Molera/Fontanel
The molera is a soft spot on top of the head similar to a human baby. This is completely normal in the Chihuahua breed and in past times was considered a sign of purity. The molera can fully close once your puppy reaches maturity.
A molera is NOT a sign of Hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is an excess of CSF fluid on the brain also known as water on the brain. Symptoms of Hydro are head visibly larger than body, lack of growth or unthriftiness, East/West eyes, seizures, balance or gait problems, walking in circles, an inability to learn. Hydro can be confirmed with an ultrasound through the molera at a vets office. Puppies with Hydro generally do not have long lives. Some vets recommend euthanasia as the humane thing to do. Hydro is not curable. Medications can help with less severe cases to control seizure activity. Shunt surgery is also available for a hefty fee and is not guaranteed to work.
Luxating Patella's
A Luxating Patella is when the (hind leg) kneecap slips out of place. Surgery is available to dogs with severe cases of Luxating Patella.
A Chihuahua should never be allowed or encouraged to jump off of beds, couches, chairs, etc., especially during that 1st year of life when bones are forming.
Collapsed Trachea
Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and exhaustion. In severe cases, your pet may even pass out from lack of oxygen. Think of the trachea as a straw made of cartilage that carries air from the neck to the chest. When the cartilage collapses, breathing becomes difficult, kind of like sipping soda through a flattened straw. Your vet can treat the condition with medication.
We have a neutered pet Chihuahua here that we thought had a collapsed trachea. This was ruled out after a series of X-rays were taken.
Reverse Sneezing
Signs of a reverse sneeze are snorting, honking or wheezing. Over stimulation or excitement can cause your pet to have a Reverse sneeze. Using a collar and lead instead of a harness when walking your pet may also contribute to this problem. The best thing to do, is to calm your pet down if possible. Calming him might include a cuddle and a nice gentle rub. If that doesn't work, you can try to distract your pet by shaking a tin can that has coins in it or clapping your hands. As a last resort, you can place one finger over both nostrils for a few seconds to encourage him to breathe properly from the mouth.
A reverse sneeze is not a defect but can be a touch worrisome until you know that your dog will be just fine. There are no medications or vet visits required for a Reverse sneeze.
Teacup, Micro, Mini, etc.,
The Standard does NOT recognize any of these terms with reference to the Chihuahua. The 'teacup' term is widely used today by people that either want to sell their puppies quickly and for a lot of money or by buyers that just don't know that this is an unacceptable term.
The Chihuahua standard dictates a weight under 6 pounds. Puppies within this range are acceptable to be shown in the ring. A Chihuahua is a Chihuahua!! No other classification is acceptable.
My dogs are between 3 lbs and 5 lbs. Therefore, puppies should be within this range as well. Please do not ask me for a 'teacup'. I am breeding for health and conformation. A 3 lb dog is smaller than you think.
You can read the official standard as set by the CCA and the CKC by clicking the links below. The Chihuahua Club of America has a "Teacup Statement" that is a must read for potential buyers of a Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua Club of America http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/
The Canadian Kennel Club http://www.ckc.ca
Merle Chihuahuas
Are not recognised in Canada and many other Countries as a purebred dog. In Canada they are not able to be registered or advertised as "purebred".
Household Hazards/Dangers
Until you see your new puppy close-up for the 1st time, you absolutely cannot fathom the incredible delicacy and size of a Chihuahua puppy. Pictures do not tell the story this time. First thing you need to do is puppy proof your home. Like having a human baby in the house, you need to make sure of the safety of your puppy. Make sure the floor is free and clear of small items. Coins, lego and buttons, even gravel in your entrance can be a hazard. Teething puppies dont know the difference between a chew toy and an electrical cord.
A playpen or kennel is the safest place for your new puppy to be when you cannot be monitoring him. He will feel safe and secure in the smaller area as well. Placing a blanket, peepad and food and water in a playpen will ensure a happy, healthy puppy. The den-like atmosphere of a kennel will make your puppy feel at home.
Dogs can't eat everything we do. It is very important that you are aware that certain foods we eat can be a toxin to your pet. Examples would be chocolate and onions. Please be very cautious when feeding your pet.
Plants, both indoor and outdoor, can be poisonous to your new pet. Please find out what kind of plants you have and make sure your pet is safe from this danger. One example would be a Poinsetta plant.
Poisonous Plants?
Miscellaneous Information
Your new puppy should be isolated from other dogs until he is fully inoculated. Pet stores, parks and obedience classes are breeding grounds for bacteria that can seriously harm or kill a puppy that has not finished his inoculations.
Diarhea is a sign of possible bacteria. If your puppy has diarhea, take a fecal sample to the local vet for testing. This is relatively inexpensive and can save the life of your new family member.
Make sure you never leave your Chihuahua unattended outdoors. It only takes a small gap in the fence for him to escape. Birds of prey are a HUGE danger to Chihuahuas. Hawks can scoop up a Chihuahua as easily, if not easier than a rabbit.
Pools can drown your puppy.
Never leave your Chihuahua on a couch, chair or bed. He may want to jump down to find out where you have gone.
NEVER, EVER leave your Chihuahua alone with a young child. Squeezing or dropping a Chihuahua is enough to seriously harm or kill your puppy.
NEVER leave your Chihuahua unattended with a larger pet. A Chihuahua can be fearless and not realize the danger in trying to play with a 100 pound dog that is trying to eat or nap.
Chihuahuas can be litter box or Pee pad trained. My Chihuahuas do not go outdoors in winter unless they are wrapped up in my coat and I am taking them for a car ride. A Chihuahua would die of exposure in a few short minutes if left outdoors in our cold Canadian Winters. Pee pad training is easy and economical.
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It is extremely important that all new puppy owners be as educated as possible on the health, characteristics and possible defects in their breed. I will try to address these issues here as well as give my opinion on some topics.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and is common in Toy Breeds. Symptoms are a staggered gait, glassy eyes, limpness or rigidity. If left untreated seizures, unconsciousness and finally death. Having NUTRICAL on hand and rubbing some on the gums of the mouth will help until puppy can be driven to the vets office. Puppies should be fed small amounts of food at regular times during the day instead of one or two larger meals. I suggest that kibble be available at all times during the first year of life. Hypoglycemia is 100% preventable with proper nutrition.
