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Old 08-26-2014, 09:58 AM   #1
iCupcake7911
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Default Chihuahuas?

Hello!
I really want to get a dog sometime next year / somewhere near that time and I am doing some intense research!
First, I need to find the right breed!
I am planning on rescuing, but I am planning on getting a dog that -
  • Is small
  • Can be trained easily (Like housebroken etc)
  • Very light shedder
  • Has very little health issues
Would a chihuahua be good for me + my family?
Thanks!
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:10 AM   #2
BrainGirl
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

I don't think there is any dog breed that I dislike, especially if properly trained. Chihuahuas are easy to train, or at least my mom's was, even though he was a rescue she picked up when he was already an older dog. I took him to agility classes but had to withdraw because he hated other dogs and not even the trainer could undo that behaviour. He was smart as a whip though and learned tricks quickly!

If you're looking for non-shedding, you might consider a Shih-tzu or a poodle. Or even a mixed breed. If you can find a copy, I recommend a book called "Why We Love the Dogs We Do" by Stanley Coren. There's a neat little psychology test in there that will help you to narrow down the best dog personality for you and I found (in my case anyway) that it was very accurate
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:15 AM   #3
iCupcake7911
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BrainGirl View Post
I don't think there is any dog breed that I dislike, especially if properly trained. Chihuahuas are easy to train, or at least my mom's was, even though he was a rescue she picked up when he was already an older dog. I took him to agility classes but had to withdraw because he hated other dogs and not even the trainer could undo that behaviour. He was smart as a whip though and learned tricks quickly!

If you're looking for non-shedding, you might consider a Shih-tzu or a poodle. Or even a mixed breed. If you can find a copy, I recommend a book called "Why We Love the Dogs We Do" by Stanley Coren. There's a neat little psychology test in there that will help you to narrow down the best dog personality for you and I found (in my case anyway) that it was very accurate
Thank you very much! I will defiantly look into that book!
I don't think my fam (Especially my parents) will care about a little shedding, they just don't like large shedders that have hair everywhere! (For example, my grandmas australian cattle dog! )
Thank you again!
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:23 AM   #4
icklemunch
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

I second shih tzu's. My friends called Molly passed away last year aged 19, she too was a rescue. Other than having an eye removed aged 18 she never had to go to the vets other than for her yearly check-up. She was a little madam but absolutely adorable.

I think with Chihuahuas being so popular they are over bred so can have a few health problems, especially heart related. Though this isn't the case with all of them.

Good luck
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:23 AM   #5
BrainGirl
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

LOL definitely stay away from German Shepherds and Huskies then, you'll be drowned in fur
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:27 AM   #6
icklemunch
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

BrainGirl.. i've done similar tests too. I always seem to get the opposite of what i consider my favourite .
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:32 AM   #7
BrainGirl
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

Quote:
Originally Posted by icklemunch View Post
BrainGirl.. i've done similar tests too. I always seem to get the opposite of what i consider my favourite .
I was just trying out some online tests and they were close, but no cigar. What I liked about Coren's book was that it gave the type of dog and the group it belonged in (e.g. working/herding/sporting/non-sporting) and some breed suggestions that fit most closely. It was the most accurate of the ones I've tried
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:42 AM   #8
icklemunch
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

Thanks i'll have to have a look for it
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:43 AM   #9
iCupcake7911
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

Thanks everyone for the help! Shih Tzu's are so cute c:
The only thing they might be an issue is having to get them groomed every 4 / 5 weeks or so, but they are so cute still! x3
Does anybody know about the Brittany breed? They are gorgeous to me!
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:52 AM   #10
BrainGirl
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Default Re: Chihuahuas?

Brittany spaniel? I think they'd be lovely But I have no personal experience with them. If terriers prove to be your thing (they're not for everybody!) then perhaps a Border Terrier would be nice for you. They're small, they're smart, I think they're a low-shed breed...but they're a terrier so a little hard-headed.
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