The Chihuahua Handbook

As an owner of many chis I have found this book to be of great value to me. There are 154 pages of chihuahua information and lots of pics depicting all sizes and colors of chis(except the merle pattern!) Granted, not all pics follow the breed standard, but not all puppies are perfect either. Has a good chapter on health problems common to chis, however it did not mention cryptorchidism which is common in the male, especially if they are line bred, and did not have much info on pyometra which can quickly become fatal in an unspayed female. The chapter on breeding is pretty extensive for a book not devoted to the subject of only breeding and the genetics sections is simple to understand, but very informative and worth learning if you intend to bred. Highly recommended for a first time owner, any one wanting to know about the chi or for an owner that would just like a good read about their faithful little friend.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR ANYONE WHO EITHER OWNS A CHIHUAHUA OR IS THINKING ABOUT OWNING A CHIHUAHUA. IT HAS SO MUCH INFORMATION TO HELP YOU WITH YOU PRESENT OR FUTURE LITTLE DOG! IT HAS HELP ME ALOT!

As a Chihuahua owner and volunteer for the National Chihuahua Rescue and Transport Society, I strongly recommend this book. I use it all the time. It is specific to the breed and covers all phases of a Chihuahua's life from weaning to the need for euthanasia. It covers anatomy, breeding, training, and genetic predispositions of Chihuahua's. Upon reading it to completion you will know everything there is to know about these tiny canines. One of the most useful chapters deals with the 5 minute physical that demonstrates the basic exam that you see your vet do, when he examines your dog. It has great pictures, but if you can only buy one book on "Chi's" this is the one I recommend.

D. Caroline Coile, PhD. has written a breed manual that deals specifically with the cares and concerns of Chihuahuas. Many breed manuals contain a small amount of breed background with generalized dog care instructions, but Dr. Coile delves into the Chihuahua ancestory, techniques for training a Chihuahua, special feeding and health concerns of Chihuahuas, etc. It's easy and enjoyable to read and has wonderful pictures of Chihuahuas to boot. This is one book that I keep close by to refer to often as I care for my five pet chihuahuas.