Chihuahuas For Dummies

by Jacqueline O'Neil

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 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 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.

Genres: Dogs, Animals, Nonfiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[E. Mettille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another of the books I received as a Christmas gift one year when I responded to anyone who asked what I wanted with, "How about a book you think I'd like, signed with an explanation why you think I'll like it." My oldest granddaughter got me this one. Her reasoning was, "I got you this book because it's all about chihuahuas, and you can learn more about Ziggy and Lady! I also thought the name was funny and thought of you right when I saw it. I hope you enjoy it!"

She was right on the money with this one. I did enjoy it, and I learned a bunch of stuff I wish I would have known before I got two chihuahuas...or, as I like to refer to them, 13 lbs. of terror. That's a combined weight, by the way. You wouldn't know that by hearing them. I'm fairly certain they believe they are at least 300 lbs. a piece. Anyway, on to the review.

Jacqueline O'Neil really does know her topic. I can't remember how many times I had to stop reading to recite something from the book to my wife, because it described one or both of my dogs so perfectly. On top of that, for everything I learned, I was equally entertained. The author's narrative voice was superb. The writing was knowledgeable, witty, and downright fun to read. Great book.

[Angel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chihuahuas for Dummies. I've never read a For Dummies book before, but when I learn something new I like to start from the beginning, and since my dogs have mostly Chihuahua DNA this seemed like a good place.

Apparently Chihuahuas are really smart and like learning tricks and games because they have been bred to be companion dogs since their early ancestors the Techichi. They are not into a super active lifestyle, love cuddling, come in short or long haired, and while grooming they need thorough massages and brushing to keep their fur healthy. They also have "little dog complex" because they think they are big.

I'm glad we have mixes because full Chihuahuas are way too tiny for this clumsy ass house.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The basics

I am grateful for the refresher on all the basics of dog ownership. I learned some lovely tips for my chihuahua that are more breed specific. I am especially happy to read that socializing them during puppyhood makes them wonderful family pets which goes against the social stigma that they aren’t. Awareness is key. Thank you for the informative read!

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had dogs before but never a chihuahua, so I thought I'd read up on this particular breed a bit. I feel like I haven't learned much. That most of the book is in fact "Dogs for dummies" and that the word dog has been replaced by chihuahua throughout the book. The only places are when show-dogs are concerned and that isn't interesting to me, our dog is meant to be a family dog, not a show-dog. There was a few specific information about chihuahuas but not much, not enough to justify buying this book. It would have been good for someone who never had a dog, not for someone who had dogs but not chihuahuas.

Some part of the book are very thorough, very well researched and easily understandable for the first time dog owner, but the book isn't what it advertises to be. I was looking for a book on chihuahuas, instead I got a book on dogs in general with once in a while specific information on toy breeds and even more rarely specific info on chis. It's not a bad book, it's well written, well researched and would be a valuable reference for first timers but I can't rate it more than two because it simply isn't what it's title suggests.

[ValerieC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book and had exactly the information I wanted to find.

My mother-in-law recently and suddenly passed away and my H and I are the only family members who want her 7 year old Chihuahua, Mia. My husband has met Mia several times on visits and says she is sweet and adorable, so we will give her a good home.

In preparation before we travel from Texas to N. Carolina to get our new pet, I downloaded this book and read most of it in a short time.

I appreciate the information about the differences in this breed and others that I have owned. Currently I have a border collie/shepherd mix (who mostly sleeps but is a sweetie, too). Keeping a toy dog will be very different than the larger dogs we have always owned before!

There is a lot of information in this book, but the author doesn't weigh you down with too many arcane facts that you don't need to be a basic pet owner. But, there is information on basic care and what type of personality these dogs have.

I am thinking my biggest task will be keeping the dog's weight down to 4 pounds... my other dog weighs 50 pounds. ;-)

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty interesting. But a lot of it dealt with the "before you get" the dog. By the time I read this I'd had the dog for 5 months so a lot of it didn't apply to me anymore. There were some game ideas that I might try with my little guy, but other then that nothing much useful for me. In fact a lot of the "temperament" that the author talks about and the "norm" for Chihuahua's doesn't fit my puppy AT ALL lol. He's like the opposite of everything (he loves going for long walks, etc etc)

For someone who doesn't already know anything about dogs, or have a dog but is thinking about getting one, or perhaps just got one, I think it would be very useful.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for all Chihuahua owners, especially new ones. Chihuahuas should never just be treated as a dog. They are a special breed, and require some special care and attention. This book gives fabulous insight into the care, handling, feeding, bathing, and the history of the breed. I sat in a bookstore and reviewed about 8 or 9 Chihuahua books before choosing this one - as it seemed to have the best level of detail, and a great overview of many topics. It's very thorough.

[Kitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

first, i'm kind of put off by the for dummies concept. second, this book is geared toward people who want to show chihuahuas, i feel. it has a lot of info about picking a good breeder, if you should fix your dog or not, stuff like that, and as far as training their advice is how to hire a good trainer. all in all, not the best one out there.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great Chihuahua-specific book I'd recommend for anyone adopting one of these cute little creatures. If you haven't adopted yet, but are interested, there is PLENTY of info on how to make an informed decision. There's also info on training, grooming, bringing in other dogs to the house, and how to care for geriatric Chihuahuas. A great "go to" manual to have on hand.

[Karen Harper Ren Ruggiero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book for a first-time dog owner. I read it before I got my Chihuahua and the author's interesting facts about this breed got me super excited to bring him home! I'm glad I read this before I got my dog because I would have been almost clueless otherwise.

[Margaret Hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not scintillating literature for sure but was useful when I got my bad dogs. They are not well behaved, but it is not because of this book. The book was useful.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We checked out five books on chihuahua dogs from the library and this was, by far, our favorite. Lots of good information to help us with our puppy.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in 2003 when I got my dog. It was helpful for being a first time dog owner. I think additional material on training and discipline is useful for an owner also.

[Mati · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stepped across this book and read it out of the pure boredom during my flight. I can not tell if it is accurate or not, but it was interesting to read.

[Gosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book, right after I got my chihuahua, Chico. It's a great little reference guide to learn more about your pet.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction for the Chihuahua. More information than the thin guides have; well-indexed so you can find what you want when you need it.

[Nico Harlakenden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think this was particularly useful as a breed-specific book: it reinforced too many stereotypes, a lot of them untrue.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book it is amazing and it tells me EVERY THING I need to know about chis

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars