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long hair white chihuahua and woman sitting in front of Christmas tree

Hi, I’m Cathy Bendzunas, and probably like you, I love Chihuahuas! Kilo (pictured with me below) was my first Chi but I have been a lifelong dog owner and lover.

Cathy and Kilo
 

Kilo passed away in June 2017 and at the end of July, I adopted Lucas, a 2-year-old Chihuahua-Yorkie mix. He is one of 4 dogs that live with me along with 5 Sugar Gliders and an Asian Fire-Belly frog.

Several years ago I adopted a pretty little 6-pound Lucy. She is the sweetest, calmest little dog I have ever seen and every time I sit down, she is in my lap. The ultimate lap dog.

Lucy the chihuahua

Before I had Kilo, I never knew what special little dogs Chihuahuas were. I have lived and worked with dogs all my life. I would love to have another one…or two…or three.

Although not a Chihuahua, I also have the sweetest little Yorkie you could ever meet, named Ziggy.

Yorkshire Terrier

I also got a second Yorkie, an all-black puppy named Bear.

black yorkshire terrier puppy

I have been a dog groomer, worked in a Pet Hotel at  PetSmart, and worked in a kennel. I used to breed and show Yorkshire Terriers many years ago.

One of my rescues was a therapy dog for several nursing homes and a local disabled children’s home. I currently do some pet sitting though I have scaled back my client list as I have gotten older. As you can see I’m a lifelong pet lover!

Anyway, I decided I wanted to start a website, really a community, where others who love the Chihuahua dog breed can share our problems, heartbreaks, and the joys we have with our Chi babies along with providing info that pet parents need.

I’m an experienced dog mom who shares what I know about Chihuahuas and dogs in general. Some of what I share are researched facts; some of it is what I have learned from living and working with dogs all my life, and some is just my opinion or the opinion of other pet parents. Please check with your veterinarian before taking medical advice, introducing a new food, treat or supplement, or to confirm anything else I suggest here to be sure it is a good fit for your dog.

Our Veterinarians

Most of our health-related articles are fact-checked and certified by veterinarians. Meet our vets:

First, we have Dr. Paula Simons an Emergency and Critical Care Resident who aspires to be a veterinary criticalist. She is originally from Pennsylvania but ventured to Canada where she pursued veterinary school and a rotating internship before returning to the United States.

She is passionate about supporting pets and humans during their times of need. She has a special interest in critical care nutrition and trauma. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, volunteering abroad, and spending quality time with her cats Moo and Kal.

woman kneeling in front of a dog outside in snow

Next, we have Sara Ochoa, DVM graduated from St. George’s University Veterinary School in 2015. Since then, she has been at a small and exotic animal practice in Texas. In her free time, she loves making quilts and spending time with her husband Greg and their 4 fur kids. Two dogs, Ruby a Schnoodle, and Bug a Japanese Chin, one cat named OJ, and a leopard tortoise named Monkey.

female vet holding fuzzy dog

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions at cathy@ilovemychi.com

Julie price

Tuesday 6th of February 2024

Hi I have a 14 month old female chihuahua a was going to get another chihuahua female puppy off the same breeder will they get along and what should I do when the meet

Cathy Bendzunas

Wednesday 7th of February 2024

They will most likely get along though it may take a few weeks. We have an article that should help you get them ready here: https://ilovemychi.com/how-to-introduce-a-new-pet-to-your-chihuahua/

Mickie O’Donnell

Wednesday 13th of December 2023

Hi, I am the proud favorite person of two sibling chihuahuas, now just over 3 yrs old, Rocky and Gigi. I have a couple of questions: 1. Neither of mine will run to pick up a small ball. They won’t put it in their mouth. They only chew on those little squeaky cloth toys that are basically flat. Any suggestions on how to encourage run and fetch? 2. Their schedule includes two long naps each day that they will ask for by going into their crates but they always need the doors shut. Their crates are kept in our walk-in clothes closet. They sleep 12 hours at night in them. I have little tented areas with pillows they could lie in for naps during the day but they prefer going into the closeted crates. Is this something I should be worried about? We have a quiet house. Just two retired seniors and no children.

Thanks for your reply

Cathy Bendzunas

Wednesday 13th of December 2023

1. Sometimes if they see another dog chasing a ball, it makes them want to. 2. No need to worry. They just want to be in their bed. Some dogs can sleep anywhere, and other dogs feel more secure in their own bed (or crate).

Karen

Friday 8th of December 2023

Your info on large chi’s is very helpful. I drove a total of 8 hours to pick up my merle chi to be a companion to my 5 lb chi. I was told she is apple head and would weigh 5-7 lbs. She is 19 lb’s, is 16 inches tall, and stretched out is 24 inches long. The breeder told me I’m over feeding her. She doesn’t have any characteristics at all ear’s or tail don’t stand up, eyes and head shape are different. She looks like a sheltie doesn’t resemble a chi at all. My vet suggested a DNA test because she doesn’t think she’s a purebred chi. It came back as 100% chi. The breeder has a large group of chi’s and has a serious business. Is it possible to have one large chi in a litter? She is 21 months old. Is it possible that she’s not done growing? Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely in love with her, just disappointed. I recently retired and looked forward to traveling with them.

Cathy Bendzunas

Friday 8th of December 2023

Yes, it is possible to have one large chi. It doesn't happen often but I have heard of it happening and the same thing happened one time years ago when I was breeding Yorkies. At 21 months, she should be finished growing. She may fill out a little more but shouldn't get any larger. If she does keep growing, she may have a pituitary gland problem.

Sandra

Wednesday 11th of October 2023

All your dogs are adorable and your loving nature shows in your face and in the 4 little fluffy faces. Your newsletters always make me smile. thankyou.

Cathy Bendzunas

Wednesday 11th of October 2023

Thank you Sandra. That means a lot to me.

Cynthia

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Right now I have two mixed chihuahuas Snoopy and Frannie. They are both mixed, and we got them from a shelter 12 years ago. They are my babies a boy and a girl. But they have Chihuahua traits. They love to snuggle we are on a schedule we all eat at the same time and take naps at the same time. However us all being seniors they nap a lot on the one. Both of them enjoy their walks, dinner time is their favorite time of the day lol. It seems that like so many dogs do not like that's not strong enough fireworks, thunder and lightning. One of my dogs Frannie is afraid of the broom she's afraid of nothing else. Snoopy however is afraid of everything. LOL I am his thundershirt he always goes under me to sit when he feels threatened, on me and I tell him it is all right in the coming voice. I can go on and on. I am so glad I found you. Sincerely Cynthia

Cathy Bendzunas

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

I'm glad you found us too Cynthia. It sounds like you have an awesome little fur family there.