Chihuahuas/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer most questions as they relate to health, behavior, new home adjustment, litter box training, new puppy care, fear aggression, separation anxiety, new vaccination protocols, medications to avoid, the latest developments in veterinary medicine, the most common medical problems seen in this breed and the effects of bad and irresponsible breeding. I can also speak to common personality traits of this breed due to vast experience with a great number of Chihuahuas and Chihuahua owners. I am not, however, a breeder of Chihuahuas and claim no experience in that area and DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT HAVE TO DO WITH BREEDING -you need to check with a qualified veterinarian if you plan to breed your Chihuahua or if your Chihuahua is having problems with a pregnancy or you're having problems with pups that you bred - this is not the proper forum to address those issues and a delay in seeking proper medical treatment can have grave consequences for your dog.

Experience in the area

Owner/Moderator for Chihuahua_Health_Behavior (since 8/04), Owner/Moderator for Chihuahualovers (since 4/04), Owner/Moderator for Chis-and-ToyDogs (since 2/07), Chihuahua owner for 10 years, current owner of three Chihuahuas, have done Chihuahua rescue and transport and have a deep love & respect for the breed. I also have dealt with allergies, broken legs, liver problems and other medical problems with this breed and have researched and consulted with some of the top experts in these areas. Additionally, I have done dog and cat rescue for 20 years which has exposed me to a variety of health and behavioral conditions which have become a part of my extensive knowledge.

Organizations

I ran the local Chihuahua Meetup group locally for a number of years. I run Chihuahua_Health_Behavior@yahoogroups.com

Education/Credentials

Just my combined experience and research. I don't pretend to be something I'm not and will be honest and recommend veterinary care and proper diagnosis for medical conditions as needed and aid in the research for good, qualified veterinarians or holistic practioners who are familiar with this breed and the medical problems that are common to Chihuahuas.

Past/Present Clients

Too numerous to mention - all members of my Yahoo groups over the past five years

What do you like about this subject?

I have a passion for this breed and sharing my home and life with them has brought me so much happiness. This has led me to dedicate many years to the study of the traits and issues common to this breed and to make myself aware of poor breeding practices, etc., that contribute to congenital health problems.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to educate Chihuahua owners in the proper care of this very special breed and eliminate many of the myths commonly associated with Chihuahuas.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Did you know that Chihuahuas are one of two breeds of dogs in the Los Angeles area of California that are dumped at shelters and euthanized at an alarming rate?

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

A hugely controversial word in the Chihuahua world is the term "teacup". No such thing - a Chihuahua is either smooth coat or long coat.