Category: <span>breeding</span>

Help! My chihuahua puppy has become a teenager

October 14, 2018January 11, 2021
by Louise Kirby

Help my cute chihuahua puppy has become a chi-nager.

Puppies age more in the first year in terms of human years, so by the time your chihuahua puppy is one year old they are in fact about 15.

During the first 6 months of your puppy’s life, he will be biddable, playful and eager to please. This is when you should be working hard with your chihuahua puppy to establish good manners, behaviour and you should be working very hard with socialisation. Skimping on this could risk your cute chihuahua puppy turning into a not so cute chi-ziller. Read: 9 things you should be doing with your puppy from the off.

Adolescence

At about 6 months adolescence will hit and your chihuahua puppy will turn into a chi-nager. These can be testing times as your dog will have many of the same issues that we see in our adolescent children.

You may see your once biddable chihuahua puppy become challenging. His focus is no longer pleasing you, but has turned to exploring the more interesting world outside. All the hard work that you have put into training seems to have gone out the window. Your chihuahua puppy has become rebellious and sometimes plain disobedient. Add into this the natural stubborn streak that runs through every chihuahua and there may be trouble ahead.

Oh those hormones!

Reproductive hormones are starting to circulate and your chihuahua will want to find his place in the world and in his pack. It’s going to be about now that litter mates may start fighting for the dominant position. If you brought two siblings’ home on impulse, now is the time you may start to regret it. You can read more about littermate syndrome here. This is also when many young male chihuahuas will find themselves handed into rescues.

Will neutering your chihuahua puppy help?

This is also the time that many people turn to neutering and spaying. We are encouraged to do so by society and the vets. People often think, or are advised, that neutering a young male dog will somehow ‘calm him down’.

In fact, the exact opposite is true. For male dogs it stops the production of testosterone, which can make him fearful and snappy. Early spaying in a female can lead to hormone incontinence. Before you cue up at the vets to get your chihuahua spayed, do some research. No vet in the UK will tell you not to spay or neuter your dog, so don’t look for impartial advice there. You can read more about spaying and neutering here.

The deaf ear

One of the main challenges you may have with your now teenage chihuahua puppy is recall. Your chihuahua is enjoying sniffing and rooting about and may well turn the, ‘teenager deaf ear’ when you try to call him back.

But, your teenage chihuahua puppy lacks the maturity to react to situations and could end up getting into trouble. It might be a good idea to keep him on a long training lead until this phase is past. This is what we are doing with Arlo (18 weeks at time of writing) after an incident that led to him being lost in the woods for nine hours. Here is some helpful info on what to do if your dog gets lost.

Aggression to other dogs

Chihuahuas are known for only liking their own breed and for showing aggression towards other dogs. If you spent time correctly socialising your puppy, then this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. But, your chi-nager will be trying to establish himself in the neighbourhood with the local dogs. If your chihuahua is being aggressive towards other dogs, keep him on a lead and under control. But don’t despair, it is possible to get past this behaviour. It takes patience, and lots of positive interactions. Continue to work with him and this behaviour in a controlled situation with dogs you know. You can find out more about dealing with aggression towards other dogs here.

It will pass

This adolescent phase will pass, and you will get your agreeable chihuahua back. But, you must continue with training and *insist that your chihuahua puppy follows the house rules. Do not allow your chihuahua to believe he is in charge. It is very common for chihuahuas to promote themselves to pack leader, especially if they feel that the current management is weak.

Read why you in charge = happier chihuahua. It is a mistake to allow bad behaviour just because your dog is small. It limits his potential and will result in a very stressed, snappy dog.

*Please remember that training any dog is about being positive and kind. Never show any kind of aggression towards your dog. A dog that feels threatened only has one defence.

Don’t give up on your chihuahua puppy

This is often the time that owners will give up on their chihuahua, especially males, and put them in a rescue. This is how we got Arlo, the rescue told us he was fighting with his siblings.

Exercise, fun & games

Keep your chihuahua active, chihuahuas rock at agility. Or, make sure they get plenty of good quality interesting walks and lots of playtime with you. A chihuahua left alone for long periods of time will become stressed and start to display behaviour associated with separation anxiety. Arrange a dog walker if you are out for regular long periods of time.

Chihuahua barking

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Behaviour

We Need to Talk About Spaying.

November 6, 2017May 15, 2022
by Louise Kirby

Is routine spaying & neutering dogs wrong?

You love your chihuahua and want to do the best for them. When you get your new chihuahua you get their shots and then have them spayed or neutered. But is routinely spaying & neutering dogs morally wrong and bad for your dog’s health? Is the idea that all dogs must be spayed flawed logic?

Some vets advise that spaying should take place as early as possible from around 6 months of age.

Spaying or neutering dogs involves removing the uterus and ovaries of a female and the testicles of a male.

We are advised the advantages of doing so are:

It will stop unwanted pregnancy
Your female dog will not have seasons and bleed
Your male dog will be less aggressive
Female dogs will be less prone to septic uterus (Pyometra) or mammary cancer.

The procedure cost from around £280 and your pet is in and out in a day and apparently bouncing around like nothing has happened.

Emotional subject

We have had many impassioned debates on our Facebook page about spaying & neutering dogs. I have been roundly admonished for not getting Minnie spayed. I was on the verge of it and waiting to find the correct window in her cycle.

But, I can’t get my head around the feeling is it just not the right thing to do. Remove a major organ from my dog, to make her existence fit into my human life? (see update)

My vet tells me that Minnie is not going to have the emotional attachment to her womb as I have to mine. I am being silly and getting her spayed is better for everyone. But is it?

Flawed logic

Now, I understand the argument about the appalling number of unwanted puppies being euthanized. But is it the same problem?The responsible owner who is willing to pay upward of £300 for a medical procedure is not the target when it comes down to irresponsible breeding.

Most responsible owners will manage their dog’s reproductive health by separating a bitch in heat from other dogs and keeping her on a lead.

Having Minnie spayed or you having your chihuahua spayed is not going to have any impact on the amount of dogs sired by back-street breeders or puppy farms. The problem isn’t with you or me!

Considered Illegal

Did you know that routine spaying & neutering dogs in Norway is illegal unless it’s for a medical reason? It is considered cruel and detrimental to the dog’s health and well-being. They also don’t clip ears or cut tails.

Not an answer for behaviour problems

Norwegians also believe that it is unethical to neuter a dog for behaviour reasons. An aggressive dog is often aggressive because of fear. That is certainly the case with chihuahuas, who are registered card holders of the fear biting club

In Norway they believe aggressive behaviour needs to be addressed by training. Do they have a huge stray dog issue? No, Norwegians appear to take pride in taking a responsible attitude to dog ownership.

In fact there is more evidence to suggest that neutering a dog that is showing aggressive behaviour can have the opposite effect and make them more aggressive. The reason being the hormones that give him confidence are gone.

As chihuahuas are prone to fear biting and fear related aggression, is having your chihuahua neutered making his behaviour worse?

So, what is best for our Minnie? I have been doing some research and it hasn’t surprised me to learn that completely de-sexing you chihuahua may well impact on your dog’s future health as well as behaviour.

Debunking the mammary tumour argument

The first thing to challenge is the argument that spaying prevents mammary tumours.

Dr Becker from Mercola writes:

A study from the U.K. suggests there isn’t much scientific evidence at all to support the idea that early spaying of female dogs decreases or eliminates future risk of mammary tumours or breast cancer. This has been a much-promoted supposed benefit of early spays for decades. But as it turns out, it’s based on theory rather than scientific evidence.

One of the main issues around the totally de-sexing of your dog is the damage it does to your dog’s endocrine system.

The endocrine system is responsible for the hormones that are needed to keep the body functioning. If the ovaries and testicles are removed the production of these hormones falls to the adrenal glands and they can fail under the strain and are not able to produce the same amount.

Other disorders associated with de-sexing your dog are:

Bone cancer
Cardiac tumours
Abnormal bone growth
Hormonal incontinence
Hip dysplasia.
Thyroid problems.
Early spaying and neutering can cause developmental issues.

There should be another way

If you feel unable to manage your dog’s reproductive health without medical intervention. It is possible to have your dog sterilised; tubes tied in females or a vasectomy in males. This would give you the peace of mind about any accidents without causing the issues of total de-sexing.

A question of ethics

But, a conversation with a vet in the UK advises this can’t be done. Altering a dog in this way or just for your convenience is unethical. The reason they can fully de-sex your dog by completely removing your chihuahuas reproductive organs is because of the perceived ‘health benefits’. So, as some experts now question the suggested health benefits of total de-sexing, is this tactic going to change?

Do your research

This is a short post on a huge subject. And I am not advising you to spay or not. But it is something that needs to be discussed and when you go to the vets to ask, you owe it to your dog to be better informed. I urge you to do some more research before you make a decision that can’t be reversed.
You can read more about spaying your chihuahua here. If you want to understand more about your chihuahua’s season read this post.

As an update on this post that was written sometime ago, I have now had both Minnie and Macy spayed. I have been continually updating my research on this and recent research suggests that females are better spayed from a hormone pov and boys are better left intact as they need the testosterone. Also as females get towards six, they are at greater risk from parvo. I would have had her done around this time for that reason. But females should have at least one season and be fully mature. I don’t regret taking my time and making sure I understood all the issues. You have to make a decision that is write for your household, I urge you to do some meaningful research.

breeding

Luxating patella & your chihuahua! What you need to…

October 30, 2017May 15, 2022
by Louise Kirby

What is Luxating Patella?

Luxating patella is a common knee condition that can affect any dog, but chihuahuas and other small breeds are particularly prone to it.

The patella is the name for a dog’s kneecap and luxating (which means out of place) patella is when the kneecap moves out of its normal position. You might also hear it referred to as a floating kneecap.

The kneecap sits in a groove above the thigh bone, when it slips out of it’s normal position it can only be returned when your chihuahua relaxes his leg, this will give you the tell-tale skip and hop that chihuahuas do when they are running about.

Chihuahuas and other small breed dogs are prone to it and female dogs are more likely to be affected than males.

A luxating patella can be caused by trauma or be a birth defect that might start to show itself once your chihuahua is about four months old.

How to spot it

You may notice:

Your dog sits with his knees turned outward
Intermittent limping and hopping when running about
Pain or swelling around the joint
Reluctance to jump up or down
Pain when the joint is manipulated manually.

However, some dogs can live with a luxating patella without significant issues and not all chihuahuas who skip have this problem.

Luxating Patella is graded from 1-4

The kneecap slips out from time to time and can be manipulated back into position.
The kneecap is more likely to slip out of position and your chihuahua may start to show signs of pain and discomfort.
The kneecap stays out of position most of the time and will be impacting on your chihuahuas ability to run about without pain.
The kneecap is permanently out of place which will be causing pain and discomfort stopping your chihuahua from using this leg.
You may also hear it referred to as a medial or lateral luxating patella. This refers to the direction the kneecap slips in. Medial is when it slips towards the body and lateral is when it slips sideways.

How to treat luxating patella

If your chihuahua has a grade 1 or 2 luxating patella it is likely that managing the situation may be the best option. Keeping his weight down, not allowing him to jump down from high places, supporting his joints with good nutrition, regular exercise and in some cases anti-inflammatories and physio.

Grade 3-4 condition is more likely to require surgery which involves deepening the groove on the femur, so the kneecap stays in place. If surgery is not performed it could cause cranial cruciate ligament rupture and painful arthritis.

Supporting the condition

As the condition can be genetic it can’t be prevented, but by adding good diet (Not processed kibble) and a range of vitamins and minerals that support collagen renewal can help. It would be a good idea to speak with a dog nutritionist who can give you tailored advice for your dog.

Dog Naturally Magazine suggest a range of exercises to strengthen your dog’s muscles. If the surrounding muscles are strong, then it will help prevent the kneecap from slipping.

Have your dog move from a Sit to a Stand several times in a row.
If you have stairs (preferably carpeted), have your dog ascend and descend the stairs three to five times, several times a day. Alternatively, high-density, long-lasting CertiPUR-US® certified foam dog stairs could also be an option. Besides this, you can also find a steep hill and have him walk up and down and zig-zag across the face of the hill.
Teach your pet to army crawl. Have him get into a down position and slowly lure him forward with some food and encourage him to keep his rear end down.
Walking over Cavalettis (a series of raised bars set up in a row) will encourage flexion and extension of the stifles.
Leg weights can be applied above the hock and the dog can go for a walk or do his exercises with them on to provide resistance and improve muscle strength.
Underwater treadmills or swimming are excellent ways to strengthen the surrounding knee structures. The resistance of the water will help build muscle strength and the buoyancy of the water makes it a safer workout.

Speak to your vet to make sure an exercise regime is appropriate for your chihuahua’s condition.

Buying a puppy

If you are buying a puppy it is a good question to ask the breeder and an excellent reason to buy from a reputable licensed breeder. It is irresponsible to breed from a bitch that has luxating patella in her genetic make-up, and most responsible breeders won’t do this.

A good breeder who is a member of a breed club is going to be familiar with the issues of luxating patella in chihuahuas. They are likely to have had their breeding stock score tested against this condition and you are well within your rights to ask about this before buying. The breeder is going to be more than happy to provide you with the results to the testing if they are good.

You can also get your puppy tested, it can cost anything from 50.00 depending on the complexity of the examination. If your puppy shows a strong likelihood of developing the condition, then you could return her to the breeder.

Caution

If you do get your puppy tested and the results are not in the dog’s favour you might find yourself obliged to advise any insurance company and therefore find yourself not covered. I would discuss this with your vet before you undertake anything. Make sure you are insured and past your warm-up period before you get any advice from the vet.

Get chihuahua barking under control.

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breeding

Albino chihuahuas; It’s not as clear as you think!

September 30, 2017March 29, 2019
by Louise Kirby

Please note the chi in the photo is not a full albino chi.

Albino chihuahuas; It’s not as clear as you think!

Albino is not just another name for a white dog. In a white dog the genetic marker for the dog is white, while in an albino dog has no melanin or pigmentation at all. If you wanted to be sure that your chihuahua is a true albino chihuahua you would need to get him genetically tested at the vet, but albino chihuahuas typically presents as; very pale eyes, pink around the eye sockets, pink nose and lips.

You could also part his fur and look at the skin. A white dog will still have some colour in his skin, but an albino’s skin under the fur will be pink.

True albino chihuahuas are rare

But very importantly be aware that it is possible for your chihuahua to present with these traits and not be a true albino. This is known as partial albinism.

True albino chihuahuas are rare. So, some breeders might feel this is a reason to charge you more for your puppy. But, as a white puppy can present as an albino it would be a good idea to resist paying extra. You could also be buying a partial albino chihuahua that may have additional health problems.

Health issues associated with albinism

Light Sensitivity

Melanin in the eyes will help filter light, so for your albino chihuahua, the lack of melanin will make him sensitive to light and cause pain in bright light situations.

Skin disorders

They can also be prone to sunburn and extra special care needs to be taken in the sunlight. Skin cancers can also be an issue for albino chihuahuas.

Not necessarily deafness

Deafness is not necessarily a symptom of being a true albino, this is something that is more likely to affect partial albino chihuahuas. A partial albino may have odd small swatches of colour. These colour patterns are known as “piebald” and “merle”.

” Piebald dogs have mostly white-coloured coats that display spots or patches of dark coloration. Merle-coated dogs exhibit splotches or patches of colour, not only on the coat, but on the skin as well.” (www.dogster.com)

The issue with deafness comes when you have a Mm breeding which is a double merle. Read the controversy over merles.

Also, merle is considered a genetic fault, this is the reason that merle chis are not eligible to be registered with the kennel club or enter formal shows.

Should be we breed albino chihuahuas?

Albino chihuahuas need just as much loving as any other chi. They are beautiful and unique. But as true albinism is rare the casual breeder is unlikely to know themselves and your puppy could be the result of a double merle (Mm) paring.

So, on top of the extra precautions an albino chihuahua needs over light and sun sensitivity they could be inheriting deafness and neurological issues associated with double merle gene.

Chasing designer colours

My advice is don’t pay extra and don’t take the word of the breeder that your puppy is a true albino chihuahua. Don’t go searching for an albino because it is unusual. You could end up with a world of problems and vet bills. Plus the breeding of designer coats weakens the breed.

Some breeders will try and engineer a litter of puppies with unusual coat marking because they believe they will be able to get more money for them. Sometimes without realising the health implications and some not caring.

A good breeder will not sell a puppy to just anyone and they are unlikely to risk the health of the puppies to get unusual or designer coat colouring. So, if you are going to buy a puppy rather than adopt make sure you go to a reputable breeder and you can see both the parents. Read how to spot a puppy farm chihuahua.

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More Than One Chihuahua? Do you Have Multiple Chihuahua…

August 8, 2017May 15, 2022
by Louise Kirby

More Than One Chihuahua? Do you have Multiple chihuahua syndrome?

There is a saying that once you get a chihuahua you can’t have just one. I think it must be true as most people I know with chis have more than one chihuahua.

What is it about this little saucy little dog that makes them so addictive? You start out with one and before you know it you have three or four. More chihuahuas must mean more fun, more chihuahua snuggles & kisses and more chihuahua love. It does, but their are other considerations to.

The Good

Chis are quite small so having more than one chihuahua doesn’t pose the logistical problems that having several large dogs might. You can easily transport them if you are off to the park. Walking them on the lead, unless they are well trained, can be fun to watch. Performing the lead dance that resembles the French Knitting we did as children.

Company

They will play together so you are not totally responsible for their entertainment, having just one dog can mean they want your attention all day, it is also better for them if you are going to be out at work. If they are friends they will snuggle up together, lick ears and play. It is a pleasure to watch your chihuahuas make up silly games and chase each other around.

Having more than one chihuahua means they will play with each other

Better for them

Having more than one chihuahua is generally better for the dogs. But beware, chihuahuas don’t always get on with other breeds. They are known for their preference for a chihuahua based pack. That doesn’t mean they never get on with other dogs, there are plenty of examples of it working. But if you introduce a chihuahua into a mixed breed dog pack it could prove difficult. Especially if the other dogs are large. This could stress your chihuahua who may respond with fear biting behaviour.

The Bad

Chihuahuas like a pack hierarchy, they like to know who is in charge and if they perceive they can do the job better they will step up. This can cause conflict with an older more mature dog who might want a quieter life or disturb the natural order of your established pack. Once your chihuahua has decided he is in charge he could get bossy or aggressive over food and resources.

More Training

Training more than one chihuahua can be harder than training one, as your focus is divided and you can’t always get multiple dogs to do what you want at the same time. This can be especially true of chihuahuas who can be stubborn. Getting your chihuahua pack to not bark at visitors or the postman would be essential!

More chi-wee

Toilet training chihuahuas can be a challenge, some chis can take up to 2 years to get reliable so if you have a multiple chihuahua household you are going to need a more relaxed view to accidents in the house and a good chi-wee cleaning system.

Littermates no no

If you think you want more than one chihuahua, and who wouldn’t, don’t be tempted to get littermates. It might seem like a good idea when they are puppies, but as they mature it can cause conflict and fighting or they become so bonded to each other they take little notice of you. Littermate syndrome is a thing and most dog behaviour experts agrees that littermates are not a good idea.

Dont be tempted to get littermates. However cute!

The Expense

Multiple dogs will also mean multiple vet bills, flea treatments, nail clipping and vaccinations. Having more than one dog can be very expensive. Chemical flea control can be as much as £9.00 per month per dog. Plus the cost of insurance which has gone through the roof, boarding if you want to go on holiday, passports if you are taking them with you. This is when using natural flea control, cooking your own dog food and learning to clip nails comes into its own.

Do you have a multiple chihuahua household? We would love to know how they all get on.

breeding

5 Mythical Chihuahua Facts from Ancient History

July 3, 2017July 3, 2017
by Louise Kirby

[slideshow_deploy id=’3008′]

Although chihuahuas are one of the most popular dogs today, they are a very ancient breed of dog that can be traced back to the Aztecs. Many mystical claims have been made about our humble chihuahua. Here are some amazing chihuahua facts in a short slideshow. Mouse over the photo for comments.

breeding

The Merle Chihuahua. Why the controversy?

June 21, 2017December 11, 2021
by Louise Kirby

What is a merle chihuahua?

We have had some lovely photos of merle chihuahuas sent into the blog. They are such an unusual colour combination that we thought it would be good to look at the history of this pattern. Goodness me what a hotbed of intrigue we uncovered. Who knew that there was so much controversy over the merle chihuahua!

What does ‘merle’ mean

Merle refers to the unusual colouring of the dog’s coat. Sometimes referred to as dappling. It is the result of a gene modifier that changes the pigmentation at the base of the coat. The result of this gene is the unusual light and dark patches. The chihuahua may also have blue eyes.

Why is a merle chihuahua controversial?

It has been suggested that the merle gene is not naturally present in a chihuahua so to produce this colour pattern there must have been some cross breeding back in the chihuahua’s bloodline. The merle gene is naturally present in other dogs, like great danes and collies.

The merle gene occurs naturally in collies and other dogs

The Kennel Club no longer allows the registration of the merle chihuahua although it has done in the past. Some argue that the merle pattern has been present in chihuahuas since the 1940s and the kennel club has been Ok with it for 70 years so to suddenly decide they are cross breeds now is a bit harsh.

Designer chihuahua

Completely contrary to the above view others state that the merle chihuahua has only been around for 15 years and has been specifically bred to produce an unusual colour combination to appeal to buyers. They suggest that merle chihuahuas can be prone to specific health problems that are directly related to the merle gene.

Do merle chihuahuas have health problems?

There is some debate and opinions differ on this. Some suggest that the merle chihuahua will have health issues such as sight problems, hearing issues and possibly sperm deficiencies. Similar suggestions of ill health are associated with blue chihuahuas as well and it is suggested that you do not breed from two blues. Although the Kennel club does allow the registration of blues.

It is for reasons of health issues that the kennel club state that they do not allow the registration of merles. (Taken from their website)

‘’With effect 01 March 2009, the Kennel Club will no longer register puppies whelped from a merle parent, mated on or after this date. This is because the merle gene in this breed carries an increased risk of impaired hearing and sight problems.’’

Others suggest that there is no more risk in breeding merle chihuahuas than any other breed if it is done responsibly. That problems only start to occur when two merles are bred together (known as MM.) The feeling is that if the parent is healthy and only one parent is a merle (Mm) then you have no more risks than any other merle dog breeds.

Do you have a ghost merle?

It is possible to have a merle chihuahua and not know. If your chihuahua is light in colouring the light pigmentation that occurs with the merle gene will not show. These are called ghost or phantom merles.

Does my merle chihuahua need more attention?

If your puppy is healthy then no. If she has blue eyes there might be a sensitivity to bright sunlight. Some suggest that your merle chihuahua could be slightly larger than average.

Are merle chihuahuas rare?

Not especially, but there is always going to be breeders who jump on the popularity bandwagon and charge over the odds for this type of colour marking. If you are buying a merle do check the parents are not both merle and be aware that you won’t’ be able to register your dog. Similarly, some breeders go out of their way to suggest they are more responsible by not having merles in the bloodline.

However, the clampdown on this coat colour seems to continue and you are not allowed to show him at formal dog shows.

So, there you have it. You pay your money and take your choice.

We would love to have your opinions about merles, do you breed them or do you own one? Have they had health issues? Please leave your comments below.

breeding

Do you have an Apple Head or Deer Head…

June 13, 2017December 17, 2017
by Louise Kirby

Apple Head or Deer Head Chihuahuas

You hear a lot of people talk about Apple Head or Deer Head chihuahuas. Sometimes it is hard to work out what your chihuahua is.

Apple Head and Deer Head are not terms mentioned in the Kennel club description of the breed which just suggests that your chi should have:

“Well rounded ‘apple dome’ skull, cheeks and jaws lean, muzzle moderately short, slightly pointed. Definite stop”.

That would suggest that deer head chihuahuas are less likely to be shown in shows or to be cruft’s champions. Bit silly, but a lot of dog shows can be. I feel that a lot of their ‘best breed’ desired characteristics can lead to all sorts of health problems for the breed.

But it doesn’t mean they are any less chihuahua or any less loveable they are just not the desired shape set out in the Kennel Club specification. (I’m not the desired shape set out by Victoria Secrets!) But they are not a separate breed of chihuahua!

Can you get a mix in one litter?

Chihuahuas pups are going to take on the characteristics of their parents, but in the same way you can get a child that looks like Great Aunt Maud, you can get a mix of chihuahuas in one litter.

It is possible to look at a chi and not be able to decide which category it is. I would imagine if you can get either in a litter then you can get a chi that is a mix of the two. A Dapple head!

What’s the difference between Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahua?

Apple head:

Rounded domed head.
Prominent forehead.
Large, slightly protruding eyes.
Short slightly upturned muzzle.

They will also have moleras or a soft spot on their head well into adulthood. It is the same as the it is the same as a fontanelle in human babies. According to Wiki this is still used as a marker of a purebred chi.

Deer head:

Longer muzzle.
Eyes are higher up and less protruding.
Head is more heart shaped and looks a bit like a deer.
The skull and forehead is less pronounced.
Less likely to have a molera.

As Apple Heads have a shorter muzzle they might be more prone to the breathing issues that arise around brachycephalic dogs, similar to pugs and bulldogs. This might manifest itself as snoring, panting and noisy breathing and reverse sneezing. In extreme cases, it can cause collapse after exertion.

Looking at our two, I would suggest that Mika is an Apple Head and Minnie a Deer Head, although interestingly Minnie seems to display the breathing issues. She snores like a train and has regular reverse sneezing fits.

Mika is more Apple Head, but in this photo he looks more Deer Head

Whether you have Apple Head or Deer Head chihuahuas they are all chihuahuas and they are all beautiful. I don’t agree with breed specifications as the inbreeding it causes and devastate the long-term health of a breed.

Enjoy your chihuahua and her huge brave personality. They are a very ancient breed that can be traced back to the Aztecs. Highly intelligent, resourceful and loyal.

We love to see your chihuahua photos, please send them into the blog or our Facebook page.

breeding

Understanding your chihuahua’s season

April 4, 2017April 29, 2018
by Louise Kirby

Understanding your chihuahua’s season

We all know chihuahuas make the best pets, they are fiercely loyal, loving, happy and downright wonderful. While we know our chihuahuas inside out, when it comes to your chihuahua’s season or is ‘on heat.’ things can change. Understanding your chihuahua’s season can be a minefield, but here are some pointers to keep in mind.

Like female humans, female dogs react to the hormones released during this time, and it can affect your chihuahua in many ways.

Be aware of changes

Whatever your chihuahua’s normal temperament, this can dramatically change when she is in season. While some owners don’t see any changes, mood swings happen. No two dogs are the same, so it’s impossible to know how your chi will handle the situation but expect to see differences from their normal behaviour.

No better than she should be!

Be prepared for you angel chihuahua to behave like a trollop, she is hardwired to mate so attracting the attention of male dogs is her primary goal. There are two ‘complete’ pugs in our street and Minnie spends a lot of time peeing by their house leaving them messages.

She will know a complete dog when she smells one and will be very flirty, she may bend her tail out of the way as a signal to the dog she is ready and happy to be mated.

How her cycle works.

1. Proestrus

Getting ready for mating, but not fertile yet. You will start to see the changes in her vulva. Last about 9 days but this can vary. But she will not allow a dog to mate her.

2. Estrus

Oestrus is next, also lasting around 9 days. Now she can get pregnant and bleeding will be more visible. She will be flirty and more likely to run off to find a mate.

3. Diestrus

This third stage is the period following mating, it commonly lasts 63 days if your Chihuahua becomes pregnant and 60 to 90 days if not. If she is not pregnant this is where the risk of Pyometra, basically a womb infection, comes in because of the long exposure to progesterone hormone. Be extra vigilant to any discharge from her vulva, swollen abdomen and general signs of being unwell. If you suspect Pyometra take her to the vets. She may need antibiotics or in extreme cases surgery.

4. Anestrus

This is the last stage and lasts about 90 days, and is the recovery stage before the process start again. If you were having her spayed this would be the time to do it.

If your dog has never had a season before it can be alarming when you see how much her girly-bits swell up and protrude. Because of this it might be best to avoid taking her to the groomers, it’s unpleasant for the groomer, will drive all the male dogs nuts and you could aggravate a sensitive area with chemicals.

She needs the doggy equivalent of Bridget Jones and ice cream.

It is common for chihuahua in season to become quiet, subdued, lethargic and lifeless. Alternatively, you may see your pup becoming more anxious, tense, hyperactive and jumpier. Minnie has been very barky. Constantly barking into the garden. The best way to look after your chi is to give them a safe and quiet haven where they can retreat.

It is important to give your chihuahua space during this time so that they can handle their mood by themselves. Create a big bed full of soft comforts where they can get away from people and busy environments, let them sleep all day or whatever they need to do. Peace and quiet is a great thing and can really show your chi you care.

Accidents happen

Some chis will bleed a lot when they are in season, with some you may just notice minor spotting. To protect your home, it may be wise to restrict the rooms your chi can visit and remember to have dog-friendly floor cleaner on hand at all times. Although Minnie kept herself very clean she did bleed at night so you might need to rethink sleeping on the bed unless she will wear a nappy.

Toilet training out the window!

During the season, it may seem like your pooch has completely forgotten all her toilet training. This is fairly common, and accidents do happen. Be prepared for mishaps and don’t be alarmed for unusual toilet problems. In fact, diarrhea is fairly common in dogs in season, prepare your home and make sure that you keep an eye out for accidents, so they don’t ruin your furnishings.

Walkies

If your chihuahua seems well enough for walking, there is no reason to shut them indoors for the whole three weeks. It is wise to take your pup out at very quiet times or quiet places so you little chi does not get ambushed by excited male dogs. I walk ours everyday, at the times Minnie is in season I keep her on the lead if their are other dogs about.

You want to protect your chihuahua and it is important to show consideration for other dogs, it is only natural that complete dogs will be interested, that’s the whole point, so you can’t blame other owners if their dogs get excited. So make sure you only take her out in public when it is safe to do so.

Be prepared

Female chihuahuas need extra special attention when they come into season, but unfortunately, there is no way to tell when the heat cycle will start or how your dog will react. The best thing to do is give comfort and security while offering space if they become cranky and irritable.

Most importantly, it is absolutely your responsibility to prevent unwanted pregnancies by keeping her away from any males that may be sniffing her out nearby.

You also might like to read: We need to talk about spaying and Is spaying the right thing to do?

breeding

Teacup Chihuahuas-The New Fur Trade?

February 6, 2017September 21, 2018
by Louise Kirby

The craze for teacup chihuahuas.

First of all there is no such thing as teacup chihuahuas. Teacup is a marketing term used to describe a miniaturised dog that has been bred from the runts of the litter. Anyone who tells you that teacups are a breed apart is wrong and is likely to be breeding them to make money. So, just to make sure everyone is clear: There is no such thing as teacup chihuahuas!

Chihuahuas are not the only breed that are being miniaturised. It’s happening to Beagles, Maltese and Yorkies. While researching this article I even found a discussion about a teacup Great Dane!

The craze for miniaturisation

Teacup Chihuahua — Paris Hilton and her ilk helping fuel the craze for teacup chihuahuas

The miniaturisation of chihuahuas and other dog breeds is becoming increasingly common. The craze is being driven by social media and celebs like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. This celebrity endorsement fuels the market and some puppies can command a price tag of $10,000. With this kind of money changing hands the breeding of tiny chihuahuas is now big business.

The health issues

Breeders and vets are becoming increasingly worried about rise in the breeding of these dogs. Health issues are common: liver shunts, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), heart problems, and respiratory problems. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), is another serious problem for the teacup, and can cause seizures and death if not monitored. Because of this, some will need to be fed several times a day.

They are also extremely fragile and prone to broken bones and this makes them totally unsuitable for a family with young children.

Why size matters

Chihuahuas are naturally small dogs: The Kennel Club ideal size is weight: up to 2.7 kgs (6 lbs) and even that seems small. Reducing the size of a large dog by one or two pounds is no big deal but to an already small chihuahua it can have a massive impact on their health.

The Kennel Club does not recognise any teacup breed, and will not record dogs as being ‘teacup’ on its register.

With the rise in popularity and the hefty price tag breeders can command, there is a scramble to breed these dogs. What would once have been described as the ‘runt’ of the litter or the smallest dog is now the most prized. These tiny dogs are then bred with other runts to produce a guaranteed litter of tiny pups.

The problems start here for the puppies, as normal sized puppies are in the gene pool there is no guarantee that the pups won’t be too big for the bitch to whelp successfully and she will die trying.

The supply chain

The conditions that these puppies are bred in is vile. Bitches can be malnourished and the pups regularly delivered prematurely by C-section to ensure they are small. After all this suffering the pup may well grow to be a normal size and face being abandoned.

South Korea (not known for their affinity with dogs) and now Eastern Europe are prolific suppliers of teacup chihuahuas. They are produced on puppy farms or mills and then sold to America and the UK though slick boutique websites and shipped as cargo. Just do a basic internet search. Because of the hypoglycemia problems and the long-time they will be crated in air freight without food and water, many will not survive the journey.

Socialisation

The other issue with these tiny dogs, is the lack of a natural upbringing and the all-important socialisation. A good breeder will work hard with their litter and make sure the pups are socialised. All dogs need to be properly socialised as pups, but chihuahuas especially, will suffer if they are not brought up properly. What happens, instead of the cute cuddly tiny dog, they end up with a biting, aggressive tiny chi-ziller and they get dumped.

Chihuahuas can be stubborn, wilful, and prone to biting. They are not always suitable dogs for the first time owner. People who seek out miniaturised dogs on purpose are probably not the sort of owners who are going to work with them on behaviour and training. These dogs just toys and playthings to be dressed up and spoilt (literally) turning them into unsociable aggressive terrors.

Home grown

It’s not just imported dogs being bred for this cruel supply chain. Unscrupulous breeders in the UK are also keen to cash in. Puppy farms and breeders deliberately choose small stock and often breeding through incest to improve the chances of the pup being small.

How can a nation of dog lovers allow this to happen? No animal should be used as a fashion accessory. It feels like the fur trade all over again.

Update

Under some new recent legislation it will be illegal to buy animals that are through a third party (Lucy’s Law) and it is illegal to breed dogs with ‘cute defects’ such as over flat faced boxers, rag-doll cats and super tiny chihuahuas.