Any new owner should do a little research on any breed before getting a new baby.. I am not highly experienced with chi's but I do know that people tend to neglect socialising them. So if you do decide on a chi... PLEASE make sure that you take it out and DON'T baby it! let people pet it, let it meet other dogs, etc. work with it and make sure that it is well socialised, so it doesn't become "snappy" (more like down right mean) when it gets older. The chi's are really good at making you feel bad for them so that you will protect them, it is actually their defence, they have been pampered for so many years that they have actually developed the sence to shiver and act scared so that they will be protected.. and it works, the problem is that when you do "protect" them from something that they see as a threat but isn't really a threat you are supporting their fears. They are a complicated breed in a way.

Always take the time to TRAIN ANY DOG that you have...let the dog...BE A DOG! Do NOT seek to purchase any dog from a PET STORE...those poor puppies are almost ALWAYS from Puppy Mills who take no considerations at all as to what bitch and dog they breed to MASS PRODUCE their stock. Look for and TALK WITH a number of REPUTABLE BREEDERS! A reputable breeder SHOWS the dogs they are breeding so that they earn their points and titles and thus prove that they SHOULD BE considered for breeding. This popular breed can have some health and temperament challenges because...unfortunately, most popular breeds do get "picked up" by Puppy Mills and irresponsible breeders and reproduced! A responsible breeder also knows their bloodlines! They have taken the time to read and research bloodlines so that they choose THE BEST quality dogs or bitches to breed with! They care about producing healthy, good tempered puppies that will make the very best quality companion animals. They want YOU to be happy and they want their puppies to have the "right" home FOR LIFE! Typically any breeder will be aware that you cannot say if a puppy under the age of 6 months WILL BE A SHOW QUALITY DOG. If it's a great pair of parents, who have earned their titles you can hope that your puppies will be show quality, but you cannot be 100% sure until the pups have grown up to about 6 months of age. Pet quality puppies should be both less expensive AND the responsible breeder will also insist or at the least strongly encourage that you spay or neuter your PET Quality companion animal so that it is not bred. This breed can be an excellent companion dog, but there is an unfortunate tendency for novice owners to try and treat this pint-sized DOG...as if it is a human...and that is a sad situation. They ARE dogs 100% and deserve to be properly trained with positive reinforcement training to do all of the same good behaviors that any size dog would know how to do. You want a FRIEND...not a 2 pound Tyrant!

It is my personal opinion that a 1st time dog owner should not get a Chihuahua. You should look for a breed that is more docile and not apt to try to "be the boss" (pack leader) -- The first breeds that come to my mind are American Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. You can do some more research to narrow your search. Here is some info about Chi's from my fav website: Character: Chihuahuas are intelligent, graceful, and sometimes too brave for their own good. They usually bond with only one person and become highly devoted, frequently kissing the owner's face (with or without approval). The Chihuahua is reserved around strangers, and may attempt to defend their owner, usually with little effect. Chihuahuas are tenacious, proud, and very energetic. Temperament: Chihuahuas can usually live with other dogs and cats without problem. They get along particularly well with other Chihuahuas. It is important to socialize the Chihuahua as a puppy to prevent overt aggressiveness. Small children may regard the Chihuahua as a toy, and their teasing can cause it to snap or bite. It is preferable not to leave the Chihuahua with children under the age of 12, unless they are well taught or supervised. Care: Chihuahuas require regular grooming with a brush and comb for their long coat. The Chihuahua’s claws must be kept trimmed, and its teeth must be checked frequently for tartar buildup. Chihuahuas get cold easily and should be kept in a warm environment. The small nose may cause wheezing or snoring. The Chihuahua should not be overfed. There is typically a soft spot on the top of the skull; this is normal and is usually closed by adulthood. The Chihuahua has a long life span at 14-18 years.

Maybe a better dog whould be more of a people pleaser....a cocker or a cavalier.

I HAVE A CHIHUAHUA CHANEL AND THEY ARE PRECIOUS BUT MEDICAL BILLS AND CARE IS ALOOTTA MONEY AND A GOOD DOG FOR U WOULD PROB BE A SHELTIE THEY R BEAAUTIFUL AND LOVE KIDS AND THEY LIKE MORE THAN 1 PEOPLE PERSON NOT LIKE CHIHUAHUAS

No. They're tricky and sly little smartasses that will take over you and rule your home because you don't know any better & judge them on their appearance. Leave them for the more experienced and people who know the breed, what to expect (negatives and positives), and know how to train them.