Chihuahuas: Input...UPDATE!!

[BoldogKennel]

What they did get was a trainable, yet fearful older puppy (5 months old) that has NO clue how to engage mentally or physically with people. His brain has yet to be "switched on", he gives little to no eye contact and has no clue where his space ends and yours begins. His main behavior was avoidance the entire lesson, the only time he didn't avoid was when the leash was on and he had no choice. Thats when I was able to observe how he recovered from stress so well. There's hope here, and over all he's a nice dog, but NOT what they were looking for.

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Well, perhaps it is just as well they didn't end up with what they wanted? "Guardian" and SS do not go together... The most basic thing about a SS is to understand that the founder wanted a BIG dog that LOOKED like a GS but acted like a couch. She admits it. And I have gotten to the point where I just don't have sympathy for people who end up buying "fad" or "designer" breeds: shows a basic lack of understanding that runs deep... I'm sure you know what I am talking about? There are only like about 50 breeds that are "good guardians"... why end up with a mixed mutt? I just won't ever understand the whole "mix thing". Sure, mixing breeds back inthe day gave us a few new breeds, but no new "types" of dog. The true "types" have been with mankind a LONG time. Can you (not you, but anyone) name one breed that is a "new designer dog" type that can do something better than what the true "type" was bred for? (And please don't say "hypoallergenic - that is SUCH a farce!)

If you want a guard dog, there are many good,well established breeds. NOT ONE of the new "super duper" breeds has been able to even trickle out into the "real world"of dogsport or police work... Where are the Fila's and "Canis Panthers" and all this nonsense? While Fila's can be fine guard dogs if put behind a fence they can't jump, they certainly aren't "super" guard dogs in any sense as they were stated to be by the BYBs that introduced them to America.

Want a good hunting dog? Get a setter or pointer or lab. Been around a helluva long time.

Good scenting dog? Hounds - oneof the oldest "types" around. Detection dog? Just about anything that loves a ball can do that. Heck, I've donated six pit bulls to the WSP and they made FANTASTIC bomb and drug dogs.

Pet Dog? Why create a mutt when the fine old breeds like maltese, chihuahua, crested and Brussells griffon have beenaround for ages? And dachshunds and poms and poodles? All smart, fine pets.


Well, I'll get off my soap box now. I just really get angry when folks support puppy mills by buying "CKC" and other puppymill registries puppies, or worse, by BYB mixes. The CKC came into being because the AKC started cracking down on puppymills,so the very worst of the breeders started their own registry with NO accountability... what a fine thing to support!

OK, I swear, I'm off to calm down now! : )​

 

[Laurajean]

Oh goodness, I don't even know where to pick up. sonew123, I'm sorry some of the bad talk about Chihuahua's upset you; yours does look very sweet and I'm sure there are many others like that too.

KWC: That Cavilier King Charles is adorable!

That's the type of dog I dream about Papillons, CKC's, etc., only they don't have to be purebred. It's just their pretty silky cuteness that I really like. I'm not so into the super short haired breeds, I like the wavy fur. That's if I'm being picky. I obviously wouldn't turn down an otherwise ideal dog based on that, but those types are just so pretty.

Cloverleaf Farm; no, no one to run down there for me. I'm a good couple hours from that shelter and I don't know anyone closer. I'd need to just go myself. Since it's so far, it seemed logical to try and call first, but of course it may be gone by the time I ever get through. It's okay though, I'm not in a mad rush. I don't feel an immediate need to run out and get a dog tomorrow, I'm enjoying getting input from others, doing my homework, etc. I know I'll find the right one when the time comes (although I will of course try that shelter again tomorrow!). I don't think there's anything wrong with the phone, I think they're just busy. It's located in the largest city in the state, so it doesn't surprise me that it's busy. Plus the busy signal stops at closing and goes straight to machine.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far and I appreciate the various input. I'll be sure to keep you all posted.

 

[Domestic_goddess]

I have a chihuahua/pug mix, she is the best little dog ever! She hardly ever barks, and would never bit. she wieghs about 11 lbs! Pugs are suppose to be very friendly and great family dogs and that mixed with a chihuahua has made a perfect little dog for me! Chihuahua are a high energy dog, so if that's not something your looking for, then that's probably not the best breed! I've heard, shi*(t)zu's are great little dogs and very friendly, maybe go that direction if you want a small dog. Good luck!

Edited to add pic!

 

[Domestic_goddess]

Quote:
Oh my goodness, what a sweet heart and I have to agree with you. I have chihuahua/pug mix and she is the sweetest and is the best little dog ever! She is spoiled rotten too and we love her so much.

Here she is...the love of my life!

 

[sheila3935]

Ok I had a chihuahua named Gizmo they are a one person dog. They are not good with small children, but they are the most loveable dogs. When I came home from work he would crawl in my shirt and stick his head out of the collar and stay there for hours if I let him. I personally love them. They have great personalities. Bad side their teeth go bad easy so they do need regular cleanings or they will lose them. They are tough little dogs. Mine wasnt very yappy. But he was a big dog trapped in a small dog body.They can also be litter box trained. Mine would do his job in a cat litter box. Easily trainable.

 

[melissa41927]

i don't have a problem with chihs, but the vet i use calls them "land sharks", because every time i would bring mine in he would get bite. they are one person dogs. are skittish with just about everything. the breed i have had a lot of luck with is a nonsense. a shihtuz poodle mix. they still have the hair that keeps growing, but if it is groomed about 4 x a year it is manageable. the one i have does not bark often will not bite and loves kids. he is not bouncy or yappy.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
.

Well, perhaps it is just as well they didn't end up with what they wanted? "Guardian" and SS do not go together... The most basic thing about a SS is to understand that the founder wanted a BIG dog that LOOKED like a GS but acted like a couch. She admits it. And I have gotten to the point where I just don't have sympathy for people who end up buying "fad" or "designer" breeds: shows a basic lack of understanding that runs deep... I'm sure you know what I am talking about? There are only like about 50 breeds that are "good guardians"... why end up with a mixed mutt? I just won't ever understand the whole "mix thing". Sure, mixing breeds back inthe day gave us a few new breeds, but no new "types" of dog. The true "types" have been with mankind a LONG time. Can you (not you, but anyone) name one breed that is a "new designer dog" type that can do something better than what the true "type" was bred for? (And please don't say "hypoallergenic - that is SUCH a farce!)

If you want a guard dog, there are many good,well established breeds. NOT ONE of the new "super duper" breeds has been able to even trickle out into the "real world"of dogsport or police work... Where are the Fila's and "Canis Panthers" and all this nonsense? While Fila's can be fine guard dogs if put behind a fence they can't jump, they certainly aren't "super" guard dogs in any sense as they were stated to be by the BYBs that introduced them to America.

Want a good hunting dog? Get a setter or pointer or lab. Been around a helluva long time.

Good scenting dog? Hounds - oneof the oldest "types" around. Detection dog? Just about anything that loves a ball can do that. Heck, I've donated six pit bulls to the WSP and they made FANTASTIC bomb and drug dogs.

Pet Dog? Why create a mutt when the fine old breeds like maltese, chihuahua, crested and Brussells griffon have beenaround for ages? And dachshunds and poms and poodles? All smart, fine pets.


Well, I'll get off my soap box now. I just really get angry when folks support puppy mills by buying "CKC" and other puppymill registries puppies, or worse, by BYB mixes. The CKC came into being because the AKC started cracking down on puppymills,so the very worst of the breeders started their own registry with NO accountability... what a fine thing to support!

OK, I swear, I'm off to calm down now! : )

Ahh I agree!!

I told them they'd not get a good guardian with a SS, however the husband had his heart set on a giant GSD so he got the look (sorta/kinda

). I guess in the end if this puppy turns out to be a good companion he's got it pretty much made. I will help them switch the dogs brain on and teach him how to recieve information and learn.

 

[redhen]

Saint Bernard... *am i annoying you yet?* (

)

 

[Laurajean]

Okay, well I have a question for those of you who have been following along with this thread (or anyone else who is just catching up). I saw an ad on my local online classifieds, of woman who has to rehome two dogs because their owner, her sister-in-law, is about to die of cancer, most likely within this next month. The ad said that she'd like to place them together, but would separate if needed. Well, I fell in love with their faces, but having only one dog in mind, inquired about just one of them. She wrote back, and basically answered all my questions but admitted she was going to meet with the people willing to take them together first, which I understood. We've exchanged several emails now, and although she is meeting with a couple of families this weekend, her and I have still written back and forth. I can tell she likes me and my situation (quiet home in the country and my attitude), but well, okay, let me get to the point.

How crazy would it be for me to consider adopting BOTH dogs? I know you guys don't know me, so it's a hard question to answer, but some general input on having two dogs, pros and cons, etc would be appreciated. I normally wouldn't even consider it, except there are a couple of things about this situation that is really pulling on my heart strings. 1) The back story. The fact that these dogs came from an excellent home, well cared for, trained and very much loved by their owner who is dying is a very moving and interesting story. It shows me the dogs aren't just being rehomed because they are trouble, or have issues, etc. 2.) The dogs sound so awesome. They are beautiful dogs and sound fantastic.

Let me tell you about the dogs. They are springer-mixes, smallish, very pretty and well trained. Here's an excerpt from her description, which her husband wrote "from the dogs" and she attached to the email:

"...Nancy has devoted herself to us and our well being. She researches everything about dog care and makes sure we get the best for mind and body. We are both obedience trained, we both have competed in Rally-O and have even earned legs. I, Emma, am TDI certified as a therapy dog and have enjoyed cutting loose in doggy dancing/ free style competitions. Haley follows in my footsteps but is more of a dreamer. To be sure, we are house trained, crate trained, completely up to date on our shots and routine wellness vet visits. We lived with a cat for many years and got along well.

Like any mother and daughter, we have our individual styles. I am exuberant and extroverted – game for anything. I get along easily with dogs, cats and people. I love to scope out any new environment, especially out of doors. Yet I can appreciate the joy of a nap in my dog bed and easily take to my crate for relaxation. I eat most anything but relish my Kong filled with liver crisps.

Haley is a little more introverted. Though we keep each other company and often play, she definitely prefers to be close to her owner or an adult that she trusts. I don’t take this personally. She’s my daughter and I know she loves me. She adores sleeping on her owner’s bed and is a real cuddler. I’m not bad myself. Nevertheless she can accept limits and will obey a command to go to her crate (I insist that I taught this to her. Nancy, our owner, begs to differ). Haley’s main recreation is playing with me, following her owner or accepting love and massages...."

It goes on to talk about how they are sensing that their owner is dying and have been staying very close to her, while still accepting walks and getting along well with various caretakers. They just seem like fantastic dogs, but TWO? Do I want two dogs? If there were ever two dogs to have, these seem perfect, but I am just not sure how I feel about taking on two dogs. How much different is it than having one? I've had one, but I've never had two at the same time. I do have a small house, but then, they are small calm dogs too. I expect they'd probably both walk on leashes together just fine, it sounds like they're well trained. I just hadn't considered TWO. I'm torn, because I feel like I'm letting potentially perfect dogs pass me by here. HELP!!! Emma, the mother is on the left, and Haley from the above description is on the right. She is the one I was inquiring about, but the owner really want to see them go together.

Here's a pic of them.

 

[Okie Amazon]

I'd say go for it. Older, house-broken dogs?

I certainly don't blame them for wanting to re-home them together. If you do get them, be prepared for a little adjustment period. They are going to be a little scared and confused about the changes in their lives.