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Chihuahuas |
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11. Why does a Chihuahua sometimes run on three legs? It's a condition called Patella Luxation, and it's arguably the single most important genetic problem facing Chihuahua breeders today. Unfortunately it's polygenetic in nature. Polygenetic means that more than one gene controls it and a range is possible. Unlike the simple gene that causes say eye colour, where you either have blue eyes or you don't, things of a polygenetic nature can have a range. The most common example is size where either large or small is possible PLUS a wide range in between. The other problem in dealing with this fault is that it usually doesn't show itself until the dog is quite a bit older and probably has already had, or produced, puppies. There is at present no DNA test available to breeders to test for its presence and opinion is divided on whether it can be physically detected in a younger dog. This all leads to major hurdles in eliminating the problem. It CAN be done, and the Chihuahua has come a long way, but any breeder who claims to definitely not have it in their kennel, and any breeder who is prepared to guarantee that any given puppy will not have the problem is trying to fool either you, themselves, or both. To you, as someone interested in maybe buying a Chihuahua, it usually means exactly what the original question asks. The dog occasionally walks on three legs as their knee-cap pops out of place. As the dog gets older it can lead to arthritis and that can cause the dog more pain than the luxating patella itself. In some cases however, it can be more serious, and can lead to expensive surgery. |
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