Meet the Chihuahua

The American Kennel Club's Meet the Chihuahua, an official publication of the American Kennel Club (AKC) prepared in collaboration with the Chihuahua Club of America, serves as the go-to resource for new and experienced owners of the world's tiniest dog. With his saucy personality, childlike intelligence, and perfect diminutive stature, the Chihuahua is the favorite of millions of dog lovers in America and around the world. Meet the Chihuahua begins with a discussion about who makes the right owner for such a tiny wonder as the Chihuahuas, and the parent-like responsibilities that accompany owning this long-lived canine tot. Equally important is the selection of the right breeder, a topic covered in a chapter on puppy selection that includes a list of questions to ask the breeder and the answers new owners are looking for. The book addresses the health of the Chi and alerts new owners to potential problems in the breed. The chapter on health discusses the importance of finding the right veterinarian for this breed as well as how to embark on a preventive-healthcare regimen with your vet. New owners will profit from the chapters dedicated to selecting the right merchandise for a new puppy and how to make the home and yard safe for the inquisitive Chi puppy. House-training and obedience training are presented in individual chapters, topics that all Chi owners need to consider seriously. The AKC's stance on positive training methods shines through as owners are enlightened to the power of praise and rewards. Additionally, Meet the Chihuahua offers info about grooming both coat varieties, exercise, dental health, and feeding.

The final chapter presents a fun-filled chapter on participating in dog sports—from participating in AKC performance events like dog shows, obedience and agility trials to becoming certified as a therapy dog and visiting nursing homes and retirement homes with your ready-to-love Chihuahua. The chapters also offer advice on how to pursue the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, both ideal for young dogs getting their start in organized dog events and therapy work. The Resources section of the book includes excellent recommendations for websites, periodicals, books, and programs that owners will find informative and helpful.