but I just fell in love with him. He needed lots of love and affection and to know that he would not be abandoned ever again. That was a year ago. Today, he is the happiest, most affectionate, funny, entertaining, snuggly little boy ever. He still barks at some men and at children although he would never bite them. It's because he fears them. But he is getting better all the time. He is different dog from when I rescued him. He is so full of love it is amazing. It's a miracle what love can do! He is the center of my world and I know all dog lovers understand that and not think I am crazy and obsessed with my dog. Usually it's the non-dog owners who say those things. All in all, I can not imagine my life without him. He is my forever baby and I love him more than words can express.

Posted by Haley on 2009-05-11 at 17:42:54

Chihuahua's

I get stopped several times a day because my Chi is so cute. I always try and tell people with small children or young teenage girls, "I don't think you should get this breed." I also encourage people who would be suited for a Chi. I love my dog so much, and though they are a mighty breed they are also small and need to be protected.

Posted by Lemon Drop on 2009-05-24 at 03:03:11

Chihuahua

I just got my first dog ever - a chihuahua named Ellie. I have to say when my husband first showed me a picture that he got her, I wasn't happy. See I am a cat lover and the last thing I ever thought I'd own was a dog. Then I met Ellie. I fell in love with her. She was from a rescue. Ellie and her brother were the only (dog) family to survive. She is so smart and loves to cuddle. My friend took Ellie's brother and she has 4 children ranging from 4 to 13. He is great with all of them. I think its all in how you handle your dog and the love you give them. They are smarter than given credit. I have 4 cats and are slowly trusting Ellie. Ellie wants to play so bad that she comes on a little strong but she only wants to play. I have confidence that one day they will realize she is here to stay. I highly recommend a chihuahua as a pet and companion. If at all possible please adopt from a shelter or a Rescue Group. They need families more than we know. Now do I ever see myself with more than one....definitely!!

Posted by Mary on 2009-06-01 at 15:02:26

Love my Chihuahua

We have a male .. we call him Spaz .. he thinks he is the king of the house. Yes he has his moments as we have two other dogs,. but he is buy my side 24 --7 he is the best friend of friends.. and my buddy.. I love my chihuahua .. he is a year old and the master of our house LOL

Posted by Tammy on 2009-06-11 at 10:20:11

love my babies,

i have 3 chihuahua's wouldnt trade them 4 the world.they r 5,5,&3yrs old.tacois short hair.paris&bruiser r long hair.they r loyal,true,friendly once they know ya.they all sleep w/us a night& take the whole bed up.they love all the grandkids.i wouldn'tknow what i do if anything happens 2 them they r my life&my kids now.i love them.

Posted by anita on 2009-06-17 at 09:30:48

Chihuahua

I have a 3 yr. old male chocolate chiihuahua, which I thought was rare. he's a thorough bread. anyway Killer and yeah that was his name when my husband 's friend rescued him from his abusive alcoholic mom. he was a year old then. Killer was a present for me but bonded with my husband more so. I LOVE my dog but he is so tempermental does not like nobody!! he shows affection more when my husband isn't home. I don't know if it's because a woman abused him so therefore i'm a woman but I love killer I give him special treats, toys etc. sometimes he goes into a deep depression to. anyway anly suggestions would be appreciated. thnx Lesa

Posted by Lesa on 2009-10-10 at 05:01:32