Finding That Perfect Puppy
After you've observed the puppies together as a group, it is time to examine the pups individually. It's a rough job, but someone's got to do it. What you're looking for are any signs of disease or infection. You will want to make sure that the pup you fall in love with will be a healthy and happy companion for years to come.
What to Look For
When holding the puppy, examine her coat. Is it smooth? Full? Or are there signs of hair loss? Look at the pup's skin. It should be soft and supple without any cuts, gashes, sores, or signs of fleas (such as tiny dark spots of flea dirt), or tick bites. You'll also want to look for any signs of discharge from any of the puppy's orifices. You should not see any material there, clear or otherwise. How does the puppy look overall? The pup's eyes, ears, and legs should all look symmetrical. She should move without any signs of soreness or limping.
How old do Chihuahua puppies need to be before I can take one home?
That depends. Because toy breeds tend to take longer to wean and are therefore dependent on their mothers for a longer period of time, many breeders will keep their puppies until they are twelve weeks old. Exceptionally small puppies, those that aren't eating as much as they should (which may be susceptible to hypoglycemia), or any puppy that is just not thriving yet, should be kept longer by the breeder.
When the Puppy Picks You
When you've finished handling the puppies, take an objective look at them. Which puppy is the one who keeps coming back to you? Often, if given an opportunity, a puppy will actually pick the owner she wants. If you are so lucky as to have a pup select you, and that puppy is available for purchase, it is very likely that you've found a canine partner for the next decade or two. Matches in which the dog makes the selection are almost always truly made in canine heaven.
Be careful when examining Chihuahua puppies. They can break bones when dropped only a couple of feet. Also, many pups have a molera, or an area on their heads that is an open area of the skull. This requires very careful handling; your breeder can point out what this is and show you if any of the pups have it. It is not considered a fault of any kind; it's just something to be careful about.
Take Your Time
If you simply aren't impressed with any of the puppies you see or just aren't taken by any one in particular, don't worry. Wait. With a breed that is as long-lived as the Chihuahua, you don't want to settle for a puppy. Take the time to find a terrific breeder and a quality puppy that you can fall in love with — and then prepare for an incredible relationship.
