Why do chihuahua's turn gray?

Penny — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:11:37 GMT

why do chihuahua's turn gray? We jumped at the chance to rescue a chocolate chihuahua. We were told he was anywhere between 2 and 4. We were also told we would be the fourth owners (and the last, as far as we are concerned). We were also told that he might eventually have some liver problems because a vet had said he had a high atl (alt)? level. We took him because he has a good temperment for a 12 year old girl who needs a best friend. We have only had him for four weeks and he is rapidly turning gray. We are feeding him good food, walking him regularly and loving him tremendously. But why is he turning gray? Is it something we did? Or are our two rescued female cats (calico and tortie) to blame? He leaves them alone but tries to eat their food...

RE: Why do chihuahua's turn gray?

b.german — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:36:38 GMT

I really don't know about your dog, but my sister and mother both have the same kind of dog. Thry are turning grey for the same reason we do, age. Are you sure of your dogs age? I think a vet can tell from its teeth?

RE: Why do chihuahua's turn gray?

DB Lady — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:19:15 GMT

Penny,

I think b.german is right. the chihuahua is probably older than what they told you. But if it's healthy and has a great temperament, does it really matter? I love

this breed. They are very loving.

RE: Why do chihuahua's turn gray?

A Brown — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:04:41 GMT

Not really sure this is the only answer to this canine's problem,but if you were him and didn't know exactly how old you were,also had to worry about a serious health problem you might develope some time later on in life, (maybe tomorrow,or next week,or next year)and you had two cats to put up with, you also had this desire or craving for the cat's food wouldn't you turn a little grey around the temples? This poor dog has had a lot to think about at night.Not sleeping don't help. Anyway, I'm 71 years old and I happen to think grey is beautiful. Kiss him for me.

RE: Why do chihuahua's turn gray?

NoBreedDiscrimination — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:38:05 GMT

I have several Chis and I am not sure why they turn grey, but even a couple of my smallest and youngest ones started turning grey when they were a little over a year old. Yet, I have older ones that do not have any grey. Same life styles, same food, etc. I do know one thing about Chis after all my years with them...there are no two that are the same.