Chihuahuas For Dummies [Paperback]

Jacqueline O'Neil (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 6, 2000

With their apple heads, big round eyes, large pointy ears, saucy expressions, and feisty dispositions, Chihuahuas are one of the most beloved breeds of toy dogs in the world. But these frisky little dogs aren’t for everyone. Consummate lap dogs, they thrive on attention and constant contact with their owners, and are miserable when left alone. As pups they’re extremely fragile, although they do outlive bigger breeds by many years. Housebreaking can be a problem with Chihuahuas, but on the other hand, they’re very smart, love performing tricks and they never forget what they learn. Some have a tendency to shyness, but a well-socialized Chihuahua can be every bit as bold as a pit bull.

Is this plucky little pooch the right dog for you and your family? Chihuahuas For Dummies provides the answer to this and all your questions about getting, caring for and living with this loveable breed. Award-winning breeder, trainer, author and long-time Chihuahua lover, Jacqueline O’Neil Beauchamp gets you up and running with what you need to know to:

• Find and communicate with reputable breeders
• Choose the right Chihuahua for you
• Housebreak and socialize your new puppy
• Educate yourself and your dog
• Handle behavioral problems
• Participate in competitions

In friendly, down-to-earth language, Jacqueline provides insights into the Chihuahua temperament and loads of sensible, easy-to-follow advice, along with fun facts and Chihuahua trivia. Discover how to:

• Decide on whether a male or female is right for you
• Find and choose your new friend and bring him or her home
• Understand how to communicate with your Chihuahua
• Train your little peanut
• Find a good trainer and attend classes
• Deal with emotional conflicts
• Feed and exercise your little amigo
• Recognize, prevent and treat common health problems
• Have loyal friend for life

The indispensable guide for you and your Chihuahua, Chihuahuas For Dummies is the only book you’ll need to help you have the best possible experience with this saucy and affectionate breed of dog.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"a guide to help you know what to expect from these loveable creatures" (I Want It Now, June 2006)

From the Back Cover

Find out about your Chihuahua's special needs

Get the lowdown on keeping your Chihuahua healthy and content Easily recognized by its diminutive stature and saucy expression, the Chihuahua is an affectionate, long-lived family pet. This fun and friendly book provides insights into this popular dog's temperament, sensible advice on taking care of and training your Chihuahua, tips on participating in a variety of dog competitions, and much more.

Discover how to:

• Choose the right Chihuahua for you
• Socialize your new puppy
• Educate yourself and your dog
• Maintain good health through proper exercise and diet
• Handle behavioral problems

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com

Attention pet owners!

• Get free Dummies Daily e-mail newsletters
• Sign up for tips on dogs, cats, or birds
• Keep your pet healthy and content — the Dummies Way

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (December 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552848
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552847
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #499,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best information on Chihuahuas to date., December 30, 2000

By 

Becky (TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chihuahuas For Dummies (Paperback)

I have bought practically every Chihuahua book on the market and found this one to be the absolute best. The author seems to genuinely love this breed and it shows throughout her book. It was such an enjoyable read without becoming generic in certain chapters as I have seen so many times before with other authors. Mrs. O'Neil gave each hypothetical chihuahua a name which enhanced her comfortable writing style. I have found more information in this one book than all the others combined. All in all, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Chihuahuas.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Chihuahua Guide, May 10, 2005

By 

Rebecca Simmons "ChiGirl" (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chihuahuas For Dummies (Paperback)

I purchased and read Chihuahua's for Dummies just before purchasing my Chihuahua puppy. This book has been a great help with everything from understanding the Chihuahua mind to breed-specific training and housebreaking tips. I highly recommend this book to any first-time Chihuahua owner because it helps to answer the myriad of questions that you will have once you bring your puppy home.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners, old hat for experienced dog owners., July 1, 2005

By 

UberAlice (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chihuahuas For Dummies (Paperback)

I purchased this book shortly after adopting my first Chihuahua from a rescue organization. I had owned several and worked with hundreds of dogs previously (I'm a veterinary student) and found this book to be an excellent jumping-off point for those who have little dog ownership experience. However, the material on potty-training, safety, vet care and many other subjects were just standard non-breed specific information. I found myself flipping through the book idly and found very little information that was new to me.
If you have never owned a dog, or have little experience with dog ownership and are considering a Chihuahua, definitely buy or borrow this book. But if you have a decade of being a doggy mom (or dad) under your belt, pass this book up for good old research with other Chi owners and breeders. It has enough redundant information to make spending the $16 seem silly.