These are some of the important things to consider when making a decision to bring a chihuahua into your home.Please look carefully.
Do you really want a small dog? If you do, how small?
Chihuahuas because of their size are at risk for injury. If you have young children they can be too rough and unintentionally injure them. With all children there should be supervision when they are handling chihuahuas especially when the chi's are babies.They can also be over stressed when there is too much handling. So if you've already decided that you are getting a chihuahua and you have children that are younger we suggest one that is alittle bigger.Their bones are alittle bigger and sturdier and not as likely to snap if they jump from a childs arms etc. The very tiny chi's are very fragile and need protected even from things like jumping from something such as furniture so they don't end up with a broken leg or bumping their head. They are born with a soft spot on their head that you must be careful with. Just like a newborn human baby. The larger chihuahuas soft spot seems to close more often than the little ones. Alot of times it stays open for life.As your chi grows and you get to know it you will see what it needs and just what type of handling is appropriate.
Chihuahuas bond to their human in a very deep way. They do care if they are turned over to someone they don't know. So it is important that you are commited to the relationship. They can chew,bark and piddle. These are not reasons to abandon your pet. It is part of the territory and it's up to you to provide the training they need with love and consistency. They are dogs after all and they need attention and love. Being active and on a schedule will make it easier for them and you to have a well mannered chihuahua.
As with each dog breed the chihuahua too has certain health conditions that can arise.
They are very sensitive to cold. They may need the protection of a sweater when the weather is cool/chilly. If your chi has a very short nose they may also snore and at times wheeze.
Some may suffer from eye problems, luxated patellas... a congenital problem with the kneecaps,heart disease, collapsed trachea and hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can occur as a result of injury as well as being congenital...it is when excessive fluid is found within or around the brain. Treatment for hydrocephalus is expensive and usually unsuccessful. It usually will manifest by the age of two years.
Hypoglycemia is also a danger for chihuahuas. This is caused by a drop in bloodsugar.Puppies are especially at risk. It can be caused by missing a meal, so make sure when you bring your puppy home that it is eating normally. They will refuse to eat at times of stress such as a new enviroment, people,animals etc. So watch this carefully. They can also play or be handled too much and it stresses their bodies and the bloodsugar drops. If you see your puppy become lethargic immediately give it something such as vita cal or nutri cal.They love it and will usually take it right from the tube.For the very small chis you can give them a lick or too from the tube daily just to be sure that they have ample nourishment. So it is a great idea to have it on hand when you bring your puppy home. If you don't have it and they have a hypoglysemic episode use a small amount of karo syrup...if you don't have that try maple syrup. The goal is to raise the bloodsugar up quickly. After this if the puppy responds and begins to act normal try to get it to eat some food. They may respond to canned better at this point over dry. Do what works and get them to eat alittle. If the puppy isn't responding well take it immediately to your vet!
These are just 'some' things to know about your chi. We suggest doing an internet search on these subjects to know more because we are in no way experts on the conditions listed. Knowledge keeps you prepared if the worst were to happen.