Use the
correct terms to describe the breed...
Advise
you to pick a pup based on temperament and structure,
rather than color...
Try to
help you pick a pup based on the personality of each
pup and your lifestyle...
Have
started some socialization. Pups will be well groomed
and clean...
Will not
use "Taco Bell" as a way of making a sale,
nor will be breeding those "just like the
commercial."...
Have
pups vet checked for health, vaccinations up to date
and wormed...
Not let
a pup go until between 8-10 weeks of age. Will keep a
pup longer if the pup is a smaller weight...
Know the
lines of the sire and dam...
(May or
may not) own both parents. If the breeder doesn't own
the male, will most likely have pics of him and/or
will give you information on locating his owner...
Allow
you to meet both parents. ( Please remember if the
breeder doesn't own the male, he/she will most likely
have pics or will give you information on how to
contact his owner so you can meet him too)...
Won't
breed dogs with any health or bad genetics in the
lines. Such as: patella trouble, heart trouble,
etc...
Both
parents will have good bites as well as temperament.
Both parents will have good coats and healthy
teeth...
Tell you
why he/she chose to breed the parents, or be able to
tell you what they were hoping for in a breeding...
(May/may
not) belong to a club. May/may not show. As long as
they breed within the standards and the Chi's have
good structure and gait; as well as good temperament
and health as these are VERY important...
Not be
breeding more than 2 breeds...
Have
written guarantees. Most state 10 days for health and
1 year for genetics... Sell a "pet quality"
Chihuahua with a spay/neuter contract or on limited
registration... Take any of their dogs back at any
time for any reason...
Offer
you references...
Irreputable
/Irresponsible Chihuahua Breeders will:
Not use the correct terms that apply to the breed.
This can apply to coat and words such as teacup, toy,
miniature and standard. This type of breeder will
also use the word "rare" when dealing with
coat color and weight to an unknowing puppy buyer and
charge higher prices...
Refer to
their dogs as "Just like the Chihuahua in the
commercial" or use the Taco Bell restaurant as a
slogan to make a sale...
In many
instances keep their litters in a garage, out
buildings that may not be clean. Their dogs in many
cases won't be clean or groomed. The pups also may
not be socialized...
Not care
if they are breeding dogs with bad genetics or health
concerns. This type of breeder only cares about the
money you are willing to dish out...
In many
cases the pups will have questionable temperaments.
In many cases the parents temperament isn't great...
Not have their pups vet checked for health...
Will let
their pups go as early as 5 weeks (maybe sooner.)
Will sell the tinier weight Chihuahua's at very high
prices, even though in many cases the tiny ones may
have some problems...
Not know
the other dogs in the lines, nor whether there were
any bad genetic's in the lines...
(May/may
not) own both parents. It could be they used any male
available...
May not
allow you to meet the parents of the pups, or may
give an excuse why you can't...
Most
likely not have parents health checked before
breeding. The parents may not have good coats, teeth
or bite...
Have
unplanned breedings. In many cases females are
allowed to breed each heat season...
Most of
the time be breeding quite a few other breeds as well
as the Chihuahua...
Will not
have any written guarantees and in many cases won't
replace a sick pup...
Give
full registration to those who aren't breeding
quality, or who are "pet quality"...
Not take
their dogs back...
Not be
able to provide you with references...
In many
cases this type of breeder is breeding more than 2-3
breeds.
Other things to keep
in mind:
Prices of the Chihuahua will vary. If a Chihuahua
price seems outrageous, question this. If they state
it's because the pup is "show quality" bear
in mind at 8 weeks this is somewhat hard to determine
this early. Puppies go through many changes until
they are around 6 months of age. Keep in mind though
that breeding is expensive when done correctly.
Reputable breeders don't get back nearly what they
have put into a breeding. (The above mainly deals
with a breeder who may be pushing "show
quality" pups at 4, 6, 8 weeks; as well as the
tinier weight Chihuahua's, and the use of the word
"rare" when describing the Chihuahua).
Use
caution and question in depth before signing any
contracts that deal with co-owning or free studs back
to the breeder.
Many
potential buyers want to know the weight that the pup
will be full grown. Keep in mind this somewhat deals
with the weight of the parents as well as the weights
in the lines. Over feeding and over snacking can
cause a dog to become overweight.
Be
cautious- In quite a few instances, even the byb or
irreputable breeder has been able to answer all your
questions with answers that you wanted to hear, yet
you find out later the person didn't breed
responsibly.
Be
careful purchasing over the internet (especially
sight unseen).
Links Of Interest:
More Idea's
NOTE: It's a good idea to get a
breed book and read and research the breed before
even looking for a breeder. This will give you an
idea of what to expect in the breed, as well as give
you an idea on the questions to ask a breeder.
Keep in mind these are of my own opinion and what I
have learned from others in the dog world (as well as
our experience with losing one early in life to
health complications). This doesn't describe every
circumstance. At times, breeders have been known to
answer all your questions with things that you want
to hear, then down the road you run into problems. It
is best to know everything you can about the breed.
If a person or situation makes you uncomfortable,
walk away and don't turn back.