Chihuahua. The Heart Of A Lion In A Tiny Dog Breed By John E Adams

The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog breed.

And though sometimes it seems that their popularity stems from this single trait, Chihuahuas are excellent pets for the right people.

They were discovered in and named after the Mexican state in the middle of the 1800's.

Though this was the first time that this distinctive breed was seen by Europeans, the Chihuahua actually has a long history in the Americas.

'The Chihuahua dog breed is thought to be descended from the breed known as the techichi, an ancient breed that can be dated back to around 500 AD'

There is some speculation that these small dogs were used for religious purposes by the Mayans and the Aztecs.

In both cases, Chihuahuas have been found in graves all over Mexico and South America, letting us believe that these dogs had a position of importance in some households.

Unfortunately, not a lot is known about the role that these dogs played. In 1850, Europeans saw their first Chihuahuas in the ruins of a palace thought to be built by the famed emperor Montezuma.

Chihuahuas themselves are excellent house pets, but they are easily startled and prone to biting, something that makes them unsuitable for young children.

It is often suggested that children be slowly introduced to this slightly nervous dog breed, and only after some time spent learning how to handle them.

They are known to be somewhat insular, and though they may bond strongly with their human family, there is a chance that they'll be prone to fight with other dogs.

One of the most remarkable traits of the modern Chihuahua is its bravery; these dogs often confront much larger animals in an extremely aggressive pattern, something that can lead to injury if the encounter is not closely monitored.

The world's smallest dogs breed is also known to be fairly long lived as well.

Chihuahuas can live for sixteen to eighteen years if given good care. Due to their size, however, chihuahuas must be monitored by an experience veterinarian during events like dental cleaning and birthing.

This breed of dog can be prone to epilepsy and problems with seizures, things which can strike at any time. If you decide to get a chihuahua, you should take some time to speak with a breeder or a veterinarian about the health problems that you might encounter.

For instance, Chihuahua puppies are born with incomplete skulls, and care must be taken that their soft spot, known as the molera, is not damaged during the first months of their lives.

When caring for this dog breed, remember that care should be taken to make sure that they exercise regularly. Overweight Chihuahuas suffer from joint issues, heart problems and eventually a shortened lifespan.

Because they can be picky eaters, care must be taken to ensure that your dog gets all the nutrition it needs from its meals.

With their bright personality and energetic nature, Chihuahua are excellent pets if they can be given the proper care and socialization.

Take a look at a Chihuahua's needs and what you are able to provide before adopting a member of this tiny dog breed!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=202148&ca=Pets

How To Get Your Dog To Ride In The Carrier: Top 3 Tips To Get You Started By Lisa Albanese

These days, toy dogs are the new fashion. Gone are the days when the dogs of the minute belong to bigger, tougher breeds. This is the day and age of the Shih Tzu, the Yorkie, and the Chihuahua. Although these dogs may suffer for lack of stature, they tend to make up for it in heart and personality and although they may not be able to maul an intruder they do have their benefits. For one, smaller dogs ride well in totes and dog carriers.

Paris Hilton made the idea famous, and people have been trying it ever since but it must be said that trying to carry willful dogs in a carrier can have its dangers. Luckily, there are some ways to help ease the transition from riding in your lap to riding in your purse. Although it won't be an easy thing by any means both you and your pet will be rewarded with the wonderful bonding that can occur when you are able to hide them away in your bag and carry them from place to place with you throughout the day.

For those out there who are finding it rather difficult to get their dogs to cooperate with the carrier, it is perfectly normal for there to be a few problems but it will take some getting used to. To help make the transition easier for you and your pet, here are a few great tips to help get you started.

Treats Always Do the Trick

If all else seems to fail you, never forget that your pet's life revolves around a few basic necessities: you, sleep, and food. In this case, treats should do just the trick when it comes to getting your pet to venture into the carrying case. Half the battle with getting your dog to ride in the carrier is getting them to go anywhere near it, but a few fake bacon strips or a bone-shaped biscuit later you and your pet should be one step closer to mastering the dog carrier.

Do a Dress Rehearsal

Keep in mind that a dog carrier should be just for dogs and nothing else so there should be no harm in allowing them to explore the carrier when it's not high off the ground, at least from their perspective. Set the carrier on the floor or lay it on its side, and put their favorite toy in it or the blanket they always sleep with. The familiar scent on these items and their love for them should draw them to the carrier, hopefully enticing them to step in for awhile, perhaps even relax for a few minutes. The more comfortable your pet is with the idea of the carrier, the easier it is going to be for you to get them to ride in it while you cart them around town.

Don't Push the Issue

There are several reasons why your pet may be uncomfortable with the dog carrier idea. Perhaps they are afraid of heights. Perhaps they do not appreciate small spaces. Either way, there are several ways to go about making sure that they get with the program, but understand that with dogs things are going to happen in their own time.

Rushing them into the dog carrier idea is a good way to push them away from the idea at all, and you certainly don't want to instill a fear of something so silly and potentially useful to you.

Dogs trained to ride in the carrier are great; the better your dog is with riding under your arm, the more time you are going to be able to spend together but understand that things will not always come as easily as you would like them to and that just like a child, dogs have a learning curve too. Take your time and consider the personality of your dog and in time the carrier will allow you and your pampered pooch to spend more time together than you probably ever thought possible.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=202150&ca=Pets