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Match-Me
Gramercy, Louisiana, United States
S Dean - Trainer and Former Vet Tech
My animal loves are vast. From observing wildlife, working with dogs, or working emergency at an animal hospital, all have provided rewards rivaling the Hope Diamond. And the companionship offered from our furry, feathered, or scaled friends is unmatched.
My animal hates are pretty limited. Maybe just pyometra surgery. I'm sure we can all do without that in our lives.
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![](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://rightdog.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/sdean-trainerandformervettech-dograting-photo-179-1_15-1-2019-985.jpeg&media=https://rightdog.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/sdean-trainerandformervettech-dograting-photo-179-1_15-1-2019-985.jpeg&description=My experience with Chihuahuas, both personally and professionally, has revealed their stereotypes to be both true and easily remedied.
Chihuahuas are a higher energy breed, requiring the same daily activity of some of the larger working dogs. But with Chihuahuas, this can be accomplished in a much smaller space. A small backyard or even a large den area of the home can allow them to race back and forth, playing games of "chase and tag" with their families. This is good news for those who want a playful dog but may not have the room to support a larger high energy breed.
This playful energy shows itself in their tendency to bark as well. This can be good and bad. The good comes from a combination with their warriness of strangers -- they are naturally excellent watchdogs. But if not taught when it is appropriate to bark, they may bark over any situation, which has contributed to the "noisy Chihuahua" stereotype.
The natural nervousness of Chihuahuas that makes them such marvelous watchdogs also has a downside. Small children and toddlers may get little nips of warning from Chihuahuas who become overwhelmed by their intensive play.
Chihuahuas are a combination of hardiness and fragility. They are bold and adventerous dogs that can handle play that other smaller breeds either shy from or do not have the fortitude to withstand, natural obstacle courses through brush and fallen trees come to mind. But care must be taken as their bones are thin, and jumping from higher objects to lower ones may cause fractures in their legs. This does not have to be high up, I have seen patients with fractures from jumping from beds and chairs.
The highest maintenance on typical Chihuahuas rests in dental care. Like some other small dogs, they do not have very strong jaws and are prone to dental problems. Dry dog food with large kibble that promotes chewing is recommended to keep this in check, as well as regular dental cleanings with a veterinarian.
Chihuahuas are a breed that does well in a household that promotes play but understands their skittish and does not increase the anxiety of the pet. Early training for obedience is almost always necessary due to Chihuahuas being both high energy and highly intelligent, but the rewards of working with them are well worth it.
A word of caution to those interested in introducing a Chihuahua into their homes. Beware of "apple headed" Chihuahuas. A Chihuahua with a dome shaped head is normal, those called "apple headed" usually have hydrocephalus, a condition that forms when fluid does not properly drain from around the brain. These dogs are usually less healthy, less intelligent, and prone to neurological, behavioral, and aggressiveness problems. It is best not to promote the intentional breeding of defects into these precious creatures and avoid "apple heads" outright.){kind=link}
![](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://rightdog.com/images/default/dog.png&media=https://rightdog.com/images/default/dog.png&description=American Pit Bull Terriers are one of my favorite breeds. Despite lingering prejudice, which is thankfully going away due to advocacy groups, they still find their way into many homes, and for good reason.
Pits are one of the friendliest breeds I have ever encountered. They tend to genuinely love people and used to be a staple for a "nanny dog" to watch after small children. They are high energy, playful, and as tough as a piece of iron. Though they have a stigma associated with them, Pits do not make the best natural dogs due to this extremely playful nature. That being said, they are easily trained to be guard dogs because of how closely they protect their families.
The aggression that some people attribute to Pits is not fully unwarranted. Pit Bulls do have a tendency towards animal aggression, particularly other dogs. This DOES NOT mean they are going to be an absolute danger to other pets, and the overwhelming majority do perfectly fine in multi-animal households. In situations of provocation with other dogs, Pits are more likely to attack vigorously as opposed to giving a growl or a "slap on the wrist" nip.
Several of the historical health issues that Pits have been susceptible to have been being bred out in more recent years. There does remain a slightly higher problem fighting off parvovirus and demodex.
As a pet owner, I have had nothing but fantastic experiences and magical memories with Pit Bulls. Working with them in a professional environment has been on par with private experiences. Due to their loving nature and natural toughness they are some of the easiest dogs to work on, which is not only a blessing for those in the veterinary medicine field, but a dog that is easier to work with is easier to steer towards recovery.
***small story with potentially uncomfortable (pg-13) language for some follows***
Highlighting the toughness of this breed, I'll share a quick story from years ago. I was working the overnight emergency clinic at an animal hospital. A man pulls up outside and is walking a Pit up to the door. The Pit is moving stiffly but walking. When he came in, he explained that this was one of his hog dogs and that it had gotten gored by a hog. This Pit Bull was standing on all fours, quietly looking up at us. Its abdomen was open and some intestine was exposed and hanging low enough to almost brush the ground. When bending down to meet her, she greeted me with a complete tongue bath on my face while whipping her tail back and forth like she was trying to slap her sides with it. I have never seen another breed with a threshold for pain on that level. Truly an amazing breed. Everything was still intact, surgery went fine, and she went on to run again through the woods with her fur friends.){kind=link}
![](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://rightdog.com/images/default/dog.png&media=https://rightdog.com/images/default/dog.png&description=Let me start by voicing my bias then parking it in the corner. This is my favorite dog breed. I have raised or regularly worked with over 30 Catahoulas that serve to show just how marvelous a dog breed can be. And they are absolutely beautiful to boot. Now, with that taken care of, let us proceed.
Catahoulas are a working breed. They were selectively bred for function over all else and it has resulted in a physically outstanding breed. They have loads of stamina to continually tackle long tasks given them, which they take to with enjoyment. I have personally seen a Catahoula even run partway up a tree when chasing a raccoon. It was astounding.
Being bred for function also has left this breed with a high intelligence and learning capability, allowing them to develop new skills almost seamlessly sometimes. They are known to be protective of family and home, and are noted for being more protective of children than is usually seen in most breeds.
Grooming is borderline unnecessary as Catahoulas typically possess a short coat that sheds easily, but most dogs still appreciate the occasional brushing.
Catahoulas are a double-edged sword, though. Some of the same traits that make them such remarkable working dogs can make them trying as house pets. Being bred for hunting and herding has left Catahoulas with a heightened prey drive. This is good when tracking game, but not so good when somebody has other small pets. Being high energy, if they are not given at least an hour or two DAILY exercise, they can become anxious and this may trigger in even a very disciplined Catahoula. In addition to this, that very same protective nature that makes them good guard and nanny dogs can make them aggressive towards strangers or those they don't know well, especially when coming into the home or to the door.
Their controlled breeding has also resulted in a relatively healthy species with the exception of deafness is dogs that are lighter in color and some instances of hip dysplasia. The deafness can present additional challenges when combating their headstrong during discipline at young ages .
To sum this all up, Catahoulas are a beautiful, intelligent, fun, healthy, and protective breed, but absolutely require above average work with early discipline, as well as the most socialization possible in early stages to help make them more comfortable around those not in the family or part of their "pack". And much of their "wild and crazy" reputation usually comes from lack of regular exercise, rather than a problem with the breed. A working needs to work, and a Catahoula is absolutely the rule, not the exception. A magnificent working dog or companion for a high activity household.){kind=link}