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Dog Breed Of The Week: Chihuahua

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Chihuahua Breed Information

Chihuahua Breed Information
jasam_io /iStock

The Chihuahua is a mighty little dog that is easy to recognize with his small stature, erect ears and big dog personality. Chihuahuas were rightly named after the state they originated from in Mexico. How Chihuahuas ended up in Europe and the US is much debated, but we know that this dog breed can now be found worldwide. Chihuahuas have become so popular that the majority of dogs surrendered at the LA animal shelter are Chihuahuas.

General Characteristics & Personality

Chihuahuas are irresistibly adorable with large eyes, pricked up ears and a pint-sized body. Chihuahuas must weigh fewer than 6 pounds to be shown at a dog show, but Chihuahuas weighing more than 6 pounds are still fabulous pets. 🙂 This tiny dog breed can be any solid color or have spotted and patched markings scattered along their bodies. Plus, Chihuahuas have two varieties of coat length: short or long.

These tiny bodies are filled with a huge personality! They will certainly bark to warn strangers are approaching and will fiercely protect their property. Chihuahuas love the finer things in life, such as a warm lap, soft bedding and complete human devotion.

Buyer Beware: Teacup & Merle Chihuahuas

Before bringing a Chihuahua home, it’s important to know a few important details about this breed. Unethical breeders are using marketing ploys to charge more for runts within a litter. Plus, some are causing horrible health issues.

Teacup Chihuahuas

In the dog show ring, Chihuahuas should weigh under 6 pounds. However, it seems unethical breeders are using marketing tactics to increase the value of smaller sized Chihuahuas. Don’t be fooled by celebrities touting “teacup” Chihuahuas in designer bags. Smaller Chihuahuas shouldn’t cost more than their littermates. If a “breeder” proclaims a higher price tag for a smaller Chihuahua than his normal-sized littermates, you know this is a marketing scam.

Merle Chihuahuas

Oh, this is a big one. Merle coat coloration is certainly beautiful to look at with those blue dapples interwoven with white and gray. Sometimes, not always, merle coat coloration produces lighter colored eyes too. But there’s something you should know about the merle color gene, and it’s recessive.

In other words, merle coat coloration carries several nasty health issues with it, such as deafness, blindness, skin issues, aggression and so forth. And if an unethical breeder breeds two merle Chihuahuas together, this is a recipe for disaster.

This poor double merle puppy has received a double dose of these nasty health issue genes, which is completely unfair and could’ve been prevented. Be careful of this coloration. Purchase a puppy from a responsible dog breeder, and spay or neuter your merle dog.

Health

For the most part, Chihuahuas are very healthy and live long lives (15-18 years). Before a Chihuahua can be bred, they must complete health testing to ensure they’re not affected by congenital disease. All Chihuahuas, after two years of age, must have their hearts, paellas (knees) and eyes health tested and pass OFA requirements.

Responsible breeders health test all of their dogs before breeding—there’s no exception. If your breeder doesn’t complete health testing, or is unable to provide official OFA certificates, then walk away. It’s important to note that responsible breeders charge the same or less than unethical breeders.

Grooming Requirements

Short-coated Chihuahuas should be brushed once or twice a week while long-coated versions should be brushed more frequently. You should trim your Chihuahua’s nails every week and brush his teeth every day.

RELATED: Small Dog Dental Care Tips

Exercise & Dog Training Needs

While this dog breed is small, Chihuahuas still need plenty of physical and mental exercise. Daily walks for 30 minutes a day are recommended. Enroll your Chihuahua into puppy and basic manners class too, so they’re exposed to different sized dogs and myriad people. Small dogs should also learn polite manners, such as sit, come, polite leash walking and no jumping.

Where to Find Chihuahuas

Rescuing a dog is always strongly recommended. Local shelters are packed with Chihuahuas, so start your search there first. Also, you can contact a rescue for dogs and puppies in your area. If you decide to purchase a puppy, please choose from this list of reputable breeders who health test dogs before breeding.

Dog Breed Of The Week: Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzu Breed Information

Shih Tzu Breed Information
animalinfo/iStock

Many centuries ago, it was believed that the first Shih Tzus originated from China. It was thought that Shih Tzus were bred for indoor companionship, but had the heart of a lion. Hence, they were given the name “Shih Tzu” to mean “lion.”

During World War II, Shih Tzus were brought into the US by military personnel who were visiting and fighting overseas. One thing that is certain is Shih Tzus still have the heart of a lion today. 🙂

General Characteristics

Shih Tzus are small dogs, weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing 9-10½ inches at the shoulder. The Shih Tzu breed has a long, thick flowing coat that needs regular trimming and brushing. Shih Tzus have a range of coat colors, including white and red, solid black, white and tan, gold with a black mask, solid liver, and so forth.

They have a characteristically round face with a short muzzle, or otherwise known as having a brachycephalic face. Basically, their noses look pushed in toward their face. Their round and expressive eyes are simply gorgeous, especially when framed with long fringed ears. Shih Tzus have square bodies and tails that fall right over their backs.

Health

Shih Tzus are a healthy dog breed, but do have inherited and congenital health issues as well. Responsible dog breeders health test all dogs before breeding, which reduces the chances of passing preventable diseases to puppies. If adult dogs don’t pass health tests, they’re immediately spayed or neutered.

Common inherited and congenital issues within the Shih Tzu breed include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Thyroid issues
  • Shunts
  • Allergies
  • Von Willebrand’s (bleeding disorder)
  • Renal dysplasia

Every responsible dog breeder must be aware of diseases that are common within their lines. If a dog breeder claims their dogs and puppies have no health issues, they’re not telling you the truth. Please, if you decide to purchase a Shih Tzu puppy, only purchase from responsible breeders who are held to strict breeding regulations by the American Shih Tzu Club. Interestingly, responsible dog breeders charge the same or even less for a puppy than unethical breeders.

Buyer Beware: Imperial or Teacup Labels

Unethical breeders use marketing strategies to attract and charge more money for smaller Shih Tzu puppies within a litter. There’s no such thing as an “Imperial Shih Tzu.” This is a deceitful ploy to charge customers more money for runts of a litter. The same goes for the term “teacup” because there’s no such thing as a teacup Shih Tzu. Responsible breeders won’t charge more for smaller puppies. If someone claims to breed “Imperial Shih Tzus” or “Teacup Shih Tzus,” run away!

RELATED: Correct Dog Breed Names

Grooming

Oh, Shih Tzus need extensive grooming! Most Shih Tzu coats are clipped into a puppy cut (about 1½ inch) with longer ear hair and tail coat. A full show coat that touches the ground requires hours of grooming each day. Puppy clips are easy to brush and bathe, but still require grooming every 6-8 weeks. Trim nails weekly to an acceptable length (nails shouldn’t touch the ground), and brush teeth daily.

Exercise & Dog Training

While Shih Tzus are a smaller breed, they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Plan to walk your Shih Tzu at least 30 minutes every day, and provide mental stimulation with puzzle and food stuffed toys during meal and snack times.

All Shih Tzu puppies should enroll and complete a Puppy group to learn polite manners and socialize with other dogs and people. But don’t stop there; enroll your adolescent Shih Tzu into a Basic Manners group dog training class for further socialization.

RELATED: Why You Should Enroll in Puppy Training Class

Rescue or Breeder?

Of course, adopting a Shih Tzu from a rescue is best because you’re saving a life. If you decide to purchase a Shih Tzu puppy or adult, please only buy from responsible breeders. Don’t purchase puppies from pet shops because their parents aren’t health tested. Plus, the breeder’s sole purpose is to churn out as many puppies as possible for money.

To find out more details about Shih Tzus, breeders, rescue and anything else related to this strikingly beautiful breed, please visit the American Shih Tzu Club website.

Montreal Overturns Controversial Pit Bull Breed Ban

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Ending Breed-Specific Laws One at a Time

How to Stop BSL
Robert Hendricks/iStock

Yes, you read that correctly! A couple of weeks ago, the City of Montreal had passed a ban on Pit Bulls and Pit Bull-type breeds, which the Montreal SPCA challenged. During the first appeal hearing last week, the judge temporarily suspended the ruling and ultimately overturned the Pit Bull breed ban. While this is fantastic news, breed-specific legislation (BSL) is still happening around the world. It’s our job to stop BSL laws from discriminating against dogs.

Breed-Specific Legislation Still Exists

As of 2016, a large chunk of breed-specific legislation has been overturned. The main reason BSL legislation is being overturned is because of new dog bite incident data and organizations challenging these laws. However, as we saw with Montreal a couple of weeks ago, breed-specific legislation can still rear its ugly head in towns and cities everywhere.

For the most up-to-date information, check out this US map showing current and overturned breed-specific legislation. Zoom in as certain cities have breed-specific laws and others do not.

How to Stop BSL Today

When we band together, anything is possible. Silence is the enemy. Dog lovers must stick together and voice their opinions for voiceless dogs everywhere. We’ve just witnessed what voicing our opinions can do in Montreal!

Attend City Councils

If breed-specific laws are proposed in your area, attend city council meetings and voice your opinion. Unfortunately, many pet owners are unaware of proposed laws or regulations until they’re passed. Proposing and passing laws, regulations and ordinances vary by state and county, so contact your local city council for meeting dates to stay informed. You can also find city council meeting dates online.

Read the Anti-BSL Community Kit

Now, it can be intimidating to speak in front of city council members, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll need to prepare first, so I recommend reading this anti-BSL community kit. This kit provides valuable information and tips on presenting to your city council. If you feel overwhelmed, you can certainly reach out to your local SPCA or national anti-BSL organization.

Join Anti-BSL Organizations

If breed-specific legislation doesn’t exist or has been overturned in your area, you’re lucky! However, breed-specific laws continue to pop up everywhere, so your assistance is certainly needed. Join national and state anti-BSL organizations. They rely on volunteers and can certainly use your help.

Educate Others

When breed stereotypes worm their way into your conversation with someone, politely explain that all dogs can bite. Most pet owners know breed-specific legislation is wrong, but many non-pet owners believe certain dog breeds are dangerous.

It’s so important that our dogs have a voice, so speak up for them and point those who are misinformed to real dog bite data. Also, send them the position statement by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and President Obama’s statement against BSL. Explain that certain dog breeds are banned solely because of their appearance. Yet, data proves breed-specific legislation won’t decrease dog bite occurrences. The more we know, the better we’ll do.

Please speak for our voiceless dogs. They need you! Montreal was a victory, so let’s continue to give our dogs a voice!

Why Montreal’s City-Wide Pit Bull Ban Isn’t The Answer

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Pit Bull Bans: Why Montreal is Wrong

Pit Bull Bans
GregCourville/iStock

The City of Montreal passed a Pit Bull ban on Tuesday, September 27. New ownership of Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes are now banned from the city as of Monday, October 3. Previous pet owners of Pit Bulls or Pit Bull-type breeds are obligated to follow strict new laws.

Those laws require Pit Bull owners to:

  • Pay $150 for special permitting
  • Complete a criminal background check
  • Sterilize, microchip and vaccinate their dogs
  • Keep their dogs muzzled and leashed in public

If you’re not outraged yet, it gets worse. Montreal has mandated all Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes currently in rescue or animal control to be euthanized.

Yes, you read that right. Montreal just wrote a death sentence for innocent dogs, and this death sentence is based on complete ignorance. This new and absurd Pit Bull ban goes into effect today, and I’m livid about it.

I’m angry, and you should be too.

History of Breed-Specific Legislation

Over the last decade, American Pit Bull Terriers have been the target of completely biased discrimination. It started across the pond in Europe where the country began banning certain breeds to reduce dog bite incidents. The idea of banning what they considered were dangerous dog breeds trickled worldwide.

Not only were thousands of innocent dogs killed due to breed-specific legislation, but many families were also forced into expensive legal battles to keep their dogs. Unfortunately, many pet owners lost the legal fight and their furry family members had to pay the ultimate price.

When dog breed banning was introduced to the US, it had a domino effect. Banning certain breeds of dogs spread through cities and states like wildfire. Interestingly, breed banning picked up momentum when mainstream media discovered a huge bump in ratings while covering Pit Bull maulings. The media used this to their advantage and began reporting on Pit Bull incidents.

Within weeks, US media broadcasted anything related to Pit Bulls, continuing to paint Pit Bulls as dangerous dogs. When Pit Bull bites decreased, media then shifted their focus to mixed breed dogs that resembled Pit Bulls. Eventually, the media would cover other dog breeds and make them look vicious too.

RELATED: Training Pit Bulls

What is Considered a Dangerous Dog

Don’t get me wrong, there are certainly dangerous dogs in the world, but that’s based on behavior and not appearance. As a professional dog trainer, I’ve met scary dogs of all sizes and shapes. I knew these dogs could certainly do some damage if provoked. Sure, large dog bites will hurt more than bites from smaller dogs, but does that constitute banning all large dog breeds? American Pit Bull Terriers are actually smaller than Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, yet they’re the most popular dog breeds.

Pit Bulls Don’t Have More Powerful Bites

Pit Bull dogs don’t have a higher pressure per square inch (PSI) bite compared to other dogs nor do they have a “locking jaw.” Both of these ridiculous allegations are Pit Bull myths. Dr. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states: “The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of Pit Bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog.” (American Pit Bull Foundation, n.d.)

Pit Bulls Aren’t the Only Breed That Gets Banned

When breed-specific legislation became common practice, cities and countries quickly added additional breeds to their dog ban list. Within days, dog breed banning lists included Rottweilers, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Dalmatians, Shari Peis, Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Dobermans, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, any type of Mastiff dogs and Chow Chows. Toso Inus, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasilerios were also added to breed bans worldwide despite being rare dog breeds. Are cities, states and countries jumping on the breed banning bandwagon? It sure seems so!

RELATED: Do Different Dog Breeds Learn Differently?

Mixed breeds are targets too. If a dog is mixed with any of the above-mentioned breeds, they’re subjected to dog ban laws as well. I’m not sure how those laws work because identifying Pit Bull mixes isn’t that easy. I’ve trained dogs for more than 23 years, and I can’t identify Pit Bull mixes. Plus, who am I to judge a dog’s fate by his appearance? Montreal passed a Pit Bull breed ban after a “Pit Bull” had killed a woman. The part that confuses me is the dog wasn’t even a Pit Bull. DNA results proved otherwise!

Why Breed Banning Doesn’t Work!

Laws are meant to keep everyone safe, including dogs. When breed-specific legislation spread across the world, something interesting happened. Studies found that banning certain breeds of dogs doesn’t work. Banning dog breeds doesn’t stop or decrease dog bites. Data shows dog bites continue to rise in areas where certain breeds of dogs are banned.

When city officials picked up on this data, many overturned Pit Bull bans. Entire countries even lifted their breed bans. Armed with this data, I don’t understand how the City of Montreal legally passed its new Pit Bull ban law when data clearly shows banning dog breeds doesn’t work.

Moreover, a task force found that the public’s safety hadn’t improved as a result of a Pit Bull ban. The county had spent more than $250,000 per year to round up and destroy banned dogs, yet safety levels remained the same (American Bar Association, 2009).

When researching credible dog bite data online, question the motive of certain organizations that cherry-pick data. Choose reputable sources with actual experts, such as the American Bar Association, CDC, ASPCA, HSUS and American Veterinary Medical Association.

What You Can Do to Save Innocent Dogs

“Doing nothing basically means you agree with the current situation.” This quote haunts me every time I stumble across an injustice. We need to do something and we need to do it now. When we work together, we can move mountains!

We can still overturn this Pit Bull law. Canadian veterinarians, Montreal SPCA, American Bar Association, outraged pet owners and ordinary people are voicing their opinions about this new law. Contact city officials or sign a petition here. If you’re a writer or blogger, please share your thoughts on Montreal’s horrible decision.

Dogs don’t have a voice, but we do. Please speak for all dogs today.

Do Different Dog Breeds Learn Differently?

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No, Different Dog Breeds Learn the Same

Different Dog Breeds
kozorog/iStock

“Do different dog breeds learn differently?” is the most asked question and it’s usually asked by purebred dog pet owners. As a professional dog trainer, I’m always happy to answer this question. If you’re curious if certain dog breeds learn differently, read below for a professional dog trainer’s take on different-breed dog training.

The Answer

Okay, here it goes! Each dog, regardless of breed, is an individual; and all dogs learn by following the same principles applied to human learning.

Yup, we use the same learning principles to teach:

  • Rhinos to hold their feet up for nail grinds
  • Silverback Gorillas to open their mouths for flossing
  • Fish how to perform tricks
  • Butterflies how to put on a show
  • Children to tie their shoes

I’ve trained hundreds of dogs, and each dog was able to learn the same behaviors given the same learning principles. While a dog’s specific breed can determine his ultimate dog training reward or reveal some aspects of his personality, it has nothing to do with his ability to learn new behavior.

But What About Bouviers Being Lazy or Pit Bulls Being Aggressive?

I cringe when someone mentions that Bouviers are lazy, Basset Hounds are slow, Terriers are untrainable, Rottweilers need a firm training hand or Poodles are the smartest breed. I also find it unsettling when I hear people say all Beagles howl, Irish Setters are ditzy, Chihuahuas are ankle biters, all Pit Bull Terriers are aggressive or other certain breeds requiring special training skills. These statements are simply not true, and I’m sure pet owners living with these different dog breeds would disagree too.

Let’s think about the question on whether or not different dog breeds learn differently another way. If certain breeds of dogs learn differently, how would we train mixed breed dogs? About 20-plus years ago, dog trainers were successfully teaching thousands of mixed breed dogs new behaviors—and that was before dog breed DNA testing. The only thing DNA testing for specific breeds has taught dog trainers is we were incorrectly assuming a mixed dog’s breed of origin. 🙂

Easiest Way to Train Any Dog Breed

Positive reinforcement is key and it works quickly! You’ve probably heard of positive reinforcement before and wonder what it had meant. Positive reinforcement is one of the four quadrants of operant conditioning, and it increases the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated.

Positive reinforcement means rewarding with a good thing whenever someone does a behavior you like. It’s important for professional dog trainers to have a thorough understanding of each quadrant and how it applies to dog training, as this is the foundation for all learning. If your dog trainer doesn’t know that, it’s time to find a better dog trainer.

Picking a Good Thing to Motivate Your Dog

Just because dogs are a certain breed, don’t assume certain breeds all like the same things. As pet owners, it’s our job to find each dog’s favorite “good thing” or ultimate reward and use it to teach polite behaviors.

Ignore your dog’s breed type and discover what your dog truly loves. As an example of how dog breed type can become quickly confusing, some Terriers may love bits of hot dogs instead of fetch, some Basset Hounds may find a fast game of tug more rewarding than treats and some Chihuahuas may find a game of fetch more rewarding than hugs and treats. Remember, learning depends on each individual dog’s personality and not his breed.

While your dog looks like a specific breed, he learns just like every other living being!

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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