| Made popular by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, | | | | breeding to determine any symptoms of poor health. |
| Paris Hilton and Sandra Bullock, an increasing number | | | | Such symptoms include lethargy, flake and spots on |
| of individuals are taking to adopting Chihuahuas as | | | | the Chihuahua's coat. As a precaution, it is also |
| pets. Given the increasing demand for Chihuahuas, it | | | | imperative for the potential owner to request a |
| is not difficult to find Chihuahua breeders these days. | | | | veterinarian certification from the Chihuahua breeder |
| However, breeding Chihuahuas can by no means be | | | | to ensure that the particular Chihuahua in question is |
| something that can be taken lightly. Irresponsible | | | | completely free from illnesses. |
| breeding habits have the potential of producing | | | | This is important as certain illnesses such as Patellar |
| Chihuahuas with hereditary illnesses that can prove to | | | | Luxation and other deformities can be hereditary. |
| be extremely bothersome and heart wrenching, | | | | Diseases are often acquired through poor standards |
| especially since adopting a Chihuahua is a long term | | | | in the Chihuahua's living environment or can also be a |
| commitment, considering the long lifespan of the dog. | | | | result of insufficient nutrition. Hereditary diseases |
| Given such, meticulous care is necessary for a | | | | acquired by Chihuahua puppies often result in early |
| potential owner when breeding Chihuahuas. | | | | death or may cause the Chihuahua to fall sick very |
| Contacting a breeder that practices responsible | | | | often throughout the period of its life. Chihuahuas |
| breeding practices is necessary. It would be a good | | | | tested positive for any illnesses should never be used |
| idea to check with reputable canine organizations | | | | as part of the breeding process to prevent the |
| such as the American Kennel Club for a list of | | | | spread of these diseases to the Chihuahua puppies. |
| responsible Chihuahua breeders at the local or national | | | | Subsequently, a clean area should be set aside for |
| level. Veterinarians, magazines and pet stores are all | | | | breeding. This should be cleaned and disinfected to |
| good sources of respectable Chihuahua breeders. A | | | | prevent any possible existence of bacteria and |
| breeder with a respectable reputation who has good | | | | germs. The Chihuahua breeder should have concern |
| practices is the first step towards ensuring | | | | over the hygiene and well being of the puppy and |
| responsible breeding. | | | | not just interested in making a sale. |
| Upon selection of the breeder, it is necessary for the | | | | Stringent criterion and selective breeding is necessary |
| potential owner to interview the Chihuahua breeder | | | | in any case. This is important in order to develop not |
| chosen. This ensures greater understanding of the | | | | only Chihuahuas with good external features, but also |
| breeders breeding practices. Such practices include | | | | healthy Chihuahuas free from any genetic defects or |
| the breeder's policy towards ill Chihuahuas as well as | | | | hereditary illnesses. With careful selection in place as |
| the frequency with which the breeder sends his | | | | well as sufficient nutrition, adequate commitment and |
| Chihuahuas fro checkups at the local vet. The | | | | regular checkups, Chihuahua owners would be able to |
| potential owner should also make it a point to | | | | savor the joys of adopting one of the most popular |
| examine the Chihuahua which would be used for | | | | dogs today. |