My $1600 Mutant Chihuauha

A couple of years ago, I and my 11 year old daughter walked into a pet shop. I didn't go in with the intention of buying. I am normally a Humane Society type of person. As we strolled down the glass units, we came across several cute animals, but when we passed by a cubby with a little Chihuahua in with a young bull dog, it was love at first sight! Both my daughter and I both fell in love with the tri-colored Chi.

I held out as long as I could as my daughter begged me to buy this dog. "$1600!" I said, "Are you out of your mind?" All the while I'm looking down at that sweet tiny face. Needless to say 30 minutes later we were walking out of there with Dog, dog supplies, and pedigree papers.

The dog, for some unexplained reason, became attached to me. (Do you think it may be because I was the one who fed it?) My daughter loved holding him and carrying him around. I took the dog wherever I went.

Being a huge Red Sox Fan, and the dog being a Chihuahua and all, we named Him PAPI. (Yes, I know David Ortiz is Dominican and Chihuahuas are Mexican, but get past it) Well life with Papi was just peachy. He loved my cat. He even began to think he was a cat. In fact, when my cat had kittens, Papi kept stealing this one particular kitten. I guess he thought he should have one. After all, the cat had 4 more! We grew to love Papi more and more every day.

Then, Papi began to grow...

Fast forward about 6 months. I was still trying to convince Papi to either go outside, use the puppy pad, or use the litter box. He preferred my hallway carpet. He was otherwise blending in just fine. He was really nervous around most people. He began to bark at people just walking down the alley, or through the yard. I tried to convince him not to bark unless the people OUTSIDE were trying to get INSIDE, but he wouldn't listen.

I noticed Papi was getting a little long legged for a Chihuahua, and also a bit long. But, we loved him, and I figured he'd quit growing soon. I would have called the pet store then had I not thought they would take our little guy away. We already loved him, even if he was a bit big for a Chihuahua. Well, he ended up being 8 pounds and looks more like a Min Pin than a Chihuahua, but he's family.

I did learn some valuable lessons, however, about choosing a pet.

Pets are People Too

Chihuahua's have the distinction of being the oldest breed in America. Chihuahua's can have smooth coats or long coats. They can come in many different color variations. There are only two "types" of Chihuahua, apple heads and deer heads. The breed "Standard" (important if you want to breed the animal) says 6 lbs is the limit. I have living proof they can be larger, and still be "Purebred."

They are generally a graceful, swift and energetic dog. Chihuahua's are very protective dogs, especially when trying to protect his Master, will even stand up to a larger breed of dog. They are excellent watch dogs, but not good guard dogs. This little breed is very timid and although tries to appear brave, they get nervous easily. I call mine a "chickenhuahua."

Chihuahua's require a lot of attention. Petting, being played with and talked to. They do NOT require much grooming, however. They are very much like Terriers in that they are alert, observant, and very big on interacting with their masters. The Chihuahua returns your attention with unconditional love and devotion. In fact, Chihuahua's normally "bond" with one person and they stay that way. It can be very difficult to transfer owners for a Chihuahua, so when choosing one, as any type of dog, make sure it is a lifetime committment. This is a great breed of dog for the elderly, a single person, and shut ins. Although, I am very proud of my Papi, who has even adjusted well to my Grandchildren being in the house. Chihuahuas have a fairly long life span and can live to be 11-18 years old.

Because they are so energetic, they require little in the area of exercise. It is possible, however, for a Chihuahua, like any breed, to become overweight. They can be nervous and high strung. Mine has an adorable habit of jumping in circles and flipping when I've been away for any length of time. Time enough to take out the garbage, for example. This is why I tell my Children that I spoil him more than them. My Chihuahua has no hesitation in showing me how much I am loved and missed. My children, on the other hand, growl at me! These little dogs are sensitive to cold and get very uncomfortable when it gets below 40 degrees or so. And you thought Chi owners just dressed their dogs because it looks adorable!

Chis like to "burrow" and love sleeping under covers, even under pillows! This is called the "moley -effect. The "shivering" a Chihuahua does isn't necessarily due to cold. They have a very high metabolism and shaking is natural to the breed.

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As I've stated before, I had always been a person who has chosen a pet via the Humane Society. These are dogs whose lives literally depend on finding a loving family. Another good resource would be a Chihuahua Rescue, or any Rescue society. Breeders may also be a good way to go, if you check them out. See the puppy and interact with him before you decide to buy. If you are buying from a breeder, ask to see where the dogs are kept, and also ask if you can see your future pet's parents. Most respectable breeders will have NO problem with that. In fact, most of the pups are raised as a member of the family and are well socialized by the time they are ready to be re-homed.

Where you get your Chihuahua will greatly impact what kind of a dog you are getting. It will also impact the relationship you will have with the dog. Choose a pet carefully and wisely. You are choosing a member of your family!

*The dog with the cat in the first segment is my dog, Papi.

I can now say from experience that you should NOT in most cases buy from a Pet Shop. There may be some reputable ones out there, but there are too many puppy mills who over breed and then sell to pet shops. Pet shops then overcharge customers and can guarantee nothing about the animal. They normally don't know anything about it's parentage, or birth, or littermates. If you DO buy from a shop, ask questions, lots of questions. How long have they been dealing with this particular breeder? Have their been any complaints about the dogs?






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My little guy never ceases to amaze me. He has a new quirk. He has decided to be more aggressive! Oh, not when people come IN, as you would expect, but when they leave! When people come in now, he will still bark, even if it is from underneath a blanket. When they LEAVE, however, Papi jumps into action, several times going as far as nipping at people's heels! It's almost like he wants to hold them prisoner! I'm beginning to think that my loveable little Papi may need a doggy therapist. Can anyone out there recommend a good one?

It goes without saying that I love my Chihuahua. In fact, I really love all pets. Dogs, Cats, Birds, I've even owned lizards and a spider! They are the helpless, however. It breaks my heart to see strays, some that are obviously 2nd or 3rd generation feral. I will be bringing you more information about pets, so look for my other articles!