By Ellen Hargle | Special to the Index
This week’s featured pets are “Angel,” a momma Chihuahua, and her six, 6-week-old male puppies. The puppies are short-haired with a wide range of coat colors, including black, black and tan, creamy tan and brindle. Angel was released to the shelter shortly after the birth of her puppies – she had to raise them in a kennel.
The breed derives its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found. The dogs were used in religious ceremonies and were pets to the upper class. Some believe these small, energetic dogs originated from the Fennec fox, which could explain the tiny frame, luminous eyes and large ears on the breed today.
Affectionate and strong willed, the breed is intensely loyal and, if treated correctly, will become attached to their owners. They can become jealous, so it is important that children are patient and calm around them and not tease Chihuahuas, or any animal.
Angel has a good temperament – she has been attentive to her puppies, and still seems to want to meet everybody, especially those with treats. She’d make a great companion dog and is lively, swift moving, proud and enterprising.
Her puppies could be full Chihuahua. They will need to be neutered when they are old enough – check with your vet. They need a securely fenced outdoor area to play in and need to be socialized with people, other dogs and cats.
Raising a Chihuahua puppy can be a great learning experience. New owners must have the time and patience to potty train the puppies. Unlike other puppies, Chihuahuas have moleras – soft spots in their skulls – which fill in with age. Owners must take great care during the first six months until the skull is fully formed.
The cost of adoption includes spaying, neutering and a rabies shot. To adopt Angel, her puppies, or any of numerous dogs and cats, call the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter at (940) 328-7752.
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