I've had Chihuahuas all my life. One had to be pts last june and I have one left aged 13. I went to look at a Chi puppy, he was the only one left. He's 18 weeks and the breeder still has him because of a death in the family (this is true I saw the cards and flowers dead outside) She brought the puppy out to me and even in her arms his face had terror written all over it. I took him gently and hugged him and he just burried his face in my hair and I had to pull him away to get a good look at him as he just wanted to hide.

I placed him on the floor to see him walking and running around like puppies do but he just stood their with his tail between his legs frozen in fear. I know I can give him a good home and a lot of love but I'm worried about how a timid dog would turn out especially since I have Cookie to think about. I'm worried that he'll be fearful and snappy in the future.

Has  anyone had any experience of this or seen puppies like this. What do you advise?

this pup is at an age where you can change him into a confident one but  will take some time and patience from yourself and others.
You can't rush these things as it can make the pup worst, of course you may well find that having another dog to live with the pup will come out of it's self  when it's settled.
They say you should always choose a middle of the road pup,not to confident and not frightened. so it really depends on how much time you can give to him.
Did the breeder not do any socialisation with the pups?
You'd have to let the pup have it's space,not trying to pick it up or give it forced attention. tell poeple who come round to ignore it and let the pup come to them and reward with treats etc
with regards to your other dog you need to see how it goes and introduce over time if there's any problems but you may find they get on fine.
only you can decide if the pup is right for you but maybe going to see it a couple more times would help.   

Hi,

You've had Chis all your life so you are likely to know what typical pup behaviour would be like for this breed. My advice to you is go with your instincts. If your guts tell you something is wrong probably best to leave it, especially as you have a much older dog to think about.

You don't mention if you had an opportunity to see the pup's Mum and Dad? Presumably Mum would be around so it would be worth seeing what she is like and if she has a good temperament and how she interacts with the pup, I'd also make a point of asking about Dad's temperament.

It could be that because of the family death that pup has been undersocialised and is not used to strange humans for that reason,, plus there might have been a rather volatile/emotional environment which could, I guess, have an effect on the bitch and her pups...who knows. Nonethless, it sounds like you are wary and perhaps for good reason. I think if you take a pup like this on you'd have to be open to the fact that it might be hard work and he may turn out okay but again he might not. I'd really go with your guts on this one, any nagging doubts and I'd leave it. If not, view him as a sort of rescue case and be prepared to give the amount of work you'd give to any pup/dog exhibiting fear.

What you describe doesn't sound a typical example of the breed.  Mine would have been jumping all over you, saying me, me me!

And, as you ask, I have never seen this sort of nervousness exhibited, even with people who don't put in as much socialisation as I do.  I feel sorry for the pup - as you obviously do.  But,,, can you afford to let your heart rule your head when you have another dog to think about?

Difficult decision for you I know.  :-(

hi ya i dont have a chi but i do have a 3lb yorkie and i got her at 6 months.when i went to see her she was verrry nervous but i sat on the floor for ages and waited for her to come to me.i brought her home cos i knew i could give her all the attention she needed(she had been living in a cat carrier and been left alone all day so very unsocialised)and now she lives with two rottweilers!
im not saying go do it im just saying if you think you have the pateints to go at his pace then why not.ok i know youve got to think about your older dog and i cannot comment on this as ive not had an elderly dog yet but you know your dog best.any new puppy is going to be a strain on your older dog,pups like to play dont they this shy puppy may be easier on your other dog?
i agree with the others, we all know from gut intsinct what is best for us.i hope it all works out ok for you let us know what you decide to do ;-)

I would not take a pup like this on unless I was certain the temperament was not inherited (in other words I knew the ancestors well, and they were bomb proof).