Posts tagged "chihuahua dogs"

With so many puppy videos and so little time, we've gone the extra mile and begun cataloging some of the finest YouTube offerings, separating each collection by breed in a feature called Puppy Party!

Today's round-up features the chipper Chihuahua!

We have a winner! According to the judges at last weekend's World's Ugliest Dog contest, Princess Abby Francis is now officially the "World's Ugliest Dog" (or at least Northern California's). Beating out last year's champion, Pabst, and a slew of Chinese-crested candidates, Princess Abby took home the $1,000 grand prize at the Sonoma-Marin Fair's beauty-less pageant.

The unsightly four-year-old chihuahua mix sports a gray, brown, and white coat, a set of oddly misshapen legs, and a deformed left eye. Proud owner Kathleen Francis rescued Princess Abby only three months ago, after the malnourished pup was found walking the streets of Lake County, Calif. covered with fleas.

"I don't think she's ugly at all," Francis tells the Associated Press, "I think she's the most beautiful dog." According to Francis, she didn't intend to adopt a dog at all, but after seeing Princess Abby at the vet's office "I fell in love with her."

According to celebrity judge Karen "Doc" Halligan, Princess Abby's malformed back, legs, and eye are likely the result of inbreeding. "She's a poster child to spay and neuter your pets," Halligan tells the AP.

Of course, no pageant charged with judging something as subjective as beauty (or the complete lack thereof) would be complete without a controversy over the results. According to one commenter on Omidog.com, "I think it's quite heartless to choose a dog that suffers with a congenial defect, and label it as being 'ugly.'"

While the concept of a "World's Ugliest Dog" contest may appear offensive on the surface, it also may help animal rescue enthusiasts look at unsightly dogs in a new way. Previous winners, such as the 2009 winner Miss Ellie, have used their title to bring attention -- and money -- to pet causes.

Name: Chihuahua

Personality: Perhaps one of the best-known dog breeds, the Chihuahua may owe its fame to a personality that the American Kennel Club describes as "courageous, extremely lively, proud and adventurous." The AKC also cautions that a Chihuahua's outsized zeal "should not be underestimated."

Grooming: "Smooth-coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming due to their short hair," says the AKC, while "long coats need occasional brushing, but still require minimal grooming."

Common Health Issues: Unfortunately, Chihuahuas are vulnerable to many health problems, mainly due to their small stature. "Prone to rheumatism, colds and gum problems," says the Dog Breed Info Center of the breed. "Also corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma, because of their protruding eyes. Gains weight easily. Susceptible to fractures and other accidents in puppyhood." On the plus side, few of the chihuahua's common afflictions are fatal, and their average life expectancy is above 15 years.

Training Tips: "Chihuahuas can be strong-willed without the proper human leadership," says the Dog Breed Info Center. "For some, they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly and respond well to proper, firm but gentle (positive reinforcement) training." As with many small breeds, the Chihuahua's owner cannot let the dog get away with behaviors that would not be tolerated in larger breeds, like jumping up on people's legs: "All dogs, even tiny ones, need to feel their owners are strong-minded beings able to handle the entire pack."

Somebody should have explained to Kenneth Lang Jr. that "101 Dalmatians" is not a training video. Last week, Lang was found with over 100 Chihuahuas living with him in his Dearborn, Mich. home.

According to the Detroit News, Animal Control officials made the startling discovery last week when they were called to investigate a man suspected of having feral cats. After finding four kittens hiding under a lawnmower, authorities returned with a search warrant and entered Lang's home. Once inside, they discovered approximately 112 Chihuahuas in the house, and far more tragically -- 150 dead Chihuahuas stored in freezers.

Lang's attorney, James Schmiel, says his client has been undergoing an evaluation and that his client suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder. "Given the situation that they were in, these dogs are in good condition," said Schmier. "He would love to have the dogs back even though that doesn't look possible."

Not likely, since Lang and the puppies were found to be living in squalor with "trash, feces and urine throughout the home."

The case is currently considered a criminal investigation based on animal cruelty law which can carry a sentence of up to four years in prison. The Chihuahuas are currently being cared for by the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Although all 112 surviving dogs have been receiving treatments and proper care at the shelter, they are not yet ready for adoption.

Source

From Tinkerbell to Taco Bell, the Chihuahua has its little paws all over American pop culture. A member of the Toy group, the Chihuahua is the 12th most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club stats.

A Look Back
The Chihuahua's history is shrouded in mystery, but some believe he originated from the Fennec Fox, a very small animal with big eyes and ears, which could explain the tiny frame, luminous eyes and large ears on the breed today.

Did You Know...
The Chihuahua derives its name from the Mexican State of Chihuahua. It's believed that the ancient Aztec culture of Central America may have used the Chihuahua for religious sacrifice, burying them with their dead masters so their sins could be transferred to the dog. Some people believe the Chihuahua's small warm body can be used to relieve stomach upset and arthritis, or to discourage asthma attacks. Whether true or tall tale, this folklore proves the Chihuahua has long been a cherished companion.

Is a Chihuahua the right breed for your family?
Chihuahuas are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. They are good with families if the children are gentle and patient. Because of their small size, they require little exercise and are good city dogs, but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. Smooth coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming due to their short hair. Long coats need occasional brushing but still require minimal grooming.

Thinking about buying a Chihuahua?
Additional information for those considering a Chihuahua – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site.