Pet lovers who have only a little space to accommodate their pet usually choose Chihuahuas because of their small stature. Chihuahuas make wonderful and attractive pets and have distinguishing features that make them unique compared to other dog breeds. However, because they are so small, one does need to take special care when raising a Chihuahua.

One thing about Chihuahuas is that they are very protective and don't seem to realize that they are so tiny. They have no qualms taking on the biggest dog on the block, and because of this you really need to keep a close watch on him. So one thing you must be careful of is to never let your Chihuahua outside by himself.

When adopting a Chihuahua puppy, you must make sure to feed him the highest quality food on the market. From birth until three months of age, puppies should be given small meals four times a day; between the ages of three to six months, feedings can be decreased to three times a day and from six months to one year meals should decline to only two times a day.

One feeding per day is appropriate after your Chihuahua is a year old. Most Chi's prefer to eat several small meals rather than one large one. Hard food may be the best choice for your Chi as some dogs of this breed have a difficult time digesting canned food and can develop diarrhea as a result.

Chihuahua are not only lovable but they are also easy to take care of. In fact, they are quite easy to bathe without any great resistance from them. It is recommended that anyone raising a Chihuahua bathe them once in a month. Over bathing could remove the natural oils from their furs and would also cause dandruff.

Be sure that you keep any water from getting into the ears of your Chihuahua when you bathe him, as wet ears can cause bad ear infections. Pay close attention to your Chi, and if you notice him scratching his ears a lot or redness in his ears, get him to the vet as quickly as possible.

Dog obedience for your Chihuahua is not only good for potty training and teaching "dog manners" but it is essential for safety. If your dog is trained to obey your voice commands, you will, in essence, be communicating with your dog. Start with potty training, then move on to sit, stay, come, and be quiet.

Keeping your Chi's nails trimmed is an integral part of the proper care of your pet and should be done on a monthly basis. It will be easier on both you and your dog if you start trimming his nails early on when he is still a puppy so that he grows accustomed to it. Cat claw trimmers, which are shaped like scissors but have a round indent to accommodate the animal's claw, would be a good choice for grooming your Chi.

Weak knees are very common for Chihuahuas, especially as they age. Be sure to watch your chi carefully, and if you notice any difficulty walking, get him checked out by a vet.

Proper Veterinary attention is an essential part of raising a Chihuahua. Be sure to take your pet in for the necessary shots and worming when he is a puppy and follow up with checkups, booster shots, and teeth and ear cleaning as your Vet recommends.

Giving the proper care to your Chihuahua will not only keep him healthy and happy and add to his longevity, but it will also get you an abundance of love and affection in return from these naturally gentle, loyal and sweet-tempered animals.