2007-01-04 15:47:59 · 7 answers · asked by brooke 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
some people shouldn't answer to these type of questions if they have no knowledge about animals. It can be very risky to breed such a small dog. They might not be able to pass the puppies on their own, they could get stuck and need to do surgery. The mother pup may not have enough nutrients for the puppies. The puppies and the mother may not make it. I would highly recommend talking to your vet and getting more information, not just from a book, that doesn't always help you. you need to know what things could go wrong before you make a decision.
2007-01-04 16:10:13 · answer #1 · answered by ri_bear24 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a big decision. This website is great: http://www.wonderpuppy.net/breeding.htm#breeding
You really need to educate yourself and talk to you vet. It is a huge responsibility!
Another thing to consider is how many chihauhaus are currently without homes and how responsible it is to bring more into the world. The breed has experienced a surge in popularity and along with this comes unwanted dogs.
2007-01-04 23:51:55 · answer #2 · answered by Naway 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, just because you've read five books doesn't make your Chihuahua the epitome of the breed standard and you a dog geneticist.
2007-01-04 23:58:34 · answer #3 · answered by dottidal 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
SO you want to know about breeding animals? First of all why are you wanting to breed animals? I'm not asking to be rude, but really think about what you are getting into. There are millions of unwanted dogs out there without homes and you will be contributing to that. That is the reality of breeding. You will contribute to the population of animals. How are you going to keep the animals you produce from becoming homeless, from reproducing out of control, from being abused, from being used in puppy mills, etc. THE ONLY REASON TO BREED IS A DESIRE TO IMPROVE THE BREED STANDARD -- NOT TO MAKE MONEY!
Next, whatever breed you choose, know what the standard is, know what is normal. Know what genetic defects are likely (i.e. chihuahuas commonly are born with brain/skull defect such as hydrocephalus). I'm nore sure what your educational background is, but you need to know a lot about genetics before you start breeding animals -- what traits are recessive, which are dominent, how to cull breeding animals with undesirebable traits, etc. You need to know about mating, estrus cycles of the the dog, whelping and caring for the puppies after whelping. You need to learn about showing and competition in order to gain access tothe use of good stud dogs that are a good standard of the breed. You need to be familiar withthe Animal Welfare Act, and other animal care and welfare protocols. You need to be aware of laws in your state, county, city, district, etc regarding keeping breeding animals on your property and the limit which you can own.
You need to join AKC and other club breeding groups to network, get advice, etc on breeding, to find good specimens to breed, etc. You need to familiarized yourself with the following: OFA, Penn Hip and other certification agencies.
Breeding is not a pasttime - it is a life. Breeders do it for a love of the breed, they compete and only produce the best specimens of the breed. IF YOU MAKE MONEY BREEDING ANIMALS - YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG! Breeding takes many hours, a lot of money (vet bills, stud costs, shelter, food, medications, the occassional C-sections, flights to competitions, hotel fees, registration fees, creating adoption documents, certifying hips, elbows, knees, retinas, etc).
See, it takes a lot more than reading a book!
My suggestion - why not participate in an animal rescue? There are breed spcific rescues out there that are in need of foster homes and many animals in need of rehabilitation. There are many animals with disabilites that need foster homes and forever homes (www.petswithdisabilites.org). I am a medical coordinator of a rescue group in Indiana and I have had nothing but great experiences rescueing animals and seeing them go to good homes with caring people. In the year I've been working with this group I've fostered 10 animals, and our group have found homes for over 200 unwanted and stray animals. Now that is a life!
Oh and I own 2 chihuahuas - one was a stray, not spayed, and attacked by a dog, the other was a puppy that was poorly socialized. Both are happy, healthy and neutered. These were homeless animals I was able to give a lovimg home to.
2007-01-05 00:04:04 · answer #4 · answered by Diana 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Talk to people at your local animal shelter before you breed your dog. They can tell you how many lovely, adorable, sweet chihuahuas die due to lack of good homes.
For every puppy you place, one puppy in a shelter dies.
2007-01-05 02:58:02 · answer #5 · answered by rualass 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it depends on if your chi gets along with the chi your trying to breed it with
2007-01-04 23:54:40 · answer #6 · answered by Brat B 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if you want to. i would. long haired are cute. but you should make sure you know how properly take care of them before you start, obviously.
2007-01-04 23:56:58 · answer #7 · answered by Huh? 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋