Chihuahuas: Input...UPDATE!!

[secuono]

My mother has a now 11 yr old female Chihuahua. She's never been yappy or mean or anything. Though any dog that small you are going to have a worse problem. Her Chi has had two knee surgeries, very costly. They can easily break a leg and should never jump up or off anything more than 10in, no matter what anyone tells you!
We have a Chihuahua at the rescue we work at, she is very calm and friendly, only wants to be held. Don't think I've heard her bark yet!
But then again, we have a lot of other Chi's and they are yappy, some downright vicious. It's partly training and how they were raised that determines what kind of dog it will be.

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:
Good God. You all are so far confirming my very fears. I don't want snappy, yappy, or hyper. I read a few articles on the breed and many said that properly raised, they can be very friendly and well behaved if properly socialized. So I was thinking since they are only 8 weeks old, maybe I could train them to not be yappy and snappy? Or is it just in their blood. Sigh... too bad. The pups are adorable. But of course I'm not going to adopt based on cute factor. My impression is that she is NOT a professional breeder. But she did say her and her husband have always had Chihuahuas and never had any trouble. I don't know.... I suspected this would not be the ideal breed for me, but thought I'd ask.

As far as your question, CF, I would not want a dog that required frequent grooming. I'd prefer low maintenance. Baths at home and brushing, sure, but I don't want to constantly be going to a groomer, I'll admit it. I've been thinking about this for a long time, and it's a VERY big decision for me, it's like adopting a child. I've done some "right breed for me" quizzes online, and a common breed that pops up as compatible is the Papillon, which I think are absolutely adorable. My main desires are somewhat mellow, somewhat quiet, cuddly, affectionate, just a true "lap dog". I will not be out there jogging daily with a dog! But of course I have a nice yard and the dog will get plenty of play, walks, etc. But it's important for me to find a dog compatible with my lifestyle, which is really not highly active. I'd also like it to be small so I can lift it when needed for baths, vet emergencies, etc.

More feedback on Chihuahuas are welcome, and any other breed suggestions are welcome as well. Thanks guys.

I think Chihuahuas biggest problem is the way people treat them. They treat them like they BELONG in a purse.

One of the breeds I was going to suggest is the Papillon. I have one, and I have a good friend that shows and breeds them, and another friend that has 4 of them and she shows them in agility and obedience. Mine did agility. The thing I've always liked about Papillons is that they think they are big dogs in little dog bodies.
They are alot of grooming work, but nothing you can't do at home if you have the time and are willing. I keep my Paps hair short so I don't have to deal with as many mats, etc.
They are somewhat difficult to house train, but you can train them to ring a bell at the door to go outside, or even litter box train them (my breeder friend does this, and her 3 week old pups are already starting to use a litter box). They are incredibly smart dogs!!

eta: pics of my Papillon: (anyone that knows papillons will tell you he is VERY pet quality, lol, but we love LeRoy anyway!!)

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
Thanks for the link, but it really didn't lead me to any Paps in NH. Kind of got the run around through clicking and ended up on some site in MA with no paps avail. Odd. But I'm searching as we're posting....

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
Good God. You all are so far confirming my very fears. I don't want snappy, yappy, or hyper. I read a few articles on the breed and many said that properly raised, they can be very friendly and well behaved if properly socialized. So I was thinking since they are only 8 weeks old, maybe I could train them to not be yappy and snappy? Or is it just in their blood. Sigh... too bad. The pups are adorable. But of course I'm not going to adopt based on cute factor. My impression is that she is NOT a professional breeder. But she did say her and her husband have always had Chihuahuas and never had any trouble. I don't know.... I suspected this would not be the ideal breed for me, but thought I'd ask.

As far as your question, CF, I would not want a dog that required frequent grooming. I'd prefer low maintenance. Baths at home and brushing, sure, but I don't want to constantly be going to a groomer, I'll admit it. I've been thinking about this for a long time, and it's a VERY big decision for me, it's like adopting a child. I've done some "right breed for me" quizzes online, and a common breed that pops up as compatible is the Papillon, which I think are absolutely adorable. My main desires are somewhat mellow, somewhat quiet, cuddly, affectionate, just a true "lap dog". I will not be out there jogging daily with a dog! But of course I have a nice yard and the dog will get plenty of play, walks, etc. But it's important for me to find a dog compatible with my lifestyle, which is really not highly active. I'd also like it to be small so I can lift it when needed for baths, vet emergencies, etc.

More feedback on Chihuahuas are welcome, and any other breed suggestions are welcome as well. Thanks guys.

I think Chihuahuas biggest problem is the way people treat them. They treat them like they BELONG in a purse.

One of the breeds I was going to suggest is the Papillon. I have one, and I have a good friend that shows and breeds them, and another friend that has 4 of them and she shows them in agility and obedience. Mine did agility. The thing I've always liked about Papillons is that they think they are big dogs in little dog bodies.
They are alot of grooming work, but nothing you can't do at home if you have the time and are willing. I keep my Paps hair short so I don't have to deal with as many mats, etc.
They are somewhat difficult to house train, but you can train them to ring a bell at the door to go outside, or even litter box train them (my breeder friend does this, and her 3 week old pups are already starting to use a litter box). They are incredibly smart dogs!!

eta: pics of my Papillon: (anyone that knows papillons will tell you he is VERY pet quality, lol, but we love LeRoy anyway!!)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/15879_dsc01415.jpghttps://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/15879_img_2222.jpghttps://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/15879_img_2262.jpg

Aw, cute! Yeah, I could care less whether or not my dog is "show quality", as I have no intention to show them and it will only increase their price tag. I just want lovable. Flawed is beauty in my eyes....

 

[Junkmanme]

NOTE: IF you don't think that a Boxer would suit you.....a Boston Terrier is very similar (just smaller)....just a bit "busier". EXCELLENT DOGS!

But BOTH require (NEED) a lot of companionship and FAIR care. (Both very smart....and Both very companionable)

-Junkmanme-

 

[Orchid]

I know you said little lap dog...but I do have to throw a vote out there for my most favoritest

dog of all time, the basset hound. Not yappy, don't bite, love everyone and everything (cats, bunnies, chickens - you name it - mine would hide if a kitten puffed up at her), and a nice slow mosey around the block is big exercise!

Not much grooming, but they do need their ears cleaned. And they are most excellent couch potatoes/pillows/footwarmers.

 

[redhen]

You need a Saint Bernard...

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:
Keep an eye out in your local paper then, I know, I know, backyard breeders are bad and all that, BUT I know that I couldn't have afforded a Pap from a "reputable" breeder either, even being friends with one! My friend gets $800-$1000 for her "pet quality" puppies that she sells with a contract saying they will be spayed/neutered. Her show quality pups START at $1500...
I paid $400 for LeRoy out of the paper. Caught hell from my coworkers, but he is one of the best dogs I have ever had. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[happyhens44]

We have a chihuahua, and shes a doll. I mean she can be yappy when a stranger comes but shes got the most strongest personality! I just love her, she tells you when shes got to go to the bathroom, when her dish is out of water she will push it in front of the refrigerator, we plays alot. I wouldent recommend them around kids, but they are awesome dogs.

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
I've met a couple Boxers, they seem perfectly cute and funny, my only problem is that they're just too big for me. Living alone and being disabled, I need to be able to pick up the dog if god forbid, there were an emergency for example. I used to have a Husky years ago, and she was just too big. This time around I know I need a smaller, more manageable size.

About Boston Terriers, several people suggested them, and I feel mean saying this, but I just don't like how they look. I know that sounds judgmental and awful, but it's true.