Chihuahua breeding

Chihuahua breeding

There is more to Chihuahua breeding than

meets the eye. You don't just let a couple of

Chis play around in the back yard!

Chihuahua breeding involves tracking each

animal's heritage. Breeders are interested

in the traits of each dog's ancestors. They

want to know which dominant and recessive

traits are present in each lineage and how far removed each trait lies. For instance, long hair in Chihuahuas is a recessive trait. That means that there are certain traits that will never show up unless the genetic material from both parents has this recessive gene present. Short hair dominates long hair, so you know that any long-haired Chi is a very special dog!

There are also traits that are not desirable. Chihuahua breeders are very careful to watch for an especially short nose, which may cause more wheezing and snoring than normal. Additionally, their prominent eyes can be affected by dryness, a problem which needs to be addressed if the moisture of regular tears is insufficient. If these or other traits are present in an animal, it becomes part of their genetic record. Since Chihuahua breeding is a science, meticulous records must be kept.

To assist breeders in proper Chihuahua breeding, several organizations have developed databases of information about purebred animals, Chihuahuas included. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has several goals, among which are: "to collate and disseminate information concerning orthopedic and genetic diseases of animals" and "to advise, encourage and establish control programs to lower the incidence of orthopedic and genetic diseases."

Another registry is provided for eyes. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (C.E.R.F.) has a registry "dedicated to the elimination of heritable eye disease in purebred dogs through registration and research." Any Chihuahua breeding program that does not offer certification through these programs is best avoided.

No good Chihuahua breeder mates his animals just to get pets to sell. Chihuahua breeding is done to improve the breed and for no other reason. The local puppy mill should not be confused with a breeder. They will have their dogs certified by a vet. Chihuahua breeding should include patella registration as that is one area with which the delicate Chi has problems. It may take a fairly expensive operation to correct this in your Chi, and you certainly would not wish to breed a dog with heritable troubles in this area.

Check with your local vet and American Kennel Club branch to be sure you've found a reputable Chihuahua breeding source before you pay good money for your new fur friend.