Wow Purrley.....congratulations!!! That is absolutely so wonderful that you're getting a chihuahua. Ok, some pointers. I can only go by the two chihuahuas we have (Tobi (4 years old), and my daughter's Buffy (9 months old) and what I have observed.

For starters: YOU'RE GOING TO FALL IN LOVE!!!!! Having said that, here are some serious observations:

Temperament: People say chihuahuas are yappy -- they're not. Their sense of alert is extremely strong and they WILL bark when anyone comes to the door or if you're out in the street with them and someone THEY don't know approaches YOU...they will bark until you tell them 'its ok', but if you look at it, 99% of dogs do that as well. They are lovable and VERY affectionate.

Housebreaking: Hard to do but not impossible. Buffy is potty trained on those blue mats they sell at Pets Smart. It did take her at least 3 weeks to catch on. Tobi has access to our backyard and just goes there automatically. It did take him at least 3 months to catch on, but only because he spent the first 7 months of his life in a pet store cage and got used to peeing and soiling his crate. He's over it.

Crate: Tobi luvs his crate. He sleeps in it with Lady since it's extra large. I always left the door open, so it's natural for him to just slip in there when he's sleepy or just wants to be alone. My daughter doesn't use a crate with Buffy. She's got a little nice soft bed or at times just sleeps with my daughter on her bed. The important thing about crating is not to use it as a punishment. I read so much before I got Tobi, I wanted to make sure I did things right. I put toys in his crate and would just always leave it open. It's in my Florida Room and Tobi enjoys it so much that when he sees I'm mopping the floor, he'll just go in there and take a nap until I'm done so he can come back out. The crate is like his "special little cave" for him to have quiet time. I put a blanket on top and sometimes cover the sides to make him more cozy. Lady and Tobi both love it.

Maintenance: It takes 15 minutes to groom them. 10 to give them a bath, and 5 to blow dry their beautiful hair. When you bathe a chi, you need to be careful not to put too much water over their face or they'll start "wheezing" like if they have asthma. I don't know why that happens but both of my chihuahua's do that when I've accidentally spray too much water on their face. The runny stains they get in their eyes can be easily cleaned with a cotton and just water. They don't have runny eyes, per se, but once in a while you'll see the little stains there. In the summer, I shave Tobi, it's so much more comfortable. I shave everything except the ears and his beautiful white tail. It takes me approx. 10-20 minutes to completely shave him.

Socialization: Chihuahuas are VERY friendly, but over-confident. I exposed Tobi and Buffy to as many children as I possibly could when they were little. All the neighborhood children have taken turn borrowing them for a walk. People say chihuahuas do not like children -- that's a lie and both of mine prove that. You just have to socialize them.

Food: I give mine dry dog food, plus people food at times. Everyone has said I shouldn't give them people food, but the dry dog food all the time tends to constipate them, so every once in a while I give them a piece of boiled chicken or steak, plus they also love spaghetti P.S.: I spoil mine a lot!

Safety: VERY IMPORTANT! Large and medium size dogs luv to attack little dogs like chihuahuas. I know of two little chi's that were killed by larger dogs. When walking your chi, be extra aware of your surroundings and always have them on a leash. I know Tobi walks next to me at the park, but I would never take his leash off. I never know when I'll have to scoop him up in an emergency due to a larger dog spotting him and coming to play or attack. This is so important to keep in mind. Buffy is ALWAYS picked up, since she is extra-tiny. My daughter never wants to take a chance on something happening to her and always picks her up when they go out. If a large dog approaches your chihuahua, be aware that the chihuahua will act tough. It is hysterical but true. If Buffy sees an 110 pound dog (mind you -- she's 3 pounds) she will want to play or growl at them like if she were their size. Chi's are not intimated by larger dogs.

I hope this helps. I'm sooooooooooooo happy for you!! Are you getting a long-hair chihuahua or the regular Taco bell chihuahua? -- those are a lot bigger. Male or female? are the puppies born? We will need you, of course, to post lots of pictures!! I can't wait to see them.

[ November 30, 2001: Message edited by: Barbiro ]