I know there are a few Chihuahua people here on this forum, and was hoping to learn more about them. Jessie's post on the thread "Toy Breeds" was very helpful, but I'm also hoping to get information on breeders as well.
I'm doing the initial research for my sister, who is set on getting a Chihuahua in the next few years. I'm concerned that she will find a less than stellar breeder and end up with a Chi that is shy and nervy or of poor health, like many Chihuahuas I see in the neighborhood.
Questions:
- How much exercise do they require, on average? I am out 3-5 hours a day exercising with my GSD, but my younger sister cannot be persuaded to walk for more than 30-45 minutes a day at a slow pace.
- How good are they for first time dog owners?
- Generally, are they an affectionate, lap dog breed? My sister does not see dogs as an accessory, but she wants a dog she can cuddle with and a dog that will be content to sit still with her. I've stressed before that they are dogs and need enough exercise and mental as well as physical stimulation, so she should understand this as well.
- What are the common health problems within the breed? What is the minimum health testing that all breeders should be expected to perform on their breeding dogs?
- How much can one expect to pay for a pet quality Chihuahua? This is not actually a contributing factor in our choice, but I would like my sister to know how much she should expect to pay initially.
- How do I go about finding a good breeder? Any breeder recommendations? I know a lot of people will tell me to attend a dog show, but I have and to be honest, left with a VERY bad taste in my mouth when it came to the toy breeds. The handlers and breeders were not helpful or willing to talk, even though I made sure to catch them at a time when they were not preoccupied.
I have gone online to the Chihuahua Club of America (Chihuahua Club of America) and found no breeders in Oregon. I found 2 in Washington State, one of which had very little information on the website. The other breeder in Washington State seemed okay and conscientious as far as their breeding program and their dogs. Their kennel name is Diadem Chihuahuas (DIADEM CHIHUAHUAS).
I also found a breeder in Santa Cruz I liked, Loma Chihuahuas (Loma Chihuahuas HOME AND KENNEL). They are 11 hours away, though, which makes things difficult...
Any other recommendations for breeders in the Oregon/West coast area? Any other information as far as the breed, things to keep in mind, etc?
Much appreciated!
I'm doing the initial research for my sister, who is set on getting a Chihuahua in the next few years. I'm concerned that she will find a less than stellar breeder and end up with a Chi that is shy and nervy or of poor health, like many Chihuahuas I see in the neighborhood.
Questions:
- How much exercise do they require, on average? I am out 3-5 hours a day exercising with my GSD, but my younger sister cannot be persuaded to walk for more than 30-45 minutes a day at a slow pace.
- How good are they for first time dog owners?
- Generally, are they an affectionate, lap dog breed? My sister does not see dogs as an accessory, but she wants a dog she can cuddle with and a dog that will be content to sit still with her. I've stressed before that they are dogs and need enough exercise and mental as well as physical stimulation, so she should understand this as well.
- What are the common health problems within the breed? What is the minimum health testing that all breeders should be expected to perform on their breeding dogs?
- How much can one expect to pay for a pet quality Chihuahua? This is not actually a contributing factor in our choice, but I would like my sister to know how much she should expect to pay initially.
- How do I go about finding a good breeder? Any breeder recommendations? I know a lot of people will tell me to attend a dog show, but I have and to be honest, left with a VERY bad taste in my mouth when it came to the toy breeds. The handlers and breeders were not helpful or willing to talk, even though I made sure to catch them at a time when they were not preoccupied.
I have gone online to the Chihuahua Club of America (Chihuahua Club of America) and found no breeders in Oregon. I found 2 in Washington State, one of which had very little information on the website. The other breeder in Washington State seemed okay and conscientious as far as their breeding program and their dogs. Their kennel name is Diadem Chihuahuas (DIADEM CHIHUAHUAS).
I also found a breeder in Santa Cruz I liked, Loma Chihuahuas (Loma Chihuahuas HOME AND KENNEL). They are 11 hours away, though, which makes things difficult...
Any other recommendations for breeders in the Oregon/West coast area? Any other information as far as the breed, things to keep in mind, etc?
Much appreciated!