San Diego (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 3, 2008 — On your bark, get set, go! The PETCO Unleashed Chihuahua races are back in search for America’s fastest of the tiniest breed of dog. Thousands of pint-sized competitors with larger-than-life personalities will show their might during 15 regional championships held nationwide on three consecutive weekends starting April 19.

Accompanied by their human family members, featherweight competitors will sprint – or stroll – down a 1/18th furlong (35-foot-long) race track. Regional winners will be awarded a trip to San Diego to battle it out against 14 other regional champions in front of cheering crowds between innings of a major league baseball game at PETCO Park, home to the San Diego Padres, on Aug. 31.

Only one will triumph to win the coveted title of America’s Fastest Chihuahua, a trophy, a $300 PETCO gift card and a year’s supply of Royal Canin Chihuahua food – approximately 12 times the average Chihuahua’s weight.

Regional races will be held on April 19 in Orlando, Houston, Phoenix, Sacramento and Anaheim, Calif.; on April 26 in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Seattle; and on May 3 in San Francisco, Boston, Denver, San Diego and New York.

Participants can now secure a spot at the 4th annual PETCO Unleashed races by pre-registering at www.petco.com/petcounleashed. Up to 300 spots are available at each location through online registration; a limited number of spots will be also available on the race day.

Pet parents attending the event will receive special PETCO Unleashed T-shirts and matching Chihuahua outfits – in sizes X and XS – which will be given at each location to the first 200 PETCO P.A.L.S. members who spend $25 or more at the PETCO store hosting the race.

Chihuahuas are the 12th most popular purebred dog breed in the country, according to the American Kennel Club. They are also considered the smallest and lightest dogs in the world.

PETCO and the races’ presenting sponsor Royal Canin hold the event to celebrate the joy all companion animals bring to their pet parents and to encourage all animal lovers to consider adoption as the first option when adding a pet to their family.

As in the past years, PETCO and the PETCO Foundation will work with Chihuahua adoption groups during the event.

“Chihuahuas may be the world’s smallest dogs, but they make a huge difference in the lives of their human families,” said Heather Olson, strategic partnerships and promotions manager at PETCO. “During the PETCO Unleashed races we celebrate the human-animal bond and remind people that there are millions of adoptable pets – including Chihuahuas – waiting for loving homes.”
About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 900 stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.PETCO.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $41 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the foundation, we work with and support more than 5,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

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Fragile And Delicate

The long haired Chihuahua is a breed that is certainly small in size though it has a temperament that is vivacious and at the same time, it does not require much to care for this type of breed. Nevertheless, the long haired Chihuahua is quite a fragile as well as delicate animal that you will need to constantly supervise, and so before you pick it for your home, be sure to consider this very important aspect to taking care of it.

Nobody is really sure about the origins of this breed, though if it is purebred, it will surely make a great champion dog that is also well known for its abilities to track and also for being very agile. According to popular beliefs, the long haired Chihuahua is supposed to have first become noticed in Mexico in the state of Chihuahua and that is how it got its name. However, the long haired Chihuahua is also very communicative and thus is ideally suited as a pet that is sure to easily win over the hearts of their owners.

Even though the long haired Chihuahua is a very small sized animal, it does not act or behave like a small animal and in fact shows that it has the heart and guts of larger and much more muscled dogs and is willing to stand its ground even when confronted with other animals that are much larger than him. They also show a lot of protective instinct around their owners and are not likely to welcome strange dogs.

One thing that the long haired Chihuahua does not like very much and that is being teased by small children, who will make him become scrappy. Long haired Chihuahuas are, nevertheless, great pet dogs and it would be an act of kindness to bring them into your home, especially those that have been left in rescues.

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Bending The Truth

There are many terms used to classify Chihuahuas.  Some of these names are: Teacup Chihuahuas, Standard Chihuahuas, Miniature Chihuahuas, Toy Chihuahuas, and Pocket Chihuahuas.  All of these terms are used to describe the different sizes and weights of Chihuahua dogs.  However, all of these names are also completely made up by the breeder!

Why would a breeder make up a name like Teacup Chihuahuas?  Sometimes, a cute, gimmicky name such as this one can draw more prospective buyers to a dog.  However, it is important not to get caught up in the frenzy surrounding these small dogs.  The truth is, Chihuahuas are not classified by their size at all.  Whether they are four pounds, six pounds, two pounds, or twelve pounds, they are always simply known as a Chihuahua.

Coming To A Consensus On Classification

So how are Chihuahuas classified if not by size?  In fact, Chihuahuas are classified by the length of their coat.  There are two distinct classifications: Smooth coat and Long coat.  The Smooth coat Chihuahua has a textured coat that is glossy, soft, and very close cut to the body.  However, little fur can be found on the head and ears.  On the other hand, the Long coat Chihuahua has a longer coat that is soft.  It can be curly or flat, and it also has an undercoat.  Both types of Chihuahuas come in a variety of colors, and both tend to shed frequently.

The Right Reasons

If you were planning on purchasing a Teacup Chihuahua because you liked the name, or because you were told that there was a prestige associated with owning the smallest version of this dog, then you should reconsider.  The fact is, all Chihuahuas are just that—Chihuahuas.  Your decision of whether or not to own one should be based not on the name or size, but on the pros and cons associated with Chihuahua ownership.

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Because so many have seen pictures of celebrities with the Chihuahua, it became the popular choice for many who then decided they couldn’t take care of their dog, and Chihuahua rescue organizations have had to step in to assist with caring for these dogs.

The Chihuahua has been a recognized member of the American Kennel Club since 1905.  The dog was originally bred in Chihuahua Mexico, from which it gets its name.  The tiny dog gets to be about 2-6 pounds and is only around 6-9 inches tall.  The coat can be either long or short and the color combinations can vary greatly.

As a family pet they can be somewhat jealous.  They sometimes focus all of their attention on one person and don’t like to share that person with anyone else.  They are often not a good pet for small children as they are a tiny dog and children can play extremely rough and hurt them.  They do best with adults but they also like to be with other Chihuahua’s but can sometimes not enjoying other pets in the family.

It is important whenever getting a dog to know what type of temperament they may have due to their breed,  As with any breed, Chihuahua’s may not be the best choice for everyone, because of this  Chihuahua rescue centers have formed to help take in these pets and find them new homes.

What Are Chihuahua Rescue Centers And How To Find Them

After learning about Chihuahuas, it seems as though this would be the right breed for you, you might consider visiting a Chihuahua rescue center.  These can be found by asking at local animal shelters or even checking on-line.

A Chihuahua rescue center will generally want to know a lot about you.  Their primary intent is to make sure a special dog doesn’t end up back at a shelter because they have been mismatched with a person.

A Chihuahua rescue center will allow you to visit with their dogs and maybe even have the dog come and stay with you to see how they get along with other pets.  A Chihuahua rescue center will want to make sure that you are committed to the dog and helping it.  Some dogs that are found at Chihuauhua rescue centers have been abused or neglected and need not only love but also serious attention.

If you’re considering getting a dog, check into Chihuahua rescue centers to find a special new friend to join your family.

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Positive Pros—Why You Should Adopt

Chihuahuas are the smallest of all the dog breeds.  They usually don’t grow to be taller than 10 inches, and they can weigh as little as four pounds.  Many people see this as being a pro, because it means that the Chihuahua puppies are easy to transport and carry around.  This makes family vacations extremely easy.  The dog’s small size can also be seen as a positive aspect because it means that relatives and young children are less likely to be intimidated by your new pet.

Chihuahua puppies are also popular pets because they are extremely comical and entertaining to watch.  They have funny personalities and tend to take themselves very seriously.  This provides a lot of entertainment for any family.  Additionally, Chihuahua puppies and dogs are known for being great watch dogs.  Their temperament and natural protectiveness are other pros to owning a Chihuahua puppy.

Chihuahuas have a long life span.  Therefore, if you adopt a Chihuahua when it is a puppy, it will be with your family for a long time.  Chihuahuas are also fairly low maintenance in that they do not require very much exercise.  This means that the owner is not required to take the dog for a daily walk, and a fenced-in backyard is most likely not necessary.

Counting The Cons

Though there are many positives to owning a Chihuahua puppy, there are also some cons that should be considered before you proceed to adopt a Chihuahua.  Though their small size can be a plus, it can also make the dogs extremely fragile, and likely to encounter more medical problems.  Most experts do not recommend adopting a Chihuahua under four pounds.  Additionally, Chihuahuas can be high maintenance in that they are difficult to train and housebreak.  Though they are known for being comical, Chihuahua puppies also have a reputation for being suspicious and neurotic.

Careful Considerations

Take into account the pros and cons of adopting a Chihuahua puppy before taking the plunge.  It may be that you decide a Chihuahua is not the right dog for you—and that is fine.  However, it is better that you make this decision before you adopt the puppy as opposed to after the deed has been done.

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When shopping around for a Chihuahua puppy, there are certain things to consider, just like with any other breed. The first thing you need to do is get familiar with the breed. Do your homework and know exactly what you are getting into before you buy. Once you feel comfortable with the possibility of owning a Chihuahua, you can then begin your search. Here are some tips for choosing a Chihuahua puppy.

Where To Find One

Obviously, the first thing you are going to have to decide is where to buy your puppy. Many people turn to the ease and convenience of pet stores. If you’re serious about getting a healthy and well-mannered dog, you should forget that idea right away. Even though the puppies available are cute and seem healthy enough, many times they are purchased from breeders who care nothing for the health and quality of the dog. They are in it for no other reason than to make a profit. You should buy you Chihuahua directly from a responsible and trusted breeder.

There are certain things that a good breeder will do to separate themselves from the pack. First of all, they will not breed unhealthy dogs with one another. They will also be able to show you health records to prove it. A good breeder will also be able to trace the family line of each parent for several generations. They will also let you spend time with the parents of the litter to give you an idea of the quality and mannerisms of the puppies. Most importantly, they will also be happy to provide you with references of previous customers. Take some time to contact these people and find out about their experiences with each particular breeder.

Choosing A Puppy

Once you’ve found a breeder that you are comfortable with, it’s time to choose your Chihuahua puppy. Each different breed has certain things you should be looking for and certain things you should avoid. It’s a little more involved than just picking up the first puppy you see and running out of there. Each individual dog has a different personality, and some will match yours better than others. Take into consideration what kind of personality you have. This will determine which Chihuahua personality will be easiest for you to train. If you’re kind of laid back, then you probably shouldn’t choose a puppy with an assertive personality. In most cases, you should try to choose a puppy that is somewhere in between assertive and submissive. This type of dog will suit most personalities. A good breeder will be able to help you determine which puppy best fits your personality.

The health of the dog is the next thing to consider. If you’ve chosen a good breeder, this should not be an issue. Any breeder that cares about the well-being of the dogs, as well as their reputation, would not willingly sell you an unhealthy puppy. There are, however, certain things to look for. The best indicator of a healthy Chihuahua puppy is whether or not the dog is clean. Obviously, a healthy dog will not be coughing, sneezing, or vomiting. Other things to look for include, clear eyes, moist nose, white teeth and pink gums, and clean ears. The dog should not appear to be overweight either.

If you follow these tips, you should have no trouble finding a Chihuahua puppy that is healthy and well-mannered.

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The Chihuahua weighs in as a lightweight at one to six pounds and stands only about five inches high. These little dogs come in a wide range of colors, although tan or black and tan dogs are most common. They have prick ears, an alert expression, and big, slightly poppy eyes. This breed has both short haired and long haired varieties.

The American Kennel Club considers Chihuahuas to be part of the Toy Group. These dogs were bred to be companion dogs and they excel at this task. This breed hates to be alone and thrives when it is in the thick of things.

Chihuahuas are ideal apartment dogs, since they do not take up much room and do not need a ton of exercise. Some people even train these little guys to use a litter box. This doesn’t mean that a Chihuahua won’t enjoy living in a house with a yard, though. This breed enjoys exercising and playing outdoors on warm days.

The Chihuahua can sometimes be nippy with small children, especially if it is accidentally injured and has reason to fear being handled by them. This breed also tends to be bossy and easily spoiled, especially if the dog’s owners allow it to get away with aggressive or angry behaviors. If you have other dogs, you will need to be sure that your Chihuahua does not bully them. These dogs will pick a fight with much larger dogs, since they sincerely believe that they have the size and strength of a Rottweiler. In fact, the Chihuahua is a wonderful guard dog and will also take on human intruders.

Because they have a tendency to be self centered and badly behaved, Chihuahuas should receive puppy obedience training. After all, even a tiny tyrant can be unpleasant to be around. Puppy classes will help your dog to learn basic obedience, but they also have another important purpose, socializing your puppy. He will learn at an early age to get along with people and other dogs. Despite their size, these dogs are quite intelligent and do well with obedience training. Some of them even go on to take agility classes.

Chihuahuas eat very little, but feeding costs can still be a bit high, since these dogs are often picky eaters. Also, this breed is so delicate that some dogs have trouble eating hard, dry food. Chihuahuas are prone to dislocated jaws, fractures, epilepsy and rheumatism.

Short haired Chihuahuas require very little care. Long haired Chihuahuas need a bit more grooming, but still do not need to be brushed more than once a week. With their tiny jaws, it is no surprise that some of these dogs have dental problems, so you may also want to brush your dog’s teeth daily. 

If you want a dog who is small enough to tuck into your pocket, but has the heart of a much bigger dog, then a Chihuahua may be the right dog for you. 

Photo by Lola Howle

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Begin With Research

The first step in providing correct Chihuahua puppy care for your new dog is to research the breed. There are many things about Chihuahuas that you might not know, and it is important that you realize that Chihuahua puppy care is not the same as regular puppy care. Indeed, all breeds have their own things that need to be done to provide correct care. One of the different aspects of Chihuahua puppy care that isn’t the same with other dogs is the small size of the Chihuahua and the fact that they are much more prone to getting cold than other dogs. You should always be aware that a Chihuahua puppy needs to be in a very warm environment, and if the room isn’t that warm, you will need to provide extra warmth.

Another thing that goes along with the idea of temperature when you are thinking about Chihuahua puppy care is that Chihuahua puppies are more prone to being dehydrated, because they spend a lot of their time in warm environments. Many people over look this and don’t provide extra water, but you should remember to provide more water than you think the dog needs.

There is another thing about Chihuahua puppy care that you should realize before you get the dog for yourself. Most people consider Chihuahua’s to be fun toy dogs, the kind that you can carry along with you at all times. While this might be true, the fact of the matter is that the Chihuahuas are not toys, but they are real dogs. They have needs, such as their own space and their own time. You can’t expect to always be holding your puppy, because a dog will need to get down and romp and play. If you don’t give your Chihuahua enough of his own time, he might get mean.

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