If you have been considering breeding Chihuahuas, here are a few things to think about first before buying a dog.
Are you considering doing it “just for fun, a one time deal”, or are you serious about becoming a professional breeder?
Professional breeders expect to be in business for 10 years or more. It takes time to become known and even more time to prove the quality of your dogs.
If professional breeding is your decision make an investment in good quality stock. Make sure your breeding pairs have good lineages and top quality health records.
Don’t think breeding Chihuahuas is something you can make a living off of, rather consider it more of a side business. A side business that carries a great deal of responsibility and should be taken seriously.
The latest fad these days is for the very small, or toy Chihuahua. They have become popular, as we have seen celebrity women (and men) carrying them around in a purse or bag. But, as a rule these tiny Chihuahuas are not very healthy, most ethical breeders will not breed their dogs specifically for this purpose. Every professional breeder will occasionally find a “runt of the litter” at this size, but, breeding these “runts” is considered highly risky and unethical.
Making “huge amounts of money” from this business is highly unlikely, on the other hand it will give a great deal of personal satisfaction and the opportunity to meet with many other breeders and Chihuahua lovers.
Being aware of hereditary problems that may occur with the breed is extremely important information when considering breeding Chihuahuas, make sure you breed accordingly. Never breed two dogs with dominant health issues, no matter how “cute” or “outgoing.
When you are ready to mate your dog, you can go to a Chihuahuas breeder to find a perfect match. For a fee, these people will be willing to match you with a dog of the opposite gender for breeding purposes. This is not breeding Chihuahuas for a living, but simply a way to make some money off your pet.
Male and female dogs should have the same temperaments. They should compensate for each other’s flaws, and every Chihuahua has flaws, be willing to admit yours does and choose a mate carefully! If you have a female dog, be prepared to pay a stud fee as you will receive all of the proceeds from the litter (minus the Chihuahua’s breeder’s fee). Stud fees can range from $500 to $1500. You can choose to breed your dog when she is in heat or you can use artificial insemination, of course all this is arranged in advance.
Dog breeders, whether it be Chihuahuas or any other breed who get into breeding only for the money tend to abuse the dog (puppy mills) leading to very sad and serious consequences for both dog and owner (I will always side with the dogs on this issue).
Probably the most important factor for breeding Chihuahuas has nothing to do with money but more importantly the temperament of the dog. An ethical Chihuahuas breeder will take great care placing the right dog with the right family .
