I’m sorry but I have been too busy to keep my blog updated on a regular basis. There are people to growl at and the cat to chase around. Plus, all sorts of critters and people that walk outside that need a stern barking at.

But, I just saw this story today and had to say that Chihuahuas rule! See, we make great guard dogs, don’t we?

Read the story: “Tiny dog with giant heart saves toddler”
Source: ReporterHerald.com, July 21, 2007

Who they calling “tiny”!? You go, sister!!!

Popularity: 7% [?]

A Chihuahua with glasses–does that sound like a ridiculous statement? Yes of course it does but guess what, it is true. While most Chihuahua owners know all about the cute dresses, jackets, shoes, and hats, few know that you can actually buy glasses for Chihuahuas and other dog breeds. There are actually manufacturers that design and develop special glasses to protect a Chihuahua’s eyes.

Years of research has shown us that spending long hours in the sun without having proper eye protection is a sure way of increasing the risk of developing eye disease. Since some people take their Chihuahuas with them everywhere, exposing them to strong UV rays, special doggie sunglasses have been created. These Chihuahua sunglasses are UV absorbent and designed as what they call “sungoggles,” which is a cross of sunglass and goggle.

In fact, this is such a serious business that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has even formed very specific standards for both UVA and UVB protection in the development of these “sungoggles.” That means each pair must be capable of blocking a minimum of 50% UV rays before they are determined saleable.

Now keep in mind that some of these Chihuahua sungoggles are very expensive but they do not have to be. There are many brands on the market today that are actually quite affordable. Therefore, before dishing out significant money, simply read the label, looking for sungoggles for your pet that can block more than 50% UVA and UVB radiation. Because some of these glasses are made in other countries, the equivalent in metric numbers would be 400nm, which would be 100% absorption of UV rays.

The problem is that some Chihuahuas have an eye disease known a Pannus. These dogs should most definitely stay out of the bright sun, which can cause pain and further problem with the disease. In this case, buying the Chihuahua a pair of sungoggles is an excellent way of protecting the eyes from UV radiation. Now, while it might seem strange to see a Chihuahua with glasses, with all of the designer clothes, little booties, raingear, and other apparel for this breed, glasses should be expected.

Most of these sunglasses are made from polycarbonate, which is shatterproof. Additionally, the lenses are fog-proof to keep the sun as well as debris and wind out of the dog’s eyes. The design is a wrap-around frame so the eyes are completely enclosed. The glasses also come with adjustable elastic straps so the glasses stay on comfortably and securely. The design looks much like a swimmer’s goggle and on a Chihuahua, is absolutely adorable while also being functional.

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 21% [?]

Okay…dressing Chihuahua dogs up in clothing is fun and if you have seen the market today, there are literally thousands of outfits from which to choose. If you want to take your pet to a Halloween party, no problem, just choose a cat costume, pumpkin costume, or even wicked witch costume.

Now, if you are taking your dog to a social event, then perhaps a formal gown, tuxedo, silk coat, or tutu would be more in order. Then for people living in cold weather regions, their precious puppy might wear a sweatshirt, raincoat, or perhaps a designer sweater. The options go on and on and as you begin your search for Chihuahua clothes, you will be amazed at the massive selection you find.

The truth is, when it comes to Chihuahua clothes, people spend a fortune. Okay, you might be asking, “Doesn’t this bother the dog?” While you might think so, most Chihuahua’s love the limelight so dressing up to hear people say “ooh and ah” is not a problem. In fact, many Chihuahuas will hold their head up high with pride. Some people say dogs could care less but you try telling that to the Chihuahuas that wear clothes.

Keep in mind that the Chihuahua breed often shakes because it is cold. At night time, this breed will cuddle deep under the covers as a means of staying warm, even in the middle of summer. Therefore, providing your pet with a warm sweatshirt or sweater actually makes it more comfortable. Additionally, if you buy quality clothing, it is made just as well as human clothing so it fits perfectly, providing ample arm and neck room.

In addition to outfits, you will also find shoes and hats for Chihuahuas. If your little one needs to make a trip outside during the winter, you can protect the feet with a pair of leather booties. You will find hundreds of great websites on the internet to buy your Chihuahua clothing or if you prefer, you can have them custom made or learn to sew them yourself. You will even find patterns on the website so you can pick and choose the styles you like and then have fun being creative.

Chihuahua clothing is typically not expensive although if you choose designer clothes it can be costly. One of the best options is to check out online auctions such as eBay where you will find great prices and great selection! After all, every Chihuahua should look great and have a way of showing off his or her character!

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 77% [?]

When you bring your new Chihuahua puppy home, one of the first things you will need to do, after giving it lots of love of course, is to housebreak it. Although a daunting task for any dog owner, this is something that must take priority. Unfortunately, housebreaking a Chihuahua can be a challenge in that they are not the easiest breed to train. However, do not let that deter you from buying a Chihuahua because the time invested is worth owning this particular breed.

We recommend you avoid paper training or using commercially made training pads. The reason is that this method of housebreaking is usually advertised as being easy and successful when in fact, it only teaches your Chihuahua puppy that tinkling in the house is permitted. Therefore, we suggest you use other methods, which are proven to be far more successful.

A better option is to use crate training, which is safe and best of all, it works. By using crate training, you will soon have your Chihuahua puppy sleeping throughout the night instead of making messes. The key however is to be very patient while providing your puppy with lots of love and support. In addition, you will need to establish a schedule to work with your puppy’s body, not against it.

If you have purchased a small puppy, you need to remember that they have very tiny bladders and simply cannot hold it for long periods. Now, if you have purchased an older Chihuahua or one from a rescue that is not housebroken, you can still be successful. For this, you will probably need to be more patient and above all, consistent.

For the schedule in both cases, start by taking your Chihuahua outdoors at 7:00 a.m. Then, feed the dog inside the crate about 15 minutes later. Sometime around 7:45 a.m., take another outdoor potty break and again around 11:45. Around noon, feed your puppy, again in the crate and take it outside to potty around 12:45. Typically, your Chihuahua (even adults) will take a nap. Provide soft bedding and a few safe toys inside the crate, close the door, and allow your pet to rest for about an hour.

Then sometime around 2:30 and again at 4:30, you need to make trips outdoors. At 5:00, you will again feed your pet in its crate, always making sure it has clean water. At 5:30, you are back outside. For the next couple of hours, let the Chihuahua rest, go for a short walk, play with it, and just enjoy bonding time. Then around 7:30, take the water out of the crate for the night. Your last trip of the night outside would be around 8:30 and then bedtime at 9:30.

As you can see, training your Chihuahua requires dedication on your part but within a few weeks (and sometimes months), it will all come together. As your puppy matures, the time required to go outside will diminish. Once your Chihuahua has been housebroken, you can then move it to your bed for sleeping, which is what most people do. After all, Chihuahuas love snuggling underneath warm covers!

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 11% [?]

Typically when you think of a Chihuahua, you envision a small, rounded headed, short-haired dog. While this is the most common version of this breed, there is another the long-haired Chihuahua. Just as with the short haired breed, the long-hair Chihuahua is loving, has a sweet temperament, and makes an excellent pet.

The long-hair Chihuahua also comes in many different colors and patterns, just as you would see with its sister, the short-haired Chihuahua. Now, if you prefer a long-haired dog but have concerns over shedding, you will find that most of these dogs shed very little. While you do need to keep it brushed about every other day, not much other grooming is required, other than nail clipping and teeth cleaning.

Keep in mind that the long-hair Chihuahua is typically kept as an indoor pet. Therefore, they seldom have problems with matting if brushed on a regular basis. Additionally, because this Chihuahua is kept inside, any shedding is relatively even throughout the year whereas other dogs tend to shed more seasonally. Again, a good brushing will keep the amount of shedding to a minimum while providing your pet with healthy hair and a little pampering.

The only drawback to having a long-haired Chihuahua is that they can have occasion where doggie doo gets stuck to the pants, which is the name for the back fur. When this occurs, a simple pair of scissors and a steady hand will to the trick. If the problem is bad, you can wash the dog and then either clip the backside hair yourself or take your beloved pet to a professional groomer.

The misconception of the long-haired Chihuahua is that it is larger than the short-haired breed. In truth, they are the same size but the hair is deceiving. Once the Chihuahua is bathed, you can see just how small it is. As mentioned, there is no difference in personality since just about every Chihuahua loves to be cuddled and loved on. In addition, the long-haired Chihuahua also makes a better pet for an adult, and for some reason, typically prefers women.

With a long-haired breed, you will still enjoy the wide set eyes, the large, erect ears, and the keen sense of loyalty to the owner. Averaging between three and six pounds, this makes an excellent choice for people who have little space or who prefer a lap dog. Whether buying a short or long-haired version, the Chihuahua makes an incredible pet and because they live upward of 18 to 20 years, can be enjoyed for a very long time.

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 10% [?]