New here from Delaware

[Diamond Chihuahuas]

Hi,

I am the owner of Diamond Chihuahuas and we are located in Marydel, Delaware. We breed AKC chi's and currently have five adults and one puppy. I absolutely adore my babies!

I have a daughter, 21 and a son 18. My son has Leukemia and spends a lot of time in the hospital.

For my job, I work for PPG and am a maker of latex paint.

Please feel free to check out our website...
www.diamondchihuahuas.com


Karen

[DanL]

Hello from another Kent County person!

[ToddPugLover]

Hey Karen, welcome to the forum!

[Martine]

Hi and Welcome to Chaz! :)

[YorkieLover]

Kissy went into labor Weds, 11/02/05 and ran into some trouble. She ultimately had to have a C-Section
and had to be spayed, also. She had three beautiful puppies, one female and two males. The two males
didn't make it. The female most likely won't be offered for sale. Her colors are very unique. She appears to
be a cream and gold with black highlights over her face, ears and oh well, who knows, I'm sure she'll change!
She is just gorgeous. Congratulations KISSY! You finally did it!

Finally did what? Had a terrible time delivering her puppies and had to have a C-Section then turned around and lost 2 of her babies... Doesn't sound like anything I would want to put my female through, but just my opinion.

Welcome anyway.

[Juicy]

welcome :)

[candy722]

Hi and welcome to the forum

[AmberwayGSD]

welcome to chaz.

[GSDMom]

Hi Karen

Welcome :D

[Diamond Chihuahuas]

Thank you everyone for the very warm welcome! That's really cool to see that someone else is from our area! Small world really!


Wow Yorkie Lover,
In reply to your insinuating we would put our special "Kissy" in a bad situation... guess you need to know and understand the situation to know why that was said (referring to the copy and paste statement from our website). Kissy is very special and has never bred, although attempted many times. She has wanted to be a mother so much that she has had numerous false labors, milk and all. She has been very jealous of the other moms w/litters. We know her very well and we also know that she has always wanted to be a Mom, just never went through with the breeding. She even took over a litter when the mother ran into problems. The vet told us if she didn't go through with it this time, it would be best to have her fixed anyway because of her age, so she was going to be spayed either way to ensure she remained in excellent health.

It is also common for chihuahuas to need a C-Section. Ask any chihuahua breeder and they will tell you the same. Chi's have a very high forehead and this causes them to run into problems during birth. Unfortunately, she had the first puppy at home by herself before I got home from work and then couldn't have the other two. The one she had at home was dead. When she had the C-Section, it was found that she had an internal issue and needed to be spayed. Rather than "put her through" another procedure, we had it done at the same time.

She is very proud of the one she has and so are we for her. I didn't "put her through" anything that she didn't want to do herself. Why do you think we would do anything to hurt our sweetheart??? Those that know us well, know that we dearly love our babies, especially Kissy! Oh well, then there are those that don't know I guess. But, thanks for welcoming me, anyway.

Karen
Diamond Chihuahuas

[YorkieLover]

Karen - you are absolutely correct in the statement that I don't know anything about breeding, because I don't. I am one of those who are against it (unless it is being done for show, working, or herding), when I see so many on petfinder.com daily and know that so many are being put to sleep in shelters daily. However, I can't imagine that breeding a female at almost the age of 7 is a good thing (although I could be wrong) just to get a litter of puppies because my female has motherly instincts. The other thing that is hard for me to imagine is that Kissy didn't go through anything she didn't want to... she is a dog not a human and couldn't of possibly told you that she wanted to have a litter of puppies, a c-section (since it is so common), and babies that may not make it.
I'm sorry if I offended you in any way it was just extremely frustrating for me to go to your website and read what I did about Kissy, she does seem like a sweet and beautiful girl and I guess as I look at my own little girl, I couldn't imagine putting her through any of that + the possibility of losing her as well. To me having litters of puppies and selling them isn't as important to me as it is to rescue as many as I can that haven't had a great beginning to life.

Welcome again.

[Diamond Chihuahuas]

Yorkie Lover,
We don't breed to sell for money. That is what a puppy mill does. I usually have a list of people that are waiting for a puppy. You don't need to be offended because you don't know about breeding. Jay and I are so tuned in to our beloved Kissy that YES it is possible to know and understand a lot of things with her. She is the closest thing to a human that anyone would ever know. The vet was involved completely and the same thing could have happened to her if she was two, three, or more. Kissy wanted to be a Mommy and I'll never try to convince you of that. She has a large vocabulary and follows our conversations, understanding more than most dogs would. You can talk in a normal tone, no accenting of any words and she knows what you are saying more than one would believe. I just got back from FL after taking her and her puppy with us on vacation and I already have people emailing us that we met there asking us to please put their name on our list for any upcoming litters. I take her with me practically everywhere I go because I LOVE HER SO MUCH. And if it were for the money, her pup would be for sale, but she isn't. And not to mention the C-Section and costs were $630.00. We have five chi's and the others aren't like her. She is very different and I am sure there are many other dog owners out there that will tell you they know exactly what their dog is thinking almost always. Of course this isn't going to be true 100% of the time because she is a dog, but unless you have been in the same situation, its too hard to try to explain. Its like trying to convince someone that doesn't believe in a ghost that there are ghosts... not going to happen.

I guess the bottom line is "Kissy" is my "daughter" and you just have to believe me when I say I know what she wants.

Karen

[Gwinnywillow]

$600 for a pet quality dog with only a 7 day health guarantee????? Good grief.

[Zoom]

Hi and welcome to Chaz! It sounds like you love your Chi's very much, and we look forward to any pictures, stories and experiences you feel like sharing with us.

Just so you have a heads-up, we are a very pro-rescue/anti-BYB and puppymill forum, so some of our members tend to get a little vociferous and come off quite harshly when a breeder joins. We do have a handful on here, and once we have 'proof' that a breeder is breeding for the 'right' reasons, they are more than welcome here.

[Diamond Chihuahuas]

Thanks Zoom...you are right after reading the last two posters. I will say I am hesitiant about staying around just to get "ate alive" by a few. Seems most are friendly. Definitely puts me in a defensive mode!

Gee, last time I checked, that was a very fair price. A whole lot less than quite a few others out there. Hmm....one to four pups is an average litter, $600+ if we need a c-section, dew claws removed, shots, worming, heartworm protection, flea preventative, litter registration, starter kit to send home, collars, .....guess you want a dog for free? You need to go to the shelters if money is an issue with you. These dogs need homes, too, and I'm sure you can get one for $75 - $100. I seriously doubt they will give you a health guarantee but there are a lot of good matches made from shelters.

7 days to take your dog to the vet and make sure you have no issues seems quite fair. Good grief is right.

If it makes you feel better, I have been breeding since 98 and we have never had one unhappy person, ever. And we keep in touch with every one of our buyers, exchange pics, emails, calls, and even have get togethers. I am always a call or visit away and my buyers know this. When we sell one of our puppies, its a relationship made, not a money deal.

When I created my website I researched several others to see what they posted as policies, guidelines, etc. What I posted is similar to many others.

I stand behind every baby I have ever sold and we have never had one complaint, EVER! To me, that is something that I am very proud of.

I can take constructive criticism, but that's not the issue here. I came here to meet some nice folks, learn, share my thoughts, listen to yours, but some of you guys are definitely in an attack mode. I am proud of my chi's and can stand behind any one of them. They are healthy, socialized, loved and well-cared for and that is what matters! I usually have a list of buyers just waiting for us to have a litter because they like what they see in ours. We only have a litter or two a year and sometimes not even that.

Wow, when I joined this forum I never dreamed I would have to defend myself like this! But, I have no problem standing up for myself.

Karen

[Zoom]

Most other reputable breeders offer a 2 year health guarantee, that's why the 7 days seems a little strange.

[Diamond Chihuahuas]

Well, maybe I don't have it worded real good and I'll revisit that. Its meant to make you take your dog to the vet and get it checked out so you know you have a healthy dog. We have all our dogs vet checked before they go to a new home and I give all the papers to the buyer, shot records, wormings, everything. I have never had a dog with a health issue and when it came to putting all the policies, etc on the website, I checked out what other breeders were using as guidelines. That's all, nothing else meant by it. I keep in close touch with all my little ones. We just had a lady that got a dog from us six years ago stop in and say hi and brag about her chi and how well it is doing.

My dogs have champion backgrounds and I have sold many show quality dogs at pet quality prices. Its not about the money. I am very into breeding a dog to the standard. I have been in touch lately with several reputable breeders for a specific dog to introduce to our breeding lines. There's no way that you can post everything on a website, that's why its best to get in touch with a breeder and see what they are all about. I have driven long distances to acquire a specific dog. My dogs are like my children to me and I want what is best for them!

Karen

[Gwinnywillow]

Champion sired Chi puppies....pets $300 with limited registration. Show potential guaranteed to be finishable......$500. Lifetime guarantee against congenital and heriditary defects. Dams are all free whelpers. Litters every 3 or 4 years. In person sales only...references required. THAT is the kind of pups that would peak my interest.

[Zoom]

Gwinny, how about you make your own introduction? I notice that you yourself are new and your first few posts are near-attacks on another new member...

[huronbreeze]

Hello and welcome..Im new too...I have 4 adult gsd's and 1 pup. I want to begin to show my dogs...I bought a championed male recently( AKC Champion and Internation Champion) (i used him as a stud previously) and he will be campained to his fullest also ( to the rest of his titles). I can not wait to get my pup going into the ring...possably work with him in the spring. I have (mostly) american lines and love them inside and out...I also breed them and I too offer a guarentee...i give new buyers only 48 hours to get them vet checked...but mine get a vet check from my vet first so i know before hand they are free of murmers, hernias, paracites,over bites, testicles decended and major health issues..I give only 48 hours as they can be exposed to paracites and parvo and such and then blamed on me...If a vet says they have an issue i missed..no problem..the pup is replaced..if not..they get 1 year...Now...I know it takes 2 years to test and certify with OFA...but you can get a prelim xray I suggest 10 to 11 months and any vet can tell bad if he sees it..I will have time to replace the pup if need be and I documant and track all pups born as to health, temperment and looks. I do so as long as the buyers will communicate and share info..I just dont want to wait 2 years and IF a "issue" has come up I want to catch it and not repeat that breeding if thats the case. If I wait 2 years I might have repeated that breeding and potentially had more problems..But..THANK GOD I have had no issues...I have gotten great feed back and shared pictures and emails..I do offer good quality pups at affordable prices and 99% on limited registration...guarentees on show dogs is more detailed guarenteeing things such as ear sets, over bits...missing teeth..thats part of the reason i chage more for full registration...that and I dont want BYB and Mills to want my dogs...

I dont no anything about chis but i would bet they are harder to breed and costs are up there with the loss percentage and over head for vet care in the case of c sections..I see the price any where from 300 to thousands depending on the claims ( ie, teacup,,,cough cough..) good luck with your girls..

[Diamond Chihuahuas]

Hi Huronbreeze,

Yes, I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from. I changed my website to reflect the fact that I do guarantee them longer than 7 days, it was just not worded correctly. It is worded to make you take your dog to the vet for similar reasons that you mention. I, too, have never ever had any unhappy people, so it was something that didn't concern me as it would a stranger who doesn't know us. (My website is fairly new and I constantly revisit the wording, etc.) Prior to my website, I have done business from word of mouth and have always had a waiting list from recommendations of happy buyers. I, also, have all my pups vet checked before they leave. I also pass along all papers related to all of their vet checkups, shots, wormings, etc. $600 for a well-bred pup is more than reasonable as there are many expenses involved. Not to mention a chi has from only one to four pups as a normal expected average litter. To expect a show quality dog as Gwinnywillow wishes and for only 300-500 dollars ... wow, I surf the web a lot and I've never encountered that kind of a guarantee. Nothing's impossible though. And absolutely nobody can say a chi will be guaranteed to free-whelp. Sorta like telling a woman that it is impossible for her to run into any problems having her baby.....not gonna happen. It's an unknown thing until the times comes as with any birthing.
I wish to welcome you as you have me and I hope they don't attack you, too...lol. I guess some assume most breeders are bad...what a shame. I know there are plenty of puppy mills out there and I would suggest that their energy be spent on going after these people. I have no puppies available and have a waiting list that is quite long for any puppies in the future. I think that says a lot for our reputation.

Karen

[RedyreRottweilers]

Well, maybe I don't have it worded real good and I'll revisit that. Its meant to make you take your dog to the vet and get it checked out so you know you have a healthy dog. We have all our dogs vet checked before they go to a new home and I give all the papers to the buyer, shot records, wormings, everything. I have never had a dog with a health issue and when it came to putting all the policies, etc on the website, I checked out what other breeders were using as guidelines. That's all, nothing else meant by it. I keep in close touch with all my little ones. We just had a lady that got a dog from us six years ago stop in and say hi and brag about her chi and how well it is doing.

What health testing do you do before breeding?


My dogs have champion backgrounds and I have sold many show quality dogs at pet quality prices.

I'm just curious how you determine show quality when you are not using show dogs for breeding, and you do not show dogs yourself. Can you educate me on that?

Its not about the money. I am very into breeding a dog to the standard.

How do you learn about the standard and how dogs fit the standard if you don't compete with your dogs?

What is your position on the Merle issue?

[Diamond Chihuahuas]

I don't have to show a dog to know what the standard for chihuahuas is. I have purchased dogs from other breeders that have champion bloodlines. The litter I just sold last was bred with a dog that is a champion sire. Kato's bloodline has American and Canadian Champions in it.

I have been interested in showing a dog but just don't know where to get started. In Delaware, we don't have a lot of clubs, etc. The closest one that I know of is in Wilmington. I have a son with Leukemia which takes up a lot of our time back and forth in the hospitals and doesn't leave a lot of extra time that I'm sure it would take to work with a show dog. Working full time and dealing with a child with cancer can be quite trying at times.

As for merles, I think its a shame that someone would introduce a merle into their lines. I have read a lot and from what I can see, they are not a purebred and it is a shame to risk bringing up a litter of blind puppies, etc and all the negatives that go with it. They are very large and too many are playing with merles these days, messing up the pureness of the breed.

Hope that answers your questions. If not, feel free to pm me.

Karen

[RedyreRottweilers]

So if you don't show, I ask again. How do you understand how to apply the breed standard to your dogs.

How do you know how your dogs measure up if you don't show dogs?

How can you grade puppies as pet or show quality if their parents are not being shown?

What dogs do you feel are excellent examples of your breed?

You feel confident enough to breed dogs and grade them as pet or show quality, but you have no idea how to get started showing a dog?

Delaware all breed clubs I found are:


Mispillion Kennel Club, Inc.

Corresponding Secretary : Blackie Nygood
Address: 22998 Rum Bridge Rd, Georgetown, DE , 19947
Email: blackieatrumbridge@msn.com
Club Type: All Breed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wilmington Kennel Club, Inc.

Corresponding Secretary : Martha Doerner
Address: c/o The Wilmington Kennel Club, Newark, DE , 19702--260
Website: www.wilmingtonkennelclub.org
Club Type: All Breed

[Gwinnywillow]

Any reputable breeder of even the highest quality dogs is going to have pups on occasion that do not quite meet their critical eye. These pups they will sell on a spay/neuter, limited registration basis for between $300-$500 regardless of breed.

Now there are rip off artists in every breed who will rob you just because they are dealing with a "rare" breed. And that is a shame.

There is no such thing as "Champion bloodlines". I do not ever recall seeing a vial of blood being judged at a show. And how you end up with free whelping females is by only breeding females who CAN free whelp, and spaying those that need C-Sections. The problems associated with needing C-Sections are hereditary.

The advantage of breeding top quality dogs from champions is because those dogs are moderately well known, and so are their kids. And any problems are more likely to be known. If I want a puppy, I would much rather have one from a breeder who has shown, and hopefully done some winning, and knows the genetics of her breed, etc. Most breeders of this caliber will give a lifetime warranty on their pups, and are there for the life of that dog to help and answer questions, etc. And of course, this breeder will sell those pet pups on limited registration. And some will even give spay and neuter rebates!!

What is with this "Merle" stuff? Has someone crossed dapple dashhunds with Chihuahuas?

[RedyreRottweilers]

GW, it's not really known how the merle gene got into the Chihuahua gene pool. Many do feel that an outcross to a different breed had to happen somewhere along the line.

The jury is still out on what the National Club is actually going to do about it, but they do have an advisory about it on their web site.

[xxxpoo]

Welcome to the forum!

If you haven't noticed already, these people like to bash others ....... especially breeders and owners or purchasers of "designer dogs"

I'm curious how they all got their dogs if somebody wasn't breeding them.... :D

[Brattina88]

xxxpoo please don't label all of us. . .

[PixieSticksandTricks]

welcome I love Chis :)

[PixieSticksandTricks]

Thanks Zoom...you are right after reading the last two posters. I will say I am hesitiant about staying around just to get "ate alive" by a few. Seems most are friendly. Definitely puts me in a defensive mode!

Gee, last time I checked, that was a very fair price. A whole lot less than quite a few others out there. Hmm....one to four pups is an average litter, $600+ if we need a c-section, dew claws removed, shots, worming, heartworm protection, flea preventative, litter registration, starter kit to send home, collars, .....guess you want a dog for free? You need to go to the shelters if money is an issue with you. These dogs need homes, too, and I'm sure you can get one for $75 - $100. I seriously doubt they will give you a health guarantee but there are a lot of good matches made from shelters.

7 days to take your dog to the vet and make sure you have no issues seems quite fair. Good grief is right.

If it makes you feel better, I have been breeding since 98 and we have never had one unhappy person, ever. And we keep in touch with every one of our buyers, exchange pics, emails, calls, and even have get togethers. I am always a call or visit away and my buyers know this. When we sell one of our puppies, its a relationship made, not a money deal.

When I created my website I researched several others to see what they posted as policies, guidelines, etc. What I posted is similar to many others.

I stand behind every baby I have ever sold and we have never had one complaint, EVER! To me, that is something that I am very proud of.

I can take constructive criticism, but that's not the issue here. I came here to meet some nice folks, learn, share my thoughts, listen to yours, but some of you guys are definitely in an attack mode. I am proud of my chi's and can stand behind any one of them. They are healthy, socialized, loved and well-cared for and that is what matters! I usually have a list of buyers just waiting for us to have a litter because they like what they see in ours. We only have a litter or two a year and sometimes not even that.

Wow, when I joined this forum I never dreamed I would have to defend myself like this! But, I have no problem standing up for myself.

Karen
Please stay

[RedyreRottweilers]

There is nothing wrong with breeding dogs if it's done the proper way.

[PixieSticksandTricks]

There is nothing wrong with breeding dogs if it's done the proper way.
I agree

[bubbatd]

I welcome you here and wish this had been posted in the breeding section. I only came here to check on a new "trouble maker" member and saw your posts. Yes, many of us here have their own thoughts of breeding... we're a mixed bag, and I've never seen any to atone a BYB... that's why you were asked so many question. If you are a true " breeder" who sticks by the rules, then defend yourself. We'll listen. From what I gather, you breed 3 females ...do they breed to your sire ?? Any cross or line breeding ?? The only thing ( as a past breeder ) that really bothered me, that your precious baby had to whelp on her own. When her temp dropped , nothing in heaven or earth could have made me go to work and leave her !

[RedyreRottweilers]

I'm still wondering about the very first question I asked Diamond about health testing.

What health testing do you do on your dogs before breeding?

[Denaluvscorgis]

Hi & welcome to Chazhound!! It's really nice to have you here.:)