Dog care - Have your Chihuahua vaccinated

Have your Chihuahua vaccinated, and follow with yearly booster vaccinations to maintain the dog's immunity to disease. Consult your veterinarian about flea control products and worming your dog.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Dog care - Chihuahuas are very sensitive to the elements

Chihuahuas are very sensitive to the elements. They can suffer from heatstroke because of their love for the sun, so be careful about leaving them outdoors.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Avoid purchasing a Chihuahua from a pet shop

Avoid purchasing a Chihuahua from a pet shop, as such establishments may not keep satisfactory genetic records. Purchase your dog from a reputable breeder instead.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - A Chihuahua is usually a one-person dog

A Chihuahua is usually a one-person dog. They are loving with their owners, but they are often jealous and suspicious of outsiders.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Check potential breeders carefully

Check potential breeders carefully and ask whether they are members of breed, specialty or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check references and make sure the breeder is not running a puppy mill - a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Health problem

Understand that Chihuahuas can suffer from weak knees, colds, corneal dryness, secondary glaucoma, genetic disorders relating to the soft palate and trachea, molera, heart valve problems and dislocated kneecaps. Talk to the breeder to find out what type of health screenings have been performed.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Look at the Chihuahua's features when choosing your dog

Look at the Chihuahua's features when choosing your dog. A good dog will have fine bones without too many muscles, a round head, large eyes and perky ears.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Reconsider Chihuahua if you have children or other pets

Reconsider this breed if you have children or other pets; most Chihuahuas won't get along well with kids or animals.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Reconsider buying a Chihuahua if you want a calm, quiet dog

Reconsider buying a Chihuahua if you want a calm, quiet dog. Chihuahuas act excited when they see you and will bark often, though this can be avoided with proper training.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Consider a Chihuahua if you want a vigilant watchdog

Consider a Chihuahua if you want a vigilant watchdog. Because of their alertness and loyalty to their owners, Chihuahuas are suspicious of visitors.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Chihuahua is a sweet, attentive dog

Choose a Chihuahua if you're looking for a sweet, attentive dog. They love to be around humans and will lie in your lap for hours.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Chihuahua may not be good with children

This breed can be stubborn, jealous and aggressive, and may not be good with children and other animals.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Some Chihuahuas bark a lot

Some Chihuahuas are extremely excitable and many bark a lot, though some bark very little. Proper training can reduce excitability.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Chihuahuas often shiver

Chihuahuas often shiver - not just when cold, but also when excited.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Chihuahuas can suffer from weak knees, colds, corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma

Note that Chihuahuas can suffer from weak knees, colds, corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Talk to the breeder to find out what type of screening has been done for these health problems.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Dress your Chihuahua in a sweater

Dress your Chihuahua in a sweater if walking her in temperatures below 40 degrees F. Chihuahuas are very sensitive to cold temperatures and probably shouldn't be walked if it's below 35 degrees F, or if there's a wind chill factor.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Pet your Chihuahua often

Pet your Chihuahua often. This breed requires a lot of human attention and love.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Train your Chihuahua with a gentle hand

Train your Chihuahua with a gentle hand, and socialize her at an early age with children and other dogs.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Buying a body harness instead of a collar to protect your dog's neck on walks

Consider buying a body harness instead of a collar to protect your Chihuahua's neck on walks. This will also help prevent collapsed trachea and soft palate.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Exercise your Chihuahua daily if possible

Exercise your Chihuahua daily if possible. However, this breed tends to have quick bursts of energy and may not need to go on extensive walks. An apartment to romp around in is usually enough exercise for a Chihuahua.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover