Buying A Chihuahua

Question
Hello,
I have been thinking about getting a Chihuahua for the past 4 months, but
when I talk to my mom and dad about the decision, they say that it is not a
good idea. I am turning twenty soon, I live in my own apartment and I go to
school full time. However, most of my classes are in the mornings (from 9-11
am) and I work part time on the weekends, so I believe that I have time to
care for a Chihuahua. I have researched the breed quite a bit - visiting
different internet sites and reading dog books and magazines - but the one
thing I can not figure out is if the Chihuahua will need more time than I give
it. Since you said that you are an experienced pet owner, what do you think?

Thank you so much!  

Answer
Hi Claire,

Getting a dog or puppy is not a great idea for a college student. I know your intentions are good, but a dog requires such a time commitment, and that only doubles if you consider a puppy. If you can't figure out if a Chihuahua will need more time than you can give, it's much safer err on the side of safety, to assume that it will.

A Chihuahua needs as much time for attention and training as a Great Dane needs. Don't let it's tiny size fool you. Chihuahuas are notorious for having housebreaking difficulties, especially in cold or wet weather. So they're probably harder to train than a Dane. Some owners never do get their Chihuahua fully housebroken. Chihuahuas are not Golden Retrievers. They can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say, or you will have an out of control dog.

Chihuahuas are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of Chihuahuas with neurotic behaviors, including biting, mindless yapping, and general nastiness.

Having lived in enough apartment buildings in my life, I know what happens to dogs who are left alone too long. They quietly go stir crazy. Some get aggressive, some just bark all day because they're bored out of their cotton-picking minds. Even though your schedule is currently mornings from 9-11, school schedules can change from semester to semester.

What about your financial situation? Do you have enough of a cushion for basic needs like food, toys, and unexpected veterinary care?

The other thing you have to realize is how all-consuming college life be, especially if you are really committed to your studies. Even if your current housing allows pets, in a relatively short time you will be done with school, and be looking for full time work, and maybe a new apartment.
When you are first starting out after school it's harder to be selective regarding where you live if you find a place at a decent price. You may have an awful lot of life changes in a short period of time that can increase the likelihood that you'd have to give the dog up, and that's not a very nice situation to be in.

So do yourself, the dog, and your sanity a favor, and forego getting the dog until you really are sure of your footing in life. That will make your first experience of ownership a much more positive one.

I really understand your desire for a pet, so in all seriousness I suggest getting a cat. I know, they're not the same thing, but it will fill your "animal void", without the time and care requirements that a dog or puppy calls for. If you take the time select the right cat or kitten, you can find one that's very "dog-like", and have a social and loving pet.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti