Buying or Adopting a Chihuahua

Is a DOG really the right pet for you?

I've been helping people choose and find dogs for over 35 years now, and I have to say that for many people, dogs are not ideal pets.

Pros AND Cons of Owning a Dog

Should you get a purebred, crossbred, or mixed breed dog?

Don't set your sights on any purebred dog until you read these three eye-opening articles:

The Truth About Purebred Dogs

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs

Is a Chihuahua the right breed for you?

Chihuahua Review: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Chihuahua Health Problems

Are YOU right for a Chihuahua?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

Someone home most of the day
No young children in the household
No large dogs in the household (safety issue)
Extra safety precautions – ongoing supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your Chihuahua, being careful where you step or sit, not allowing leaps from high furniture, keeping small objects off the floor so the dog can't choke, closing all gaps in fences and gates, etc.
"Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as challenging dog toys, and a homemade obstacle course
Brushing – moderate (longhaired Chihuahuas)
Trimming – every few months (longhaired Chihuahuas)
An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Chihuahuas are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
An owner who is okay with housebreaking taking a looong time
Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Chihuahua to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Chihuahua, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Should you get a male or female Chihuahua?

Symbols for male and female Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Girl hugging a dog Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
What age should your new Chihuahua be?

Where can you buy or adopt a Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas are very common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Chihuahuas rank 30th. But they're actually much more common than that, because a lot of Chihuahuas are registered with other organizations, or left unregistered. It's very easy to find a Chihuahua.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Chihuahuas (and Chihuahua crosses and mixes) are frequently available from Dog Rescue groups. Chihuahuas may be turned over to Rescue because of housebreaking problems, or barking, or general "nastiness" when unsocialized or treated like babies. Other Chihuahuas are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Chihuahuas can be found here, although Chihuahua Rescue groups do try to move Chihuahuas out of shelters and into their rescue network.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Chihuahua from a show breeder, who breeds Chihuahuas to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Chihuahua from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Chihuahua puppy should have:

a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Chihuahua ends up with cataracts and bad knee joints.

Puppy in a pet shop window Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Chihuahuas are frequently found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Girl holding up a puppy and looking at him How To Choose a Good Chihuahua Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Chihuahua puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

Pedigree parchment AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you consider buying only AKC registered Chihuahua puppies? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?

To help you train and care for your dog

To learn more about training your dog to be calm and well-behaved, my dog training book is Teach Your Dog 100 English Words. It's a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your dog to listen to you and do whatever you ask.

My dog buying guide, Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams, will teach you everything you need to know about finding a good-tempered, healthy dog.

My dog health care book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, shows you how to help your dog live a longer life while avoiding health problems and unnecessary veterinary expenses.