Is there such a thing as a 16 pound chihuahua? I adopted...

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Answer by Amy
Submitted on 5/28/2004
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I have a 1.5 year old Chi-Jack Russell mix. She�s 8.5 Lbs, blonde in color, has the ears of a Chi but with a Terrier snout and her tail doesn�t curl. Rubia is my first dog so I can only base her temperament on what I�ve read about both breeds. She�s got the energy, the jumping (3 feet high) and hunter/chaser mentality of a JRT but the attitude of a Chi. She loves other dogs unlike both breeds, long runs like the JRT, and cuddling in your lap � on her terms like a Chi. She�s a willful little dog and will bite or snap if you try to pick her up when she doesn�t want you to. She�s also very independent, food aggressive and gets jealous if the cat is getting any attention at all. She likes to play with kids in the park if it�s a game of tag or running after a ball. She gets very excited to meet new people and jumps up a lot. She could lick your face for hours if you let her. Like most JRT�s and Chi�s she thinks she runs the house and I will admit it that she does.

Answer by spikesmom
Submitted on 11/5/2004
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I have a 9 pound chiarat, and he came from a very well known pet store. Of course he is not registered because the akc does not allow mixed breeds to be in their organization. He has papers explaining his background and trust me he cost as much as a purebred. His mommy was a 3lb mini chihuahua, and his daddy was a 5lb mini rat terrier, so in turn they sold the puppies as chiarats. He only weighed 3lbs when we bought him, he is over weight now the vet says, but he really likes his vanillia ice-cream. He looks like a mini rat terrier white body with three black markings shaped like mickey mouse, his head is black along with his ears, his ears are large, but he does not have pop eyes. He is only about 7inches tall from the ground to the top of his shoulders. He has very short hair nearly none on his pink belly. He is truley a baby, he even sleeps in a babydoll pack-n-play.He has a very big dog personality,he on the other hand will not go out our backdoor, which our steps are quite steep. He is full grown, he is three yrs old now and acts like he is 6 months old. We could not do without him, Spike is what we named him and he wears a leather spiked collar because of his big man attitude. These breeds are lots of fun, but can have a grumpy attitude with kids, especially when they have treats like raw hide bones. Thanks Spikes Mommy

Answer by Chris
Submitted on 2/26/2005
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I have a jack russell/chihuahua mix named Angel and i love her to death. she has the body size of a jrt and the head of a chi which makes it easy for her to slip a collar no matter how tight because her head is the same size as her neck. The only markings are on her face and ears but she does have the freckles on her belly. Me and my husband, Allen, got her as a 3 month old puppy and we think that the people who had her up to then beat her because there are very, VERY, few people that she is not scared of, me being one of them. She's scared of Allen so she won't come to him or to me if he's near me. Allen said once that around me she acts like a Terrier and around him she acts like a Chihuahua he's kicked. He's never hurt her so I'm not sure why she's still so frightened of him.

Answer by Pendulumn
Submitted on 5/7/2005
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I have four dogs: D.O.G.: a "pure" n/m, 12 lb.red Dachshund, He has a hard time keeping up with everyone else but gives it all he has. Is very loyal. Comical.The others let him think he is the leader of the pack. Loves other dogs but not sharing...anything. Birty: a s/f 13 lb. blk & tan Dach-Chihuahua -JRT: She mothers everyone. Can be jealous yet teaches the others deliberately. She potty trained the other female. She can jump 4 feet high and is very quick. She is the watch dog. Only friendly when introduced properly. Reesee: a n/m "pure" 16 # Tri color JRT (hunting pedigree) Jumps runs and loves everyone. Throws his weight around barks occasionally. Asks for treats with a beautiful WOOoo Woo.Very bright. Abby: a s/f 12.5 lb. white & red speckled Chihuahua -JRT, She is very loving growls when she is sleepy at everyone except me, she wants to be close. She adds an element of energy that seems to be almost wild to the group. difficult to train--strong willed. On occasion will dash down the street when my teens or husband are in charge. She loves people and other animals. Serves & protects like the other female. Must be a girl thing or a Chihuahua thing. I believe although she loves kids she is not a kids dog because she can be cranky. None are related. All spayed or Neutered. They are a vibrant social pack. We regularly visit the dog park and interact with kids, They all love it. But have quirks that show they are individuals and small breeds. The females tend to be the true leaders. They are all diggers as come naturally in the JRT & dachshund breeds. They love to hunt (mice, moles..bugs)& chase (squirrels, birds... rabbits) When at the park they are always aware of each other and where they are, tend to stay together even when the park is full. The dogs are all between 1 & 2.5 years old and they were not all raised together. They are a nuclear pack. Although every small breed has unique qualities keep in mind they are individuals and they will be perfect. They will train you as you train them..JRT..Chihuahua ...Daschund...they all require patients and team work.

Answer by pennys mom
Submitted on 9/10/2005
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We have a chihuahua-rat terrier mix. We got her from an SPCA 1 &3/4 years ago, after they shut down an illegal puppy mill that was breeding these. She has 'rose ears', they lay 'floppy' but sometimes one will stick up on it's own briefly or when the wind blows they look just like chi ears! She has a curly tail and coloring just like a little deer and a snout like a terrier; her eyes are not as bulgy as a full chi, but way more bulgy and closer together than a typical rat, she has a tufted area of fur around her neck and some very fair fawn speckles on her chest which is white which we call 'freckles'. When she was a puppy, one eye was 'lazy' but it almost always is fine now, every once in awhile just a hint of that. She has rather small feet that are nonetheless too big for tiny chihuahua type 'booties' (in winter months) and too small for the 'small'size(Poor thing. She is a tiny and 1/2 size, or an almost small, which does not exist). Her legs are long, but not as long as a jack russel or some rat terriers I've seen (although longer than average chi). We believe she is a mix between a 'deer-headed chi' and a mini-rat terrier. From what I have read of the mini rat bloodlines way back, they actually bred chihuahua and italian greyhound into the mix, which explains the chi qualities of the mini rats in my opinion! People that have bred rats always think ours is a mini rat of some kind and those familiar with chi's always wonder if she's a new breed of chi. She gets nervous and shakes sometimes like chis and is very agile, she leaped over our couch once in a single bound as a puppy. Luckily she has calmed down, but we have to watch her jumping up on things and trying to dive off! She also tries to jump up on some things and misses. At 3.5 mos. old she was around 4 lbs and is now topped off at 9.2 approx. We must watch her weight as she was growing outwards for awhile and reached near 11 lbs but we have her back at a healthy weight (it varies and gets near 9.5 sometimes). We have to adjust her food quantity for activity levels depending, and has been fine now. She is so smart. Just now over 2 years old...as for temperament, what a doll. She is wary of kids but does not bite, the worst she does to anyone is chase and bark sometimes...she is very clingy and attached to mom and dad which we are told is typical of chi's. Everyone wants us to breed her but she is fixed. I would love to have another. Our girl loves cats to pieces and I did see a picture of her brother once, had his photo snapped with his paw around a cat, penny too does get along very well with other small animals and also the neighbors Rotty and in-laws German Shephard. She prompts them to play all the time. Nobody seems to get her as animated as a cat though!

Answer by Arenanena
Submitted on 11/21/2005
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I have a chihuahua mix. I found her on the beach while on vacation in Puerto Rico. She was 4 weeks old and 3 pounds when I found her. The vet in PR looked at her teeth and paws and said she would be 22 pounds. I laughed and thought no way. Well, 3 years later, I have a chihuahua on STEROIDS! Yup, she looks just like the Taco Bell dog, but weighs 19 pounds. She has a spotted tummy and a beautiful coat, which another vet said could possibly be from the terrier family. One vet actually said she could be a mix of a Labrador, but I think it is highly unlikely as do other vets I have spoken to. After reading all your comments, I am convinced it is a terrier and I am guessing a rat terrier because her legs are really long and Jack Russel Terriers usually have squat legs. Oh, and she can jump! her record so far is 4'6" from the ground! Thanks for all the Responses.

Answer by Spitzlab
Submitted on 11/29/2005
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Hey all, I am looking for an adult female chihuahua can be mixed. I love the chi disposition and cuddliness. My Chi of 18 years passed away in March. I still have her big sister a golden/Lab mix. So maybe even a larger dog would be better rather than the tiny teacup ones. But miss my lap dog. And her sissy not real big on all of the attention I lavish on her now. I would like something under say 12 pounds. and Don't mind a mix as long as they like to stay close to me and ride in the car with me. Would be willing to pay a nominal amount and or drive 2 to 4 hours to find one. I live in Arkansas and will give this dog the best spoiling! Thanks! Anita email-me singleton_anita@iwon.com

Answer by chewie
Submitted on 2/15/2007
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chances are if the preportions of your dog look normal its probably a mix. did you know that while you cant show crossbreeds at the AKC they thought to be the smartest of all dogs and have the least health problems cos they et the best of both breeds! lucky you! however if your dog is a purebred chihuahua and weighs 16 lbs then chances are it wont be able to walk lol. the ideal weight for a chihuahua is 6lbs, thats the show standard anyway. oh i just heard from my vet that most "purebreds" arnt actually purebred. becuase it means that all of your dogs ancestors on boths sides are everyone of them the same breed. chances are 99% of the dogs on this earth have a little bit of something else on the fathers/mothers side from the past! im soo bored. =( chewiexoxox

Answer by project
Submitted on 4/20/2007
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For about 8 months I had the pleasure of keeping (and training) my friend's Chihuahua puppy which she got from the Dominican Republic. It looked exactly like a Chihuahua and was sold to her as such but it ended up being about 11 pounds which is almost twice the maximum allowed by the AKC. I believe it was a pure-breed - just big. I loved telling people it was a Chihuahua on steroids. It was the coolest dog I ever had - didn't have any of the nervousness or shaking or Napoleon Complex issues that the overly inbred small standard sizes have. Before this dog I always hated small dogs but now I must say that he was the coolest dog I ever had. Walked around on his hinds legs, confidentially picking up chicks for me on our walks through the neighborhood. Good luck with your 16 lb version!

Answer by Fancy Fairy
Submitted on 6/12/2007
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Yes full blooded Chis can get up to 20 pounds even. Acctually the larger jack russle size of these Chis is the size they started out being before selective breeding. The smaller sizes now were not always the standard. I have a very tiny chi as well as my big blue chi he is full blooded I saw the grandparents, parents, previouse litters, and sisters and brothers. Some were of the larger size other tiny but all full blooded. Although the AKC does not accept these dogs as standard for show they are none the less still chis! I firmly believe there should be more classifications of these dogs than just long or short hair. There are apple heads , deer heads and many different sizes. I feel all of them deserve to have their own classification. And the myth about them not being good around kids should be crushed. I have had chi before my kids were born and of course still have them now with a few more additions to the dog family. THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN A TING BUT PROTECTIVE OF MY KIDS OR ANY OTHER KIDS! Anyway, there is my thoughts on things and thanks for this site it is great!

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Question by barbara
Submitted on 11/18/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ
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Is there such a thing as a 16 pound chihuahua? I adopted Sparky (history unknown) 1 year ago. She is now just short of 16 lbs. and except for her size, looks just like a chihuahua. Her proportions are correct, not overweight in any way, and has all the characteristics and mannerisms of a chihuahua. Could she be from breeding with a jack russell or rat terrier for size but retained chihuahua features? I've been told that she could be pet quality but that big? I tired of saying that she is a chihuahua on steroids. Please help.

Answer by chimama
Submitted on 11/19/2003
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Odds are she's a mix, you are correct in that a Jack Russell is likely somewhere in her lineage. Sixteen pounds and perfectly proportioned is Just Not Likely for a purebred. So she's a Jack Russell Chihuahua. Big Deal, she's your beloved pet and you are hers, that's all that matters. Thank you for adopting a dog that needed a home. Please do have her spayed if you haven't already, it is kinder in the long run and will prevent more pups from being born into a world where there are already too many. I have nothing against mixed breeds, I've had them in the past myself, but purebred should remain purebred.

Answer by Sheila
Submitted on 11/22/2003
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I have a chihuahua mixed with some sort of terrior and he looks very much like a chihuahua and has all the characteriscs of one. He is about 15 or 16 pounds and is now 9 years old. Just thought I would share.

Answer by patti
Submitted on 12/7/2003
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i HAVE A FEMALE FROM A LITTER OF 6 SHE IS THE RUNT 6 LBS. AND FULL BLOODED CHI.ONE OF HER SISTER'S WAS 14 LBS, FULL BLOODED ALL HAVE RED EYES WHEN THE LIGHT HITS JUST RIGHT IN THEIR EYES, THEIR EYES TURN RED! THAT MEANS THEY ARE FULL BLOODED CHI'S...

Answer by chimama
Submitted on 12/22/2003
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Nearly all dogs eyes turn red when they are hit by the light, humans too. That's the source behind the dreaded 'red eye' that some cameras claim to reduce or eliminate. By the way, my younger chi has the same liquid brown eyes as her older sister (different parentage, they're adopted) but while Gremlin's eyes turn bright red to match her devilish disposition, Nixie's turn teal blue to match her calming demeanor.

Answer by el burro
Submitted on 4/26/2004
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the dawg is a over grown rat from mexico and grew up in sewage. trust me this happened to friend of a friend of mine.

Answer by richards619
Submitted on 5/17/2004
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We have a 15 pound Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix (according to the people we adopted him from), but he looks exactly like a chihuahua--on STEROIDS! He has the proportions, coloring, ears, face, etc. of a chi, but enough energy and playfulness to keep up with our JRT. The only JRT we notice in him is a spotty belly.

Answer by Tucker
Submitted on 6/23/2004
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I have a Chihuahua Rat Terrier mix who is 6 months old and 5 3/4 pounds. Anyone think they have an idea how big he'll get?

Answer by lheggie99
Submitted on 7/10/2004
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I had a chihuahua/rat terrier mix. He looked just like a chihuahua and weighed around 16 lbs. Many people thought that he looked like the Taco Bell dog.

Answer by gina
Submitted on 7/12/2004
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I have a 15 lb Rat Terrier and a 4 lb Applehead Chi (both purebreds) they bred and produced 5 beautiful babies. 4 males and 1 female. Both parents have smooth short coats. The father is a RT and is colored and marked similar to that of a Rotty (very rare from what I am told) with a natural bob tail. My sweet little Chi is white and brown spotted. Now 2 of the 5 males are almost identical to the father (in marking and coat) and will be most likely in size. 1 male is black and white spotted with long soft fur (where did that come from???)The little runt female, who unfortunately was born blind, will most likely be as small as the mother.

Answer by mzbandit
Submitted on 8/18/2004
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i have a 7 month old jack russell/chihuahua mix. he has been wonderful up till recently after i had him neutered. after his neutering he has been more aggressive. he snaps at me and my roomates for no reason at all. i'venever had any problems with him before this and im wondering if any one can give me some advice on whats going on in my little bandits head. i should add that during his operation his nails got cut very short, all of them. i'vealready made my complaint to the animal hospital. but could that have changed his attitude in any way?? i'dappreciate any advice. thanks.

Answer by great white
Submitted on 8/28/2004
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I have a 11.5 pound chihuahua. I bought her 2 years ago. She seems to have stoped growing finally. Everytime I am asked what type of dog she is my husband and I reply "she is a great white chihuahua" We have know idea if she is a mix or not. We can only assume that there must be larger sized chihuahuas or that she must be a mix of some kind. Does anyone know if chihauhuas can grow to be larger than average?

Answer by GirlieChi6
Submitted on 8/29/2004
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Hi, I was told that my chihuahua was a pure breed, but had no papers to prove it. Now she's 4 months. She's 6.5 pounds, has bristly hair (like a jack russell) and has the same exact markings as my grandmas Jack. white, w/ the brown ring around the tail, and brown around the ears.. She's got the exact face and apple-domed head as a pure breed chihuahua. What do you think?

Answer by soulstorms-30
Submitted on 9/9/2004
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i bought a chihuahua....1 year later he weighs 22 pounds...looks like a minpin to me...yeah...we got ripped, but wouldnt take anything for him now....paid for a chi!

Answer by Jessi
Submitted on 9/13/2004
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I have a 7 month old chihuahua rat terrier mix, his name is Krian(emphasis on cree) and he is awesome. My grandma has a chi, and i love them, and he looks like one except for the tan on his face, and the bob or docked tail. He even barks like a chi, he is sooo spiffy. He weighs about eight pounds. Bye eveyone!

Answer by Tinzy
Submitted on 12/6/2004
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I have 2 rat terrier/chihuahua's They are a year old and they weigh 8 and 7 pounds. One looks more like a rat and the other has more of a chihuahua head. I don't think they will even get close to 16 pounds.

Answer by ddooohicckky
Submitted on 12/8/2004
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I love chi-rats!!

Answer by KB
Submitted on 1/2/2005
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We have a Chihuahua/terrier cross and she looks pretty much like a large Chi -- she's about 23 pounds (and in fighting shape, I might add). She's solid red with a chocolate nose and purple skin. We just adore her. She loves to hunt birds and squirrels, but she has yet to catch anything! We call her our "freakshow in Chihuahua-land."

Answer by Ashley
Submitted on 3/31/2005
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I have a 12.4 pound chihuahua mixed with jack russel terrier, he is the best dog ever! :) Very friendly and laid back except when he wants to play, then he has tons of energy, oh and he loves attention. The person who said that theyre overgrown rats from mexico has OBVIOUSLY never had one and doesnt realize how cute and sweet they are! Peanut looks exactly like your dog, a large chihuahua, so that is probably what you have.

Answer by wilkesgrl
Submitted on 4/2/2005
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I am looking into getting a chi terrier mix. she is 9 weeks and already 7lbs. How big do you think she will get?

Answer by Kris
Submitted on 5/13/2005
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I just adopted a puppy and the lady said it's a chi/rat terrier mix and that he's about 2 1/2 months old. He weighs about 1 pound right now. Do you think he will get that big if he's only a pound now?

Answer by marieange
Submitted on 5/27/2005
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I have 2 chihuahua mixes. One has jack russell, the other suppossedly poodle. Both are 20 pounds. The chihuahua father was 4 pound, their respective mothers 25 to 30 pounds. I love them both. Yes they look like chis, but cuter

Answer by Jenny
Submitted on 7/3/2005
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I have a 7 month old Chi-Jack Russel, and she is wonderful. A bit too rambunctious at times, but still great just the same. Her name is Ginger, and she resembles more Jack Russell that Chihuahua. Her ears are floppy on the ends and her front toes are white while most of her body is golden in color. She actually looks like my neighbor's Boxer. Just a miniature with a little more of a longer snout. But she'sstill gorgeous and we love her, along with out Pomchi (Pomeranian-Chihuahua.

Answer by brian
Submitted on 7/13/2005
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just bought a rat ter/chihuaha mix puppy and he is biting people viciously ...does anyone know if this is normal and if so how can we stop it..I know he is only two months old and likes to chew but he is vicious and tries to hurt..thanks

Answer by hades
Submitted on 8/12/2005
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We have a 15 lb. supposed pure breed chihuahua, but he looks like a boston terrier as far as color/markings. The breeder swears he is full blooded chihuahua. We have a female who weighs in at a whopping 3 2 lbs.

Answer by DEDE
Submitted on 9/6/2005
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Hey I have a chihuahua/rat terrier puppy 5 weeks and i don't know how big it will get a little help please.

Answer by chichi
Submitted on 9/24/2005
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I purchased 2 chi's from a pet store, they are 9pds each. And absolutely not over weight, and they are Purebread. I have had 2 vets, both have advised me its perfectly normal. Teacups and miniatures are not. The vet advised that miniture breads genetically altered and that causes a higher risk for genetic defects. My chi's both came w/ lineage papers. It is absolutely possible your chi is a purebreed, however he just won't ever win a Show Dog ribbon!

Answer by Tamsin
Submitted on 10/18/2005
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I bought a 1.7 lbs. puppy from a petstore in Yuma, Arizona and was told that he would be under 6 lbs. He is 8.6 lbs now at 6 months, but has the features of a chihuahua mix. He's black and white and sweet as can be, but travelling with him is difficult. I am now making the petstore own up for their lies with the better business bureau. My caution is to beware when buying chihuahua puppies as many are Jack Russell, Terrier, or Daschund mixes and it's difficult to tell at 1 lbs.!

Answer by Jack's Mama
Submitted on 10/22/2005
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I have a 1yr. 3 mo.old rat-cha (chihuahua, rat terrier mix) and he is only 7 lbs. at what age does this mix stop growing, when i adopted him, the agency said that he was done growing. besides me fattening him up a little bit because he has a stable home now, will he grow any more (length and height wise)?

Answer by davt1973
Submitted on 11/4/2005
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I'll be having albino chihuahua male and jack russell terrier mix pups in about 2 months i don't know the price yet if you need more info. please post.

Answer by cyndi h.
Submitted on 12/8/2005
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can you tell age of a chi, by thire teeth

Answer by mmhmm
Submitted on 1/8/2006
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i have a rat-chi named polly,she looks like a big chihuaua also,but shes a little overweight.she is the smartest,greedyest,and most loveable dog i know.

Answer by karen
Submitted on 1/14/2006
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i just lost my baby girl chi-chi a Chihuahua terrior mix, blonde haired, brown eyed, best friend in the world...she was 17 years old and lived with us for 10 years. we rescued her from the cold in 1995. i miss her very much and love her dearly..does anyone know where i can adopt a Chihuahua mix that looks like the taco-bell dog like she did in the philla.,pa.., pa. area? i want to adopt another dog like her if i can. thanks. karen

Answer by chichimama
Submitted on 2/12/2006
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I have a dog from a litter of 8 and she is about 7lbs her sister is 14 so it does happen her sister has gotten bigger from having babies though. As far as the rat terrier chi breeding together.....what were you thinking? that chi is to small to have a 14lb stud you could have killed her. Did she have a c-section?

Answer by Sharon
Submitted on 2/24/2006
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I have 3 chihuahuas. All three are different and look different. Some pure chi's get as big as 16 pounds. The reason for my post is that I am interested in the blind runt. I have a chihuahua shelter in NW Washington State and would pay to get her/him to my. As to the pup that is 4 lbs, she will pain some and probably be about 6 lbs as adulthood. Thanks for your responses.