If there was any doubt that the sellers of wholesale pet products need never worry about the health of their industry — even in a poor economic climate where cheap closeouts outsell more expensive pet supplies – recent events have erased it. The widely awaited and controversial appointment in a historic new presidential administration has turned out to be a six month-old Portuguese Water Dog named Bo. The day the long-awaited young canine actually appeared on the White House lawn, the press swarmed and the story eclipsed an economic emergency, major foreign policy changes, and innumerable controversies across the political spectrum, eclipsed by fierce questions from the President’s critics about Bo Obama’s non-rescue dog status. For a time, journalists even stopped writing about Michelle Obama’s arms./

Let’s face it; this country is crazy for pets. Particularly on the Internet, it seems to induce a form of serene pet madness. The extremely popular blog I Can Haz Cheezburger consists of nothing but pictures and videos featuring cats, dogs, and assorted animals with captions in a dialect crafted to sound as if pets themselves were actually writing them. This vein of humor goes back at least as far as the 1980s and a classic Gary Larson cartoon in which some dogs try to tempt a feline cat enemy into a washing machine with a promise of “cat fud”.

On a somewhat more rarified level, for whatever reason, many American political bloggers across the political spectrum engage in the practice of “Friday catblogging” which is basically an excuse for blog proprietors to post pictures of their beloved cat felines, lazing about looking very unconcerned with the rages and disasters that so occupy the minds of their owners. And as for Facebook and other social media, pictures of dogs, cats, and anything else furry and cute, are regularly posted in bulk.

As for older media, it has always been the case you can’t leave a television set on for more than a few minutes without seeing cats, dogs, rodents and birds – and not only in ads for pet supplies. And, as the recent success of “Marly and Me” proved, dogs still rule the box office as much as they did in the movies’ early days – before “Old Yeller” and even 1939’s “Lassie Come Home” — when German Shepherd Rin Tin Tin’s tales of dog daring helped popularize the Shepherd dog breed in North America and saved Warner Brothers Studios from financial disaster.

We’re pet mad. Whether it really is because of urban alienation, or the fact that many of us are delaying childbearing (or putting it off entirely), Americans spent some $41 billion in 2008 on pets, including wholesale pet products, pet food, dog and cat toys, veterinary care, pet hotels and all the rest. And, while economic shifts might cause some of us to, say, resist the urge the buy the fancy cat toy and may slow down adoption rates and pet store closeout sales to some degree, the pet business isn’t going away, though cheap, bulk wholesale pet supplies will clearly be more popular for awhile. Woof.

A pet shop will carry food for any animal you might have such as dogs and cats, fish, ferrets, reptiles and rodents. Because every cat and dog is different, stores carry a wide variety of food, allowing you to choose the brand and ingredients most suited for your pet. The pet shop will also have toys and treats for your pet to make their life more interesting.

In the larger stores, there are many varieties of pets. You won’t be able to find monkeys or alligators but some pet shops do stock exotic animals for the pet lover who likes unusual pets. For example, some interesting pets you may find are spiders, turtles, hermit crabs, ferrets and snakes. Regardless of your preference of pets, you will be able to find a store that sells just the animal you’re looking for.

We all know how children love to go to the pet store and browse around. They are just amazed at the amount of animals they see and can spend ages just watching the animals. The aquariums full of pretty, colorful fish are also a popular attraction. Being introduced to animals by going to the pet shop is a wonderful way to create a love of creatures whether they are big or small. Socializing baby animals with children is an excellent way to train them how to respond and also provides the human contact that is needed by the pets in a pet store.

Online pet stores are quickly found by browsing. You may not want to buy a pet, but the accessories and supplies can be a real bargain. There are online pet shops that offer discounts for repeat purchases and have competitive prices. Some internet pet stores offer a bigger variety of foods and accessories than a local pet store. And don’t be surprised to find that you can even buy bulk supplies.

One benefit of an online pet store it that it may have all your supplies in one place where as a local pet shop may not be able to carry such a high inventory. Pet houses, litter boxes of all sizes shapes and designs can become space invaders; this is why online stores are able to offer a huge variety for the consumer. They ship from the manufacturer, which enables them to supply most items. You still have the same quality but have a bigger selection than a pet shop with limited space. You can also find pet medications online whereas a pet shop only carries a small amount.

Summary:

Pet stores are wonderful places for children to visit to gain a love of animals. While you may not be able to actually touch the animals online, the variety of supplies is usually greater than the local store.

The Chihuahua’s recent history can easily be traced back to mid 1800’s Mexico; however the Chi Chi appears to have far deeper roots. The Chihuahua may have originated as early as the 9th century, developing from a toy breed that was revered by the Toltec Indians of Central America during that time. They called the dog “Techichi”. Still other major pre-Columbian civilizations, the Maya and the Aztec, also show a close association with a small sandy-colored dog. It’s fairly certain that these dogs mingled to various degrees with a small hairless dog native to Mexico and possessing a name straight out of Star Wars . . . Xoloitzcuintli, thus becoming the forerunners to the Chihuahua we know today.

Ever wonder why actor Mickey Rourke or heiress/model Paris Hilton is rarely seen without a beloved Chihuahua in tow? There’s an amazing amount of charm packed into these tiny packages for the quintessential lap dog has an insatiable need for love and affection. When one considers that this consummate companion can fit neatly into pocket or purse, well it’s just too tempting not to carry it around everywhere.

The world’s smallest breed, the Chihuahua comes in two coats: smooth and short, or long and flat or slightly curly. The long and curly version features a ruffled neck and a plumed tail. Otherwise the dogs are identical and can occur within the same litter. All coat colors and combinations can be seen. The most common being red, fawn, and black and tan. The apple-domed head, coupled with the large bat-like ears are this breed’s most recognized features. Males and Females are both about 6-9 inches and 2-6 lbs.

The Chihuahua a lively, alert little pooch. It is intelligent, and intensely loyal, growing very attached to its owner, even to the point of jealousy.

They are notorious burrowers and love nothing better than to snuggle under pillows, cushions, and best of all, bed covers. It responds well to training particularly if begun early, although it can be difficult to house train this little dog.

When frightened these little fellows may bite or snap but they are in no way an ill tempered dog. Chihuahua’s seem to have acquired the stigma of being “yappy” dogs but in truth most bark simply to announce the arrival of a visitor or when greeting other dogs.

The Chi Chi may be unsuitable for families with Children. They can easily get injured if dropped or sat on. They have a huge self esteem, and will benefit from early training.

Obviously no dog is “maintenance-free” but the Chihuahua comes remarkably close, particularly the short coated variety. The short coat requires only occasional gentle brushing, while the long coat should be brushed daily using a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types about once a month. Check the bat type ears regularly and keep the nails trimmed.

It is quite tempting to carry these little dogs around but the Chihuahua is satisfied with, and will benefit from, a short daily walk. Its diminutive stature makes the Chihuahua ideal for apartment living. They are definitely not considered “outdoor” pets. While they may enjoy a romp in the yard they are more than happy to return to the comfort of the couch or better yet, the bed.

The popularity of this breed has soared over the past decade most likely due in large part to Taco Bell which features a Chihuahua as its media mascot hungering for the well known Mexican fast food.

Its need to love and be loved is a never-ending crusade. Indeed these dogs like nothing better than to be with, or more accurately on, their owners. They make great companions, perhaps being ideally suited to older adults who are often home and have lots of time to lavish them with the attention they crave.

If you’re looking for a big mean dog to patrol the yard or take on 5 mile run then the Chihuahua is not the dog for you. However, any true animal person around one of these little darlings long enough is bound to get hooked on a Chihuahua. Once these little lovers have hold of your heartstrings they will never let go.

Betty Bulldog has been loving and respecting dogs for 25 years. Here is her take on the Chihuahua dog breed. Read about more breeds and take a free dog training and information course at dogZdogZ.com Keep those tails waggin! Betty BulldogArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/ever-wonder-why-paris-is-always-seen-holding-her-chi-chi-1378186.html