It isn't necessarily a problem, but it's something I just need to vent and I'd love to hear your opinions.

For those who don't know, I own a long haired Chihuahua, she's tiny (even for a Chihuahua) and there are times that I worry. I never imagined I'd get a Chihuahua but I fell in love with the breed after heaps of research and as a family we decided the breed suited our lifestyle perfectly.

We do all of the normal things that people do with their dogs, we go for walks, play etc, but I'd love to do more. This year I'd like to take her to the beach, I live in Oxfordshire and I'd have to travel by train. This absolutely petrifies me! I'd be so scared that somebody would steal her, grab her off of me or that she'd get hurt somehow.
If I managed to get to the beach I'd keep her on-lead but I'd still be worried.

A few weeks ago she was almost attacked by two border collies and I made a thread a while back about a dog that was literally jumping up at my legs trying to bite Phoebe (I picked her up) Luckily most dog owners are extremely considerate around here and will walk away if their dog is a bit too manic or will introduce them slowly.

I think it comes with having a tiny Chihuahua. Unfortunately people know that Chihuahuas are expensive and I've heard horror stories about people stealing them and selling them on

I'd love to know whether I'm the only one who's like this? Regardless of the size of your doggy

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I'm getting better slowly I have fears of luna my neighbors dog being stolen because of how much attention both dogs attract but neither are commonly stolen breeds so makes me feel a little better I also do worry with dogs I don't know coming over and how the dogs will get on.

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R.I.P Barney, I had 4 wonderful years with you, Thank you-29/04/06-25/11/09
The dog who saved my life
Proud owner of Maya, the Rescued Alaskan Malamute

http://www.dog-breeds-plus.com
Mine and My husband's Dog breed website

I am not paranoid about Kilo being snatched or attacked due to his size TBH and I wish someone luck if they try and get into the house or garden . I do take all reasonable precautions though such as not leaving him in the garden unattended, having him chipped, telling people that he has an illness that costs a fortune in vets bills (he hasn't) if they become 'too' interested.

I don't think that you should let your fears prevent you from letting Phoebe be a dog and enjoying her...but do understand where they probably come from.

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Oh man! Me too!

But I would rather be paranoid than one of those careless dog "owners".
I worry that someone will break into my house and steal my dogs/hurt them so I put a bolt on the gate, I worry the lead may snap and they may get into trouble and I cant get to help them in time. Oh man! It drives me crazy sometimes!

But I think, just be as safe and vigilant as you can, its not like you plan on leaving your dog outside a busy shop with no lead or collar on, as many by me do with rumours of dog fighting about too, I worry for these dogs. But the advantage is, you can keep her in a special dog bag and take her in the train loo's with you or leave her with a friend

Maybe keep a spare ball or treat in your pocket in case over friendly/not friendly dogs bound over, wang some one way and try and get some distance between you, worse come to worse. But I'm sure you'll be fine. If I can walk my 2 loonies on a beach, you'll be just a-okay!

xxx

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We are frightened of our two being attacked by staffies again as there are quite a few round here with idiot owners.
I didn't realise until today how it's affected my husband as he doesn't even want to let our two off anymore.

He wasn't there when Duke was attacked so it didn't affect him but ever since Clover was attacked the other week he's terrible and so worried about her.

So your not alone.

looking at the amount of replies you have had . yes you are paranoid. but your not alone .............or are you?

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I let myself do too much research and after going online I found that Chihuahuas are the 3rd most likely to be stolen. I can see why though, because of their size they're so vulnerable.

Phoebe does go into our back garden on her own but it would be almost impossible for someone to get into our garden thankfully. We have extremely high fences and we keep our back gate locked. Also behind our back garden there is a very small alleyway that is only for our use so nobody ever goes down there, I will be more careful though. Someone is always downstairs to take a quick peek now and then.

I guess it all just boils down to the fact that I have no idea what I'd ever do if I lost her.

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We don't have to worry about that as our two probably have the biggest gobs in the whole of Stoke-On-Trent but do sympathise with you

That interested me enough to look and see what breeds were no. 1 and 2 on that list and did you know that the statistic you found was for the USA? Thought that might make you feel better

According to the UK, the breeds most likely to be stolen are:

English Springer Spaniel, Border Terrier, Boxer, Yorkshire Terrier and Labrador Retriever

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He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion....

I'm always careful but it's just a horrible, horrible thought. There's so much I'd love to do and places I'd love to travel but the worry is always there, it seems stupid.

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