Overview:
- Arrived in care: 07/07/2024
- Date of Birth: Est. July 2019.
- Gender: Female
- Breed: Chihuahua
- De-Sexed: Yes.
- Micro-chipped: Yes.
- Registered with NZCAR: Yes.
- Vaccinated: Yes.
- DogsNZ (NZKC): No,
- Council Registered: Yes - Christchurch City Council.
- Cat Friendly: Yes.
- Child Friendly: 8 years and older.
- Human Sociable: Yes.
- Dog Sociable: Yes.
* TBC = "To be confirmed"
Personality:
- Kiva is a shy but friendly little dog who loves human companionship. Once she knows you, her favorite thing to do is to curl up on your lap and be pet as she is a total snuggle bug! It doesn't take her too long to warm up to new people, as long as they take care not to overwhelm her. At home, with those she knows Kiva is a very happy and social little dog who loves to give kisses.
- Kiva is being fostered with other Chihuahuas and would suit being with 1-2 dogs who are similar (in age and energy-wise) as long as they give her space.
- At her former home, she was picked on by a Shihtzu, so it's important any dogs in an Adopters' home are a good match for Kiva and her more laid back personality. Kiva is a sweet, soft wee girl, so a dog with too much of an overbearing or bolshy personality wouldnt be a match for her.
- Kiva has always had daytime companionship with her human and this would be an ideal scenario for her once more. Kiva is ok being left at home for an hour or so without human companionship and provided there are other dogs in the home. But Kiva is not suited to someone working outside the home full time. Kiva wouldn't suit someone away from home regularly for 5-8 hours multiple days during the week. Kiva needs someone who is retired, working from home, or able to take her to a (quiet) workplace (eventually after an adjustment period learning her home enviroment first).
- Kiva is great in the car and well toilet-trained. At present she is being crate-trained (for sleeping).
- The main thing with Kiva has been working on building her confidence out of home and in the wide world or noisy enviroments.
- Kiva’s foster mum provided an update on her ongoing confidence-building while being in foster care. “So today we got to the end of the drive with Kiva on the lead and that was with my dog with her for leadership and encouragement – sometimes once she gets to the end after several stops she digs in because it’s too scary and noisy. But I’ve been working more on her learning to play as she was terrified of all the toys and wouldn’t dare go and run with the other dogs. Now, finally, she’s found her joy in that part of her life and she’s a crazy girl! Kiva loves to run around. Her and my other dog are so fast and so there is absolutely no problems with her knees as she now plays independently with toys throwing them around and shaking them. My husband and I can play with her as well (whereas before she was terrified if we tried) The noise is a very different problem! Kiva can now, after all this time, stay in the lounge while my Husband fills the pellet fire so long as he goes slow without too much noise. But if we drop something, or there is a loud bang randomly – she gets startled and she’s off. I’m concentrating helping her through this issue with sudden movements and loud noises. But she’s very cuddly once she learns to trust you and she’s a great little foodie!”
Health:
- Kiva has completed her medical assessment check - she was vaccinated, micro-chipped and registered with the NZ Companion Animal Database.
- Kiva doesn't require a dental as yet, but teeth should be rechecked in 6-9 months.
- Kiva returned to the vet in July 2024 for x-rays of her stifle, pelvis, hips, knees, and other joints. She has Grade 4 luxating patellas, a condition common in many toy breeds. The vet noted that both patellas have very shallow grooves and some bowing of the tibial crests. Kiva has hyper-extending hocks. However, these knee conditions are likely congenital and do not currently seem to cause her any discomfort. Kiva walks, runs, and jumps without any signs of pain or lameness, so she does not require surgery at this time.
- We want to ensure Kiva's future adopter is mindful of her joint health to prevent any progression of her condition. Maintaining a lean weight is crucial for Kiva, and engaging with an animal physiotherapist would also be beneficial.
- Kiva's right hip is in great condition, with mild dysplasia in her left hip. Generally, it doesn't bother Kiva. The only time she shows discomfort is when her hips are extended during an exam. Our trust vet sought a second opinion from an animal orthopedic specialist to ensure that surgical intervention is required.
- It's important to consider the ongoing care and possible expenses involved in adopting a toy breed, especially with Kiva’s current health findings. We’re looking for a committed adopter who can provide her with the love and support she needs, now and in the future.
Note: All dogs from NZCR are adopted only after being medically cleared by our vet, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped (registered with the NZ Companion Animal Register and local Council), and treated for fleas and worms.
Adopter Requirements:
Before applying to adopt, please ensure you meet the adopter requirements listed above. These guidelines are set with the dogs' needs in mind, based on input from foster carers. If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be declined as there are no exceptions. Please review the criteria carefully. Thank you!
- Local Canterbury-based applications are preferable (and the easiest transition for the dog) However if an Applicant met all other criteria, Kiva could be a candidate for an out-of-town adoption. Please note: any Applicant needs to be able to travel to a meet/greet here in Christchurch.
- Kiva requires an owner who - works part-time, or is able to take her to work regularly, or is someone who is retired (yet active) or who works from home. Kiva is fine left for a few hours every now and then, with the company of another small breed dog. However, Chihuahuas are companion dogs and not suitable for those who work full time hours outside of home.
- Kiva needs a very secure home, so full fencing with NO holes or gaps. This includes rural properties. You must at least have a fenced in, safe backyard to ensure she cannot escape (especially earlier on in the trial).
- Kiva has lived with cats prior and would be fine with confident cats who are used to living with dogs. But please consider whether your cat would be accepting of a dog in the home environment before applying.
- Kiva is fostered with other small breed dogs and would do well with a companion if her human wasn’t able to be with her for a few hours regularly on weekdays. But Kiva has a very gentle little personality, so any dog in the home cannot be too bossy or overbearing or it will cause Kiva to retreat into herself.
- Able to ensure Kiva remains at a healthy weight - you may also wish to consider physio to benefit her joints.
- Kiva needs and owner confident in continuing her confidence building and leash-walking. Her Adopter needs to help her work on these aspects.
- An Adopter must be willing and able to to emotionally and financially commit to Kiva. Toy breeds, often face issues with their hips, knees, and joints. While Kiva may continue to live pain-free and never need surgery, her future adopter must be prepared to manage potential health needs and this includes the cost of surgery if required in future This includes maintaining a healthy weight and being ready to provide dental or orthopedic care, which small breeds often require. It's important to consider the ongoing care and possible expenses involved in adopting a toy breed, especially with Kiva’s current health findings.
Adoption Fee: $500.00 to be paid to the NZCR trust account no. 03-0823-0074502-000
Note: Our adoption fees reflect the dog’s age, health, and care needs. They cover microchipping (NZCAR registration), vaccinations, de-sexing, current-year council registration, and any necessary treatments, including flea/worm treatments, medications, surgeries (e.g., dental), and food. Payment plans are not available, as adopters must show financial readiness for the expense that comes with pet ownership. Click below for more details on our adoption process.