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I just bought a chihuahua puppy from a pet store...he doesnt...

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Question by Kelly
Submitted on 1/8/2004
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ
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I just bought a chihuahua puppy from a pet store...he doesnt look like any other chihuahua I have ever seen he is 4months old and weighs 5lbs. His ears are folded over still and his nose is longer than most chihuahuas. Is it possiable that my new puppy is not a full bred chihuahua and the pet store lied to me?


Answer by chimama
Submitted on 1/13/2004
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It is possible.  It is also possible that the dog is not pure-bred but the pet shop did not know.  It is also possible that the puppies are pure-bred but were obtained from a puppy mill or other sub-standard breeder.  

A puppy mill is usually where lots of dogs are bred just as fast as they can, without care being taken to make sure genetic defects are weeded out by careful breeding.

At 4 months his ears should be erect, unless he is teething.  Chihuahuas often have one or both previously erect ears flop when they start teething, then one day they're back standing up.  There is a difference between chihuahuas, some conform more closely to breed standard, just as with any breed of dog.

Have your vet check him out very carefully, and in future, please do not purchase a puppy from a pet store.  You just don't know for sure how they were bred and treated before they got to the pet store.  

I suggest getting the book Chihuahuas for Dummies.  It has lots of pictures and information about chihuahuas, and is the best book I have on the care and maintenance of these adorable furry little creatures.

 

Answer by Chocky
Submitted on 1/16/2004
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Kelly, Hopefully everything will work out ok for you and your puppy. In future though I wouldn't buy from a pet store. They buy the puppies from a puppy mill. Which is usually a place that just pumps out dogs, with no regard to their welfare. They are only interested in making cash. Find a good breeder, visit them, see how they treat their animals. Not only are you more likely to have a healthy, well socialized puppy, but you are not helping to keep those horrible puppy mills going. Email me if you want to chat about this CharlotteLMann@hotmail.com

 

Answer by gerges8
Submitted on 2/1/2004
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Kelly,
What the others said is true. In the future make sure you research your breeder and DO NOT buy from a pet store. Hope everything works out for you. No matter, I'm sure you'll love your new puppy. The same thing happened to me with my "Maltese", but I wouldn't exchange her for anything. For more info on the puppymills check out www.puppymillrescue.com
or you can email me to chat at gerges8@aol.com

 

Answer by Tanya
Submitted on 2/2/2004
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HI Kelly, i almost ran into your problem when buying a Chihuahua puppy. I almost went to the pet store when my friend told me where they get their dogs from. You surely may have a pure-bred chihuahua but because of the constant breeding the genes get a little mutated and they come out looking a lot different than a chihuahua. I found my puppy on usfreeads.com >toy breeds, but i also looked in puppyfind.com. All those people are private breeders and extremely helpful and patient.

 

Answer by crittero14
Submitted on 2/7/2004
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Hi Kelly - It sounds like you have a deer face Chi.
There ears tend to be bigger & can take more time to stand than the little apple headed Chi that you see in the show ring.
Chihuahua's come in different shapes & sizes that is why not all are up to show standards. The Taco bell dog is a good example--everyone knows & loves him but he is a poor example of a show type Chihuahua. Your puppy is still young & it takes time to see how your puppy will develope.
He could be just an ugly duckling!
It is always better to buy a registered Chi.
That way he might not be exactly perfect but he will be a Chi.

 

Answer by CHILUVR
Submitted on 3/10/2004
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HI,

I also purchased a chihuahua at a neighborhood pet store, I only later found out he had been flown over the country to get to the pet store, he was very cute and tiny when I got him and now he also is 12 pounds at the age of one and has a deer face with flopping ears, I still love him to death and could care less if he was pure breed or not.  I probably paid ($800) twice as I would have for a chi from a breeder. at first I was also disappointed and made the store tell me the address of the breeder, I contacted them and they were able to look up which litter mine was born in and they were nice enough to take pictures and send them to me, so I know he looks so much like a deer cause his parents did as well.  And he is also very tall.  But I except all these things now because the love that a chihuahua will give you will be so great and wonderful that you will soon forget all the things that don't make him look like a chihuahua.  Just care for him and forget about all his faults, I actually have people tell me everyday that my chi is cuter then all others cause he doesn't have the apple head, or the huge ears or the eyes that look like they want to pop out.  So just love your guy and think as you have saved him from a horrible life!

 

Answer by Phoebe
Submitted on 3/20/2004
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I just purchased my chihuahua from a pet store also a couple days ago. I still have one day to return him. My first came from a breeder but I had to have this one when I saw him. He's so adorable. Now I'm a little worried, my vet was completely against it. I here so many puppy mill stories. He looks totally normal. If anything, my first chihuahua from the breeder grew up differently then I had expected. Her nose is longer but still cute. And she is a giant chihuahua. 6 1/2 lbs, I know they can grow to 7-8 lbs but man is she huge. Anyway, straight to the problem. I just discovered a super red vein in my new puppy's eye. I have to lift his lid to see it but it comes straight from the back of the eye to the pupil. Kind of freaky. I'm not sure if it's a scratch or a vein though. But it's blood red. And it kind of pops out like a vein from under your skin. Now I'm worried about this whole puppy mill thing and maybe it's a hereditary defect. Anyone have a clue?

 

Answer by Zoe
Submitted on 3/23/2004
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  We got a chihuahua about last year and she was small she was puffy and not the size a normal chihuahua had been.We think that she may be half chihuahua and mixed.Her nose is short and her ears are folded she only puts them up when she hears something.Her tail is puffy and curled back.Her face is also puffy.I can't find what she's mixed with other than a chihuahua.She looks like a mini sized labrador retriever.

 

Answer by Rmanduh
Submitted on 3/25/2004
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i recently adopted a chi puppy. her living conditions were awful! she was kept in a small box never allowed out of it to play or explore, she was infested with fleas, and was covered in her own poop. i got her when she was only 5.5 weeks old, because the people just didnt care about her anymore. ive had her for two weeks, and she seems to be doing great. she eats and drinks on her own and doesnt cry for her mommy at all. she is now 7 weeks old and weighs 2 lbs. the father chi was an adult weighing 4 lbs and the mother weighed close to 6 or 7 lbs. is there any way to predict how much mine will weigh full grown? also, her ears are still floppy. at what age do they normally stand up?

 

Answer by Ouida
Submitted on 4/12/2004
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I too have a deer-like chihuahua.  I have done some research on them.  Many years ago they bred them with fox terriers.  Now , some have this larger style.  They have longer noses, legs, and bodies.  They are similar to the Taco Bell guy.  I like this look better.  They don't break a leg jumping off the sofa.  They range in weight from 6lbs to 11 lbs.  I also get positive comments versus the buggy-eyed, short legged, knock-kneed akc standard for chihuahua.  Enjoy your dog.  It might not necessarily be the fault of the breeder.  These traits can just come out.  Bye.

 

Answer by Kami
Submitted on 4/22/2004
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Kelly, I too have a "deer-head" chi but I searched and searched to find her. I prefer the "deer-head" over the apple shape. Finally our daughter found her for us. Her ears where straight when we got her but then one flopped down. I asked my vet and he said when they are puppies they are growing so fast that the calcium goes to the bones more than the cartilage in their little ears. He told us to give her a tablespoon of milk each morning and night and it would help during this fast growth period....she is 10 wks.. old. It is funny how her little ear pops back up after the milk. Expect the ear to flop again between milk treat.(Don't give your puppy more than 2 tbs. per day because it may cause upset stomach.) Now when we see her little ear flop we just say she is having a growth spurt. Best of luck with you new puppy.

 

Answer by Carrie
Submitted on 4/26/2004
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I too just purchased a Chi puppy from a pet store.  I think, from reading all the other entries, that he is a deer face Chi.  Do you think it is worth chance to go back to the pet store and get some money refunded ?? I love him more than anything, but if I am told he is pure bred and he is not, I should receive the money I am owed ?? I don't mean to sound like all I care about is the money, but a company should not be over charging you on a animal that my have problems or defects because of its upbringing or the fact that he is not what they say he is.  However, he is the best thing that has happened to me and everyday is a new adventure.  He is the best !!!!

 

Answer by Ouida
Submitted on 4/30/2004
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Your chi could be pure papered chi.  The deer-like look more like the ancient chi's.  And in the "30's and '40's the winners of the kennel shows looked more deer-like.  I think the breeders have bred this squashed down versus till it is like the akc standard now.  I have learned this on chats and researching the chihuahua on the internet and in books.  Have fun with whatever chi you end up with.  We love them.

 

Answer by sarah
Submitted on 5/4/2004
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I also unfortunately purchased my chihuahua from a pet store. I don't regret the purchase because I love her and think she is beautiful, but I wish I had educated myself about puppy mills and pet stores first. The pet store had told me that she was a purebred AKC registrable puppy and I would receive her papers within 120 days. On the 115th day, I received papers but they are only to register her with APRI. I don't know what that is, but I know it's not AKC and I feel totally deceived. I way overpaid for this dog but now at least I know next time to find a reputable breeder. I also think that she is a deer face chi.

 

Answer by Carrie
Submitted on 5/5/2004
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What do you mean when you say a pure-papered Chi?

 

Answer by chimama
Submitted on 5/7/2004
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I believe she means pure-bred with papers to prove it.

When you purchase a dog which you wish to register with the AKC, both parents have to be registered and the breeder had to register the litter.  The breeder should give you papers stating the dam and sire, their registration numbers and the registration number of the litter, along with the registration form.  You then fill out the form and send it in along with a check for the fee.

If a breeder won't give you the form and that information right then when you pay for the dog, walk away, odds are the dog may be pure-bred but it isn't registrable.  If you don't care about registering the dog, then this isn't a concern, as long as the breeder tells you the truth about whether the dog can be registered, but you will have to do a little more work to make sure the dog is pure-bred.  

You should be able to see the dam (mother dog) at least, and observe her with the litter.  If the breeder also owns the sire, look at him also and any members of previous litters from those parents.  Expect to spend at least an hour at the breeders, ask lots of questions and expect the breeder to ask lots of questions back.  A good breeder wants to make sure their dogs go to good homes; if they want you to pick a dog right away, or won't let you see where the pups are kept, walk away and don't look back.  Observe the dogs with humans, are they used to being handled, does the mother allow you near the pups, are the parents well behaved?  The food and water bowls should be clean, the pen should be clean (a couple of puddles maybe, but no piles of poop) and smell relatively fresh.  The breeders should be knowledgeable about the personality of each dog and show obvious affection for the animals.  All these are signs of a good breeder.

 

Answer by Alicia
Submitted on 8/27/2004
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I am looking for a chihuahua puppie... i have a golden retriever and one cat... but im looking for a chihuahua puppie... why is it SO bad to buy from pet stores? what if they give you all the answeres you need to actually feel comfterable buying the puppie?

 

Answer by Denise
Submitted on 10/28/2004
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We bought our Chihuahua from a pet store (big mistake!).  She was 2 1/2 lbs. when we first got her at 10 weeks but at 4 years old, she is 14 lbs. and definitely looks like a mini-dachshund mix.  She has a very long body with short legs.  The only thing that looks like a Chihuahua on her is her face.  We love her and she is healthy, but to pay $800 for a pet quality dog is ridiculous.  A good breeder will have the parents on the premises for you to see and for a pet quality (not show quality) you will pay half of what we paid.  The more people who purchase their puppies from pet stores, the more puppy mills keep churning them out.  

 

Answer by CHICO
Submitted on 11/20/2004
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YOU SHOULD NOT BUY DOGS FROM A PET STORE.
THEY SELL THEIR PUPPIES FOR TWICE AS MUCH AS YOU COULD GET FROM A LOCAL BREEDER.

 

Answer by doggieboy
Submitted on 12/5/2004
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how long could we start giving away the puppies after they were born. well like how long do they have to nurse before we ween them.

 

Answer by chihuhualuver
Submitted on 12/23/2004
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Well I say that you should never ever get a puppy from a pet store and only from a private owner if you can see the mother and father and if it has papers and tags. This information is for everyone.

 

Answer by kammies mommy
Submitted on 1/24/2005
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i have recently bought a dog from the breeders but being a 12 yr old i did not notice that my dog had received any papers! its sad to know that my dog will never be a "pure breed" or "akc" but to me he is the best little dog a girl could ever have! his name is kamron!  have a blessed day!~ kammies mommy

 

Answer by Jayde
Submitted on 1/26/2005
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The pet store has no idea if your dog is purebred or not, they can only go on what the broker they obtained the puppies from tells them.

Puppy mills aren't going to loose sleep over swapping papers or passing off a mixed breed as a purebred. I worked in a pet shop when I was younger, and I had my doubts about a lot of the "purebreds" that came through, like a Min Pin that was 9 pounds at only 10 weeks old, or an English Bulldog with legs like a Boxer under him.

Just an FYI, CKC papers are becoming more and more common among the pet shop dogs, and CKC isn't like AKC. The CKC (Continental Kennel Club, not Canadian Kennel Club) will register a dog with no record of it's parentage, provided you send in 3 photos and have two "witnesses" sign your application. No requirement of the witnesses to be a vet or breeder, your elderly blind neighbor will suffice. Just to prove a point, we got a Chihuahua cross (she's 14 pounds) from the pound, and registered her as a purebred Chihuahua through CKC. They never batted an eye. She's spayed so no one jump me for doing it, it was only to see if the flagged the registration or not.

As for AKC papers, unless the dogs were DNA typed, I'd not give them much credibility either if the dog in question was at a petshop. It's nothing to pass off pups from a mixed breed litter as ones from the purebred you have papers on. Honestly I think that is why we have "deer" type Chis in the first place. I think some breeders slipped some Rat Terrier in along the way, to get the more unusual colors like blue mereles and brindles, and didn't bother to breed the body type back to the typical Chi look.

 

Answer by Cokie
Submitted on 2/4/2005
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I just put some money on a little deer face chi today. She is a red Merle and is really unique. These breeders had so many chi's, all in their house and you could see they were very loved and cared for. Most of these dogs had lots of champions in their bloodlines. They didn't have many with the deer face but the ones they had in my opinion were the cutest. Their little eyes do not bug out like the apple heads. Mine will probably weigh 5-6 pounds but I want to breed her so I want the larger female. Lots of people do not know that when they get a really tiny pup they have to worry about their sugar levels or they could loose them and FAST!
I do also have a comment on the pet store puppies. I have seen some really bad puppies at some pet stores but I have worked at a pet store that belongs to a friend of mine. She gets most of her puppies from an Amish man. His whole family has different breeds and you would not believe some of the super nice puppies she gets. She had a tiny Chi at one time and he was probably the nicest one I have ever seen. If he were a she, he would have been mine. He was also $400.00 less than I paid for the little one I bought today and was also much smaller which you do want in a male you are going to breed. Don't cross all pet shops off your list because there are some good ones with very honest owners.

 

Answer by BungieButt
Submitted on 2/24/2005
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Bungie Butt Rocks

 

Answer by NANNA
Submitted on 2/28/2005
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QUESTON// HOW OLD ARE THEY WHEN THERE EARS STAND UP ? WHEN DO THEY HAVE ALL THERE BABY TEETH ?WHEN DO THAY START CUTTING THERE SECOND TEETH? HE IS A DEER FACE

 

Answer by Chi Girl
Submitted on 3/29/2005
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Yes it is possible that the pet store lied to you and that you don't have a full chihuahua.I'm doing research on chihuahuas and the most they can get it 4 lbs. so it's possible that is not a full chihuahua.I hope it works out for you!!!

 

Answer by Mya
Submitted on 4/16/2005
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I also have purchased a deer head. I never thought i would find a place that so many people knew what i was talking about!!! Now I know I can back my comments when everyone tells me he his not a chihuahua. He is deer headed. Thanks so much everyone... you can check out my deer head chihuahua at http://groups.msn.com/GizmosVancouverchihuahuas  please feel free to join our group!!!

 

Answer by AKCchibreeder
Submitted on 5/13/2005
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Breeding "deer type" chihuahua'sis irresponsible in my opinion. I believe only dogs that are show quality should be bred. Otherwise it delutes the breed, it is hard enough to find a type chihuahua. I srtive to meet the AKC standerd, my chi's weigh 3-4 pounds full grown. Occasionaly smaller or lager. It is all about good genes, A over six pound or larger chihuahua in my opinion looks usually unproportional but they are still chi's and need love too!

 

Answer by carebear
Submitted on 5/28/2005
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I have a deer face chihuahua.  I found this out recently while looking for a puppy.  I found a breeder now and just purchased another chihuahua after seeing the mother and the father (and also the grandfather).  She's female and looks just like her father.  tri-colored with unique markings.  I can't wait until she's weaned!  10 days and counting.....so I can pick her up.

 

Answer by andre
Submitted on 5/28/2005
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i bought a chihuahua puppy and now i am told that the puppy may have water in the brain because his head is to big .when i bought it it look like the male dog what are my chances of it being normal puppy
.

 

Answer by amanda
Submitted on 6/30/2005
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Hi!

Did anybody find out why that pup had a super red vein in his eye?
What happened afterwards?

Thanks

 

Answer by michelle
Submitted on 7/2/2005
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i have recently brought a female chihuahua and she is so cute she is currently 20 weeks old and 1.1kg...how many pounds is thats and do u think she will be big enough to be breed when she is about 18 months?

 

Answer by brooke
Submitted on 7/12/2005
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hi i have a pure breed chihuahua with floppy ears and a long nose it is my dogs puppies and he's leaving soon but i might be able to put a pitchers. up so you compare it to yours

 

Answer by Louise
Submitted on 8/22/2005
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Till when does the chihuahua stop growing?  I just got a chi girl and she is growing alot but she is very light!!!

 

Answer by When is the first rabbies vaccine?
Submitted on 11/7/2005
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Do not know.

 

Answer by staci
Submitted on 12/5/2005
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Don't worry I paid $250 for a "purebreed" chihuahua(from a chihuahua breeder mind you) and come to find out he is part something else. his ears also are long a nd floppy and he wieghs 9 lbs, plus his body is longer than most chihuahuas. I took him to my vet and he said there is no way my dog is purebreed..So maybe the people at the pet store were lied too and just had no idea since your dog was still a puppy. We didn't figure it out about my dog until 6 months later.

 

Answer by Tara
Submitted on 12/21/2005
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I live in Canada and I work at Petland...and there are definitely some bad pet shops out there, but you have to realize that not all pet shops are buying from puppy mills.  As an employee there, I know exactly where our pups come from, and they have to meet specific standards as well as the place of upbringing.  You have to keep in mind that some chi's can get as big as 10 lbs!  It is awful if you got screwed over by that pet shop, but it is also unfair to say that no one should buy a pup from a pet shop because trust me, you can get screwed just as bad from a breeder.  You just have to take your time, ask alot of questions, and make absolutely no snap desicions!  Buying a pup is just like bringing home a new baby, and all options should be looked at.

 

Answer by Helen
Submitted on 12/29/2005
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I got a Chi puppy from the pet store paradise pets.She seems perfect and in good health...but i worried now because her papers say: the american canine club...The department of Ag was where she got her heal th inspection..home again pet recovery service for something else...Tray's K & J pets, what does this all mean? i think shes from a puppy mill.Shes in good health now, but im worried. I didnt know what puppy mills were until yesterday im only 14. I love this dog to death too and i feel horrible i helped contribute to this animal abuse.Oh shes also ACA? can someone help me?
also,is this healthy for a nine week old chi? 1.7 pounds.How can i tell what kind she is..teacup..etc?Im sooo worrried and i'll never get a puppy from a petshop AGAIN!!! I love animals so much..

 

Answer by Chanel
Submitted on 1/4/2006
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Where should I buy a chihuahua?

 

Answer by dawn
Submitted on 2/3/2006
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i have a chihuahua puppy her ears are not up how long before her ears pop up. she is 3 months old my mother has 1 from the same litter and his ears are already up.

 

Answer by Bonnie
Submitted on 2/4/2006
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I have just purchased a chi. suppose to be a tea cup,and suppsed to be 6 weeks old. the lady wouldn't let me meet me at her house, (red flag) also said she got the shots from a vet, (another red flag) against the law. the puppy has no bottom teeth, the abilical cord spot is still very visible. she seems to be crossed eyed. she is ckc registered, my question is do you think she is younger then 6 weeks? she weighs 1 1/2 lbs. but so very tiny, her belly is so bloated. is that nornal? she can fit in one hand confortably. still has the will to keep on sucking on whatever she gets  hold of. does anyone have any information for me?

 

Answer by lilz
Submitted on 2/16/2006
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everything the others have said is true. yes. puppy mills are horribles places and will keep going if they are encouraged! show that you are not interested in puppy mills by buying from a local or expert breeder. if anything is wrong where the breeder sell you must report it immediately.

 

Answer by blinger
Submitted on 2/28/2006
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It can be a real chihuahua all chihuahuas are different

 

Answer by mary
Submitted on 3/31/2006
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i got my little chi when she was just 5 weeks old.shes a little doll we got her from an individual.she is now almost 4 months old her ears stand up nicely.she is very smart.i did check at the pet stores before we got her but i didn't like how the pet stores keep their puppies.anyways we love our little girl.

 

Answer by deerlover
Submitted on 6/25/2006
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Regarding purchasing a deerchi...just had to have put my 3-1/2# lady down from old age..she was 15.  waited and saw an ad at our vets...went..looked at parents...was totally blown away, so much larger that any I had ever seen...yet they were appealing..of course, ended up purchasing a little girl, now about 8#, but she is amazing...so smart so loving so everything.

People say "Oh, how cute, what is it?".  When I respond a chi, they so oh, is it mixed....that really gets my goat...#1, she is beautiful, she is smart, she is loyal and we adore her...who cares if she doesn't fit the akc 6# limit.  

 

Answer by Samantha
Submitted on 7/27/2006
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I just bought a Chihuahua Papillon cross two days ago... And yesterday, my mother dropped her and she broke her front right leg. We took her to the vet, and he put a cast on it. She is also now on painkillers... And seems to be doing better - though the oversized cast still causes her to be a bit clumsy.

I feel horrible though. I mean, as soon as it happened and she started to cry... I just grabbed her up and sat down on the floor and cried. 2 days and she is already hurt! Not to mention... I've paid twice her original price now... Oh well, my baby is worth it! (P.S. Pray for her and that she will get better soon!)

 

Answer by pebbles
Submitted on 7/30/2006
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i think if youve already fallen inlove with your chi just forget about it and consider this a good learning experience. my inlaws bought me my first chi last christmas. not one of us knew a thing about chis so they bought from a byb without knowing it. he is the small applehead w/short legs which is what we wanted all along. he is adorable! but, as he is only 31/2 lbs we are having some problems-he is 10months old. our vet couldnt due to necessary surguries buster needed; neutering(he only has one testicle) plus he has double row teeth. yes, we spend a fortune on him but oh well. we will be taking him to a specialty hi-tech surgical center for his surguries next week. lots of $$ but i love my chi.

 

Answer by James N
Submitted on 8/20/2006
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I have an 8 week old Chi that I recently purchased from a breeder..His ears fold back. i was told that his ear muscles probably arent quite developed yet. They told me it would most likely take a month or so to develope and his ears would stand up then..what do you think?

 

Answer by Stoney
Submitted on 8/22/2006
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Hi, I have a 10-month old "chihuahua" that weighs 11 lbs and appears to be a deer-head chihuahua. I bought my puppy from a breeder, however I didn't get AKC papers. I thought my dog might actually be a Toy Fox Terrier or Rat Terrier because she looks so different, but she's exceeded the weight expectations of all of these breeds! I do believe that the deer-chihuahua breed exists and many people prefer this look. It is also possible that my dog is a "Foxihuahua", one of the new mixed-breed trends. Either way, she is a wonderful dog, and I don't care what she is. My husband is disgruntled that we payed for a full-bred chihuahua and constantly get questioned and made fun of for not having AKC registration after purchasing what the breeder claims is a full chihuahua. I've exhausted all resources regarding true identification of her breed, and went to a dog specialist who feels very confident that the deer-head chihuahua exists and that it looks very different from apple-heads. The only thing I would change for my own peace of mind is to actually get AKC papers to show people who try to challenge my dog's breed identity. Not that it matters unless you want to breed yourself. Hope this helps.

 

Answer by mercyless
Submitted on 9/22/2006
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I am a chihuahua breeder for 10 yrs.  The breed standard is up to 8 lbs and then should for males, be stocky not frail.  I have a champion line male who is 10 lbs with "broken down" ears which I paid $1700 dollars for 8 years ago who is absolutely and clearly AKC registed.  Just like people they can have their own characteristics that make them different and size is always unpredictable due to the gene pool.  He has been mated several times with impeccable litters of small stature.  As long as you love this dog and he/she loves you the appearance of him/her should be irrevelevant unless you are truly shallow.  It is not uncommon for a larger/smaller dog with less desirable traits to be produced from conforming litters.

 

Answer by kelly
Submitted on 9/30/2006
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i have bought a chihuahua called candy and i want to know can i dress her up in clothes is it cruel?

 

Answer by Sharon
Submitted on 11/7/2006
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I just got my Chihuahua puppy 2 days ago.  He is extremely skittish and has just turned 5 months old.  My dear husband bought him at a flea market.  The seller had a younger litter but wanted more money for them, but he decided I would love him, which I do.  Anyway, he is bonding with me, but backs away and tries to hide if somebody else walks into the room.  I know it's only been 2 days, but I wonder if there is some way I can socialize him easier without him trying to back away and being so scared.  He's cute and sweet, I just don't want him to be scared by people walking around in the house or whatever.  Everybody is really gentle with him, and we have named him Ozzy; he just looks like an Ozzy.  Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

Answer by babeh rach
Submitted on 12/25/2006
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if i were you i would go back to the pet store and complain about there animal selling and contact the council about it, they will then complain to the pet store and take it back or give you a price drop for they can be very expansive dogs

 

Answer by Stylelish
Submitted on 12/27/2006
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I feel what you all are saying because I bought my Chi from a pet store because they looked so cute and I knew of breeders, but was afraid to have the puppy shipped.  My Ruby has been with us for almost a month now and I wouldn't trade her for the world.  But, she also has flopped over ears and a longer snout than most full breed chis.  I was doing some research online yesterday and found that Chi and terrier is a common mix of dog, so if you get a chance google the combo and see if the pics favor your puppy.  I found a few that matched Ruby, so I am starting to think they lied to me at the pet store too about her being full chi.  Good luck on any future pets, I now know where to get my next one when the time comes.

 

Answer by himan
Submitted on 1/12/2007
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I LIKE PIE

 

Answer by michelle
Submitted on 2/10/2007
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hi i was wondering about the tail of the chi.i never heard about the deer faced chi but i guess thats what i have.my son has the little taco bell one and he keeps saying he doesnt think mine is pure bred.something about the tail not being curled and his look.i do have akc papers but he says those can be faked since i bought it from a breeder.can anyone give me things to look for so i know if he is pure or not.

 

Answer by Babydoll risley
Submitted on 3/17/2007
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I have an adorable 4 lb fawn deer head chihuahua that I adopted from a high kill shelter for less than $40. He is very healthy, super mellow, doesn't bark or bite, super intelligent, and housebroken. Why wouldn't you all RESCUE a dog from the animal shelter. I know most dog lovers tend to be wonderful people, so why not save a dogs life. Please next time try to adopt a homeless pet from the shelter or  petfinder.com!!

 

Answer by heather
Submitted on 4/19/2007
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i have a chihuahua that was given to me that was found and no one clamed him but i am trying to find out how i can or if i can get papers on this dog not knowing who or where the parents are to this tiny angle.i love him very much and just want to get the paper work that i need for him so that i can do more with him

 

Answer by Alison
Submitted on 5/20/2007
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How about if you are stupid enough to buy from a pet store they figure you are stupid enough to buy a dog that probably isn't even close to part-chihuahua.


 

Answer by Claire
Submitted on 5/26/2007
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I have recently bought a Chi puppy, whilst i have combed him and he does not seem to have fleas, I want to treat him straight away just incase. He is 7 weeks at what age is the best time to flea him.

Thanks Claire

 

Answer by vnj1003
Submitted on 6/15/2007
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Hi I am  buying a chihuahua puppy she is 9 weeks old her ears are bent over when will they stand up she weights about 1 pound at 9 weeks how big will she get they told me about 5 pounds... Does anyone know how to help me make sure I am getting a full chihuahua... she is ckc registered..

 

Answer by chigirl2
Submitted on 7/10/2007
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I think everyone seems to be missing the big picture here. Has anyone been to a Chihuahua rescue website? There are enough homeless chi's to fill the continent of Asia. It breaks my heart to see so many of them in shelters and rescues. Many of them are of course mixes(though pure breds rescued from "backyard breeders and puppy mills still trickle through)but why should that matter? If anything they are more unique than the standard looking ones. Why is everyone so intent on having some pure bred prize possession that cost you an arm and a leg? Both of my chi mixes are the sweetest, most loving dogs I could ask for-one adopted through a rescue, the other a stray. Both are very different looking-from each other and other chi's. It's not the breed or AKC registered papers that make a dog worth something. Like the saying goes, "Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy you the wag of it's tail". In most of these cases, it doesn't even seem to buy you that...

 

Answer by Chi Chi 4ever
Submitted on 7/16/2007
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HI Kelly,

I purchased my Chi pup at a reputable pet store. I did a lot of research prior and he came chipped, with his pedigree, and with papers (AKC & APR). He (Armani Sweety Pie) is a deer face chi and he is now 9 mos old. He weighs 5 1/2 lbs and according to the Vet, shouldn't be getting any bigger, unless of course I over feed him. Deer-face Chi's are the cutest and pure-bred. They look different from apple-heads, but in my opinion the cutest. Pure-bred Chi's cannot be judged on their appearance, they have to be pappered and if yours didn't come with papers, take your pup to a vet so she can be checked out.

Take care and love your Chi no matter what he/she looks like. :)

 

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