Angela_96

My husband is working a lot of nightshifts and its really hard to feel safe when we live out in the country, and our neighbor hood is having some serious breakins.

Its been 2 years since I have had a small indoor dog, and I really miss that comfort of having one, and having a lap dog in general. Not to mention my boys are doggie freaks...Also I want something that will just bark when someone comes to the door, they don't have to attack, just bark to make me aware, I have a little something of my own to protect the family.

I found 3 diff listings on craigslist for chihuahuas and the one that caught my eye was a female that was 7 weeks old, they need to rehome her because of having to many doggies already.

What do you all think, a chihuahua for the family, (ie 3 year old 6 year old)?? I know a couple of you have smaller breeds.

I have kept a jack russell, mini pin (my mother bred them), and I had an italian greyhound that was a "rescue" she was like 11 years old when I got her, she was my all time favorite dog, so little and sweet.

Blub

Aww! I love Border collies personally - they are so intelligent and clever. My collie Bramble is really cute... He's 14 in a month but he still acts like he's 3! If you need something that barks I think a collie is the only dog you will ever need!

I'm not a fan of small dogs myself - they are all yappy and I was actually bitten by one once. It didn't hurt much but now the only small dogs I like are chihuahuas, Wippets and Sausage dogs!

Lol, if you need something to guard the house just get 2 55gals: Archerfish in one (For firing wet projectiles) and Pirahnas crossed with Hatchetfish (Jumping out and eating burglars alive!) in the other.

I think a Chihuahua would be a cool little addition... I know Karen's ones are good 'friends' with the betta so maybe she will buddy up with the cichlids!

Chief_waterchanger

A Chihuahua would definately let you know when someone's there... unless you get one like my aunt has. She has a deaf and blind chihuahua that is getting pretty old. So her's lets you know when she finds the wall, which us usually while running at full speed.

Lucy

I love dogs! One thing to keep in mind. Puppies shouldn't leave their mom until they're about 8 weeks, so if the chihuahua was separated from her sooner, it may have issues.

Good luck, I know you'll find the right dog for you.

Shawnie

Im not sure if I have the unusual chi or not..but hes a yapper for sure..even barks when the wind blows....but over time, and as he gets older, (he's almost 2 now) hes turned to a one person dog mostly...although he growls at everyone, he never bites..but I dont trust him as much as I do my rottie LOL ..but as hatchaven said, karen aka martinsmommy has breed them for years and shes said hers are great...mine is a terror ! lol goodluck either way

shellbell4ever

To bad you were not closer I'm trying to find a good home for my Jack Russell
Good luck!

MinxMermaid

what shawnie said about chi's ending up kinda a one person dog, i think is true in many instances. we are lucky that spike loves both rick and i equally, but i think its rare. Spike doesn't really like kids and i think most chi's bond better to an adult. if you want your kids to share in a "family" dog, i think something more like a beagle or an australian shepard could be good.

good luck!!!

Martinismommy

I have had good experiences with my Chihuahuas as far as being watch dogs...Mine do not bark unless there is something going on....The only thing I'd be concerned about with having the little children is that they understand they can't pick the dog up.....Chihuahuas have very fragile bones that break easily....I have had Chihuahuas since 1992 and will always own one! They are great little companions....

If you go to my website you can see lots of photos of Chis.....Another thing you might want to consider is getting a hold of the Chihuahua rescue group in your area..I've seen lots of good dogs come through the rescue and they are spayed and current on all shots....The adpotion fee will end up being less than if you get a small puppy and have to pay for all the health care...

Does the ad on Craigslist have a photo of the puppy?

Angela_96

Thanks you all,
Shellbell, I would love to have a jack russell, that is what we had for years, they have great personalities!

Martinsmommy: no there was no pic, I have emailed the girl and she does still have the pup. I am pretty sure it was a Ill watch the dog for you and the people never came to pick it up. She cannot afford to keep it.

sirdarksol

I wouldn't get a chihuahua with kids in the house, but I wouldn't get a chihuahua at all. Small dogs generally don't like me. Because I've never met a chihuahua that hasn't tried to bite me, I just presume they'll all be violent around me (like dachsunds).

On the other hand, because they're territorial, chihuahuas (and poodles) make decent guard dogs. The racket they make when they see someone they don't recognize is usually enough to drive away any intruder.