Dog for the gods

I was recently gifted with an 8 month-old male Chihuahua. I do not know the origin of Kenji (the Chihuahua) nor if there is any way for the giver to find out about it. Is there anybody who can tell me if he is pure bred or not? Since he doesn’t have papers is it possible for Kenji to join clubs for dogs? Could he join competitions, if so how & where to go about it? I do hope he could be part of a club so he could meet other pets as like himself. He is quite easy to discipline and seems to be mild mannered. I do hope you can help me.

Addie

The Aztecs believe the Chihuahua is a sacred dog although a similar breed may have existed in Egypt about 3,000 years ago. The early Chihuahuas have bigger ears, the result of a cross with a hairless dog that the Chinese bred. There are two types of Chihuahuas – the smooth-coated ones and the long-coated ones. The latter have long hair that is either flat or wavy, and with soft texture. The purebreed Chihua has a large apple-dome head; large, flaring ears; large, round eyes that do not protrude; a level back and a curved overback; high set tail; and is of medium length. Typically, it measures about 6 to 8 1/2 inches and weighs up to 6 pounds.

The world’s smallest dog, the Chihuahua was named after a state in Mexico. It is fairly easy to discipline and care for Chihuahuas. Without the necessary pedigree papers, you cannot register your dog with the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. and thus, it cannot join competitions being organized by clubs accredited by PCCI.The most important thing, however, is to have a vet advice you on the necessary vaccinations, the right food to eat, and the right vitamins and minerals that your dog needs.

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Siberian Huskies

just for Siberia?

I recently bought a Siberian Husky. He is three months old and has papers. He’s had four vaccinations already. My questions are:
1) Is it OK to give him ice water?
2) At what age should he be trained by a trainer? 3) Since they are used to cold weather can they survive here?
4) What vitamins can I give him?

John Santos

1) Ice water is okay provided it is clean.

2) Six months is the safest age to bring your dog to a trainer.

3) Yes, I believe the weather plays an important part in the health and hair coat of dogs like the Siberian Husky. As much as possible, because of their thicker hair coat, Huskies need a cooler temperature.

4) Give him calcium, 250 mg daily up to age 6 months; and mutlivitamins like Pet Tabs or IN Diet.

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Dr. Mangahas has been a vet for 30 years and holds diplomates in Microbiology, Canine Practice and Veterinary Public Health. She has served as officer of various veterinary and health associations. She is the first woman president of the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations, which is composed of 40 professional associations registered with the Professional Regulation Commission.

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Got questions for your vet? E-mail them to askyourvet@hotmail.com.