Taking Care of your Chihuahua...

We thought some of you first time Chihuahua owners may have some questions hope this answers a few of them.

Should I take my puppy to the vet?

If your breeder does not give you a slip of paper telling you that the puppy has been vet checked and is a healthy pup then we definatly recommend you take your pup to the vet within 48 hours of getting it. A puppy can look healthy but may have a serious problem that is not apparent to a layman. All of our pups are vet checked.

Will my Chihuahua get along with other dogs and children?

Chihuahuas are very lovable dogs and adapt to their surroundings. They will get along with other dogs but we do not recommend that you leave the two animals alone until you are sure they are comfortable around each other. Chihuahuas are also very loving around children. However, we do not recommend that you leave children under six alone with them because the chihuahua is so small and can be easily injured.

When can my puppy go outside?

You may take your new puppy wherever you go but do not put him/her on the ground until it has had all three sets of shots. The puppy may get parvo or lepto if not properly vaccinated. It is recommended that shots begin at nine weeks. This way the puppy can build up its immune system. Getting shots earlier may not always be healthier.

What should I feed my new puppy?

It is recommedned that you feed a small breed puppy dry food. Purina Puppy Chow and Pedigree both have puppy formulated dry food and can be found in all grocery stores and some pet stores. Feeding a puppy canned food can soften the stool and be a mess to clean up.

How much will my puppy weigh when full grown?

Chihuahuas should not weigh more than six pounds. However, depending on what and how much you are feeding your pup will determine how much he/she weighs. Once the pups are 10-12 months old they should only be fed twice a day.

How often should I bathe my puppy?

A needs very few baths if regularly brushed. We recommend once a month. Too much bathing can remove the natural oils in the puppy's coat. This could result in dry and itching skin. It is best to use high quality shampoos that are made for dogs. You should also be careful not to get water in the ears. Sticking some cotton in their ears will help prevent water getting in there. No dog should not be given a bath in cold weather. Also make sure to keep your puppy warm and out of drafts after his/her bath. 

What about potty training?

If you buy chihuahuas from us they are paper trained. Chihuahuas can also be liter box trained and after having all of their shots can be trained to go outside to potty. The trick is putting them on the paper or in the liter box when they wake up from a nap or after eating. If this is done consistantly they will know where you want them to go.