I've Decided...
I Want a Chihuahua!
 | You already know what a puppy mill is, so you wouldn't go there, and you know not to buy from a pet store, since their dogs are from brokers who get their dogs from puppy mills. (Rarely a store will put you in contact with the breeder. VERY rarely.)
If you're buying a dog whose mama lives in a little cage and has litter after litter of puppies, someone should be rescuing the mama, and all her caged neighbors too. Her babies weren't bred to improve the Chihuahua Standard, or to be carefully selected as a beloved pet... they were bred for bucks.
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Your choice is to buy from a reputable breeder who has been recommended to you or who can provide references for you to contact and ask about their dogs.
The breeder should ask you some questions too! Like... Why do you want a Chihuahua? They're cute but they're not "no maintenance" so you need to be informed before you finalize your plans.
What health questions should I ask?
Chihuahuas are prone to specific genetic problems in the breed. You want to
know the answers to these questions from the breeder, and if YOU are planning to
breed, you also need to know about this dog's parents too! What were they like,
what traits did they exhibit, etc. For each question you'll want to know, "Does this dog have... (Or a history of...)
It will also make a difference whether you're buying or rescuing the dog, and whether it is to be a neutered pet. If you're a breeder, you already know the questons which must be answered before you make your decision.
Does this dog have an open fontanel (molera)? What does that mean to me?
Does this dog have any back or knee problems, such as patellar luxation?
Does this dog have a healthy heart and circulation? (no heart murmur)
Does this dog have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?
Does this dog have any problem with glaucoma or eye infections?
Does this dog have healthy teeth and gums, or any jawbone disorders?
Is this dog prone to reverse coughing/sneezing? Ask how to deal with
this condition.
Has this dog or its parents experienced collapsed trachea or difficulty breathing?
Has this dog shown any tendency toward epilepsy or seizures? How do we
deal with that?
Has this dog had any canine diseases? Rabies, parvo, distemper, etc?
Are this dog's shots up to date and health records available to go with
this dog?
What veterinary care has this dog had? Is it now, or will it be
neutered?
Has this dog received adequate nutrition, socialization, basic
obedience training?
What guarantee does this dog come with? Is there a "trial" adoption
period?
What can you tell me about this dog's personality and habits?
Is this dog housebroken? What are his/her potty habits? (how often,
where, etc.)
What does this dog eat, how much, and how often? Does this dog get
treats/chews?
Does anything come with this dog, such as collar, bed, toys, chew and a
few days of food?
(You won't want to change foods abruptly and risk upsetting the dog's digestion.)
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It may be extremely difficult, but consider meeting the dog several times before you bring it home with you. Observe it with other dogs and watch their interactions to see if it is able to socialize with other pets. Discover whether it is friendly with children and other people -- YOU in particular, and objectively consider whether or not you are genuinely attracted to the dog. Hopefully you will be spending the next dozen years or so together. Do all you can to make sure you can love the dog you choose unconditionally... because that is what you're going to get from him/her.
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