Customer Reviews

Your Chihuahua's Life: Your Complete Guide to Raising Your Pet from Puppy to Companion

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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I previously bought Chihuahuas-A Complete Owner's Manual by Barron's
and found it very helpful and specific. But now that I read Your
Chihuahua's Life I feel the Owner's Manual kind of sparse. I love
both books. The Owner's Manual has more pictures and a glossier
appearance, but the Complete Guide by Kim Thornton is definitely the
most comprehensive book on Chihuahuas I have seen so far. Being a
first time Chihuahua owner, I was astounded how accurately she
described and predicted the little quirks and behavior oddities of
these little guys. Unlike most breed books this book is clearly a
breed specific book. I found many other books to explain the breed
standard and history and then be almost identical in every other
aspect (training, health care, etc). This book is different. Many
things of specific importance to Chis (and no other breed) are
included in each of the very comprehensive chapters like Training,
etc. A big plus in this book for prospective owners is that she
describes the personality so accurately and realisticly. Most other
breed books will just describe their featured breed in the best
light. After reading this book you will know, if a Chihuahua is the
right dog for you, what to watch out for, and how to properly take
care of these little guys. My suggestion is buy Barron's Pet Owner's
Manual for the pictures and an introduction to the breed...and get Thornton's book for an indepth study.

This book provides an adequate level of information about chihuahuas, but if you're really looking for a book that will answer ALL of your questions, buy _The Chihuahua Handbook_ by Dr. Caroline Coile instead. It's more well written than this book, and it provides greater detail in a wide variety of subjects, and includes more up-to-date information on subjects such as diet, breeding, training, etc.,. Kim Thornton's _Your Chihuahua's Life_ treats the chihuahua like it's just a smaller version of any other dog, and any chihuahua owner knows that's just not true. Do yourself a favor, and buy the other book.

I bought this book based on the other reviews and was very disappointed. The information is basic, general information, mostly non-specific to Chihuahuas. I found the writing to be condescending and not particularly informative beyond what you can find online and similar "all about dogs" books. I only glanced through Chihuahuas for Dummies at the bookstore and found it to be more informative and less irritating to read than this book.

If you need basic information on choosing a chihuahua as a pet, choosing a breeder, determining what to feed your pet, grooming basics, and the like - then you'll probably like this book. If however, you're a Google master like myself - and you've already done this research and much more before you even bought the book and are looking for more extensive information in print form - you are likely to be disappointed.

I highly recommend How Dogs Think by Stanley Coren. Although the information in that book isn't specific to Chihuahua's, the knowledge gained about dog behavior, training, and care is invaluable and useful for any breed.

I have purchased four of these books and given three away. I can't believe it went out of print. Very good articles about and four chihuahuas not just cut and paste from other dog books or meant for a general breed. Really a cutom written about and for Chihuahuas. I have collected many books but still use it as a reference. I have been involved with a national rescue group for over seven years.

Your Chihuahua's Life was very informative! As a matter of fact, it was everything I'd hoped it would be as far as information on the Chihuahua. I am not a Chi owner yet, but I want to know everything I need to before adopting one and this book fit the bill!

This book is AWESOME! It has everything you need to know about the chihuahua breed and is right on the money with everything it says. If you are a first time chihuahua owner or are thinking about one, you MUST read this wonderful book.