Chihuahua is not a toy, but a full-fledged dog. And when choosing a puppy, do not forget about this. It depends on this choice: what will the newly-made owner acquire for the next 15-20 years - a new friend and family member or a problem?
Chihuahua is one of the most popular dog breeds. These dogs have conquered the hearts of millions of people around the world not only with their compact size and doll-like face, but also with their wonderful, cheerful disposition. Since the demand for these decorative dogs is great, there is also a huge variety of offers on the market. But how not to be mistaken and choose a healthy baby, with a suitable temperament and exterior?
1. Determine which type of breed you like more
Even within the same breed, there are different types. To date, the International Cynological Federation officially recognized two types of Chihuahua breed: Cobby and Deer. Representatives of the cobby type have a dense physique, a short muzzle and large, expressive eyes. Chihuahuas deer-type can be compared to a fawn, as they have a similar head shape and long legs. In addition, the Chihuahua has officially recognized two types of wool: long-haired and short-haired. In long-haired Chihuahuas, the coat is thick and soft to the touch, in short-haired chihuahuas it is smooth, with a natural sheen.
There are no other breed types!
2. Boy or girl?
There is an opinion that Chihuahua girls are more affectionate and calm, while boys are more independent and active. In fact, the sex of the dog does not affect its temperament.
When choosing a boy, it is worthwhile to decide in advance the issue of knitting. If the dog is not untied, then he easily tolerates the lack of "intimacy" with the bitch. If he is untied, the lack of "intimacy" can negatively affect his behavior.
Girls also bring enough trouble to their masters. Basically, these chores are associated with estrus, viscous and childbirth.
3. Show class, breed class or pet class?
Before purchasing a puppy, it is necessary to decide in advance whether exhibitions and mating are planned in the future. If not, then you can safely take a pet-class puppy. These puppies have serious shortcomings that do not allow them to participate in exhibitions, but this does not prevent them from being the family favorites and excellent companions.
Breed class puppies fully comply with the breed standard and have a good show potential. Breeding girls are often used in breeding.
Show class - these are dogs created for the ring and for victories. They are distinguished by their chic appearance and temperament. The price of these puppies, accordingly, is much higher.
4. Choosing a breeder
Experienced dog breeders believe that it is necessary to choose not a dog, but a breeder. It directly depends on him who will grow out of a tiny lump: a full-fledged and healthy representative of the Chihuahua breed or a mixture of a "bulldog with a rhino", the size of a Doberman. When choosing a breeder, the first step is to visit the breed forums. There you can chat with breeders, read reviews about nurseries and breeders, and make a suitable choice. Having chosen a breeder, it is better to take the time to find out his experience in breeding this breed, see photos of puppies from previous litters (if any).
5. Choosing a puppy
Once at the breeder's, the first step is to assess the environment in which the bitch and the puppies live. If there are dirty shoes, dirty bowls with food leftovers in the room, and there are a lot of soiled diapers on the floor, then most likely, the breeder does not care too carefully about the health of his puppies. It is also worth paying attention to the bitch herself. After giving birth within 2-3 months, they are still recovering, while the dog still should not look like a walking skeleton with peeling hair. This state of the dog suggests that neither the dog nor the puppies were getting enough vitamins.
If neither the environment nor the appearance of the dog caused concern, then you can go directly to the choice of a puppy:
- Observe their behavior. If a puppy is active, curious, constantly bullies brothers and sisters, participates in games, then an active choleric person will grow out of him. If the puppy is moderately curious, prefers to watch other puppies, sitting aside, then a calm, balanced phlegmatic will grow out of him. If the puppy hides at the sight of strangers, trembles and runs away with a squeal, then most likely this is a melancholic, on whose socialization a lot of time and effort will have to be spent.
- Check the puppies for cowardice. To do this, you need to clap your hands loudly. If the puppy began to hide with a squeal, then this is a little coward, which will take a lot of time and effort to educate.
What should be alert when buying a puppy?
- If the breeder justifies the puppy's dissimilarity to typical representatives of the breed by another type of Chihuahua, for example, "aboriginal", "English", "Russian", etc.
- Chihuahua without documents for a symbolic price. It is worth remembering once and for all: without a "piece of paper" the dog is a mongrel. And this "piece of paper" must be a puppy's metric or pedigree. Why buy a pooch when you can take them for free at a shelter or on the street?
- Discount for a dog without paperwork. When a breeder sells a puppy for 30 thousand rubles, but if without documents, then for 15 - this means that the buyer is a typical breeder trying to cash in on the gullibility of people. Litter and paperwork are not that expensive compared to mating, caring for pregnant and lactating dogs and puppies. Therefore, the future owner pays 30 thousand rubles not for "paperwork", but for the hard work of the breeder.
- Sale of puppies, younger than 1, 5 months. In puppies under 6 weeks of age, the psyche and immunity are not yet well formed, therefore, in the future, problems with health and upbringing may arise. In addition, litter registration and paperwork takes place 45 days after the birth of the puppies.
Observing these recommendations when choosing a puppy, the future owner will acquire not just a dog, but a faithful friend and companion, with a suitable character and good health.
