Where can I find a REPUTABLE AKC-certified chihuahua breeder?

Question

I am looking to buy a chihuahua puppy (not for breeding or showing, but I want an AKC-certifiable pup), and have been doing tons of research in order to make an educated decision. I have found lots of breeders here in NJ, but upon examining their websites, I have determined that they HAVE to be puppy mills ("CKC certifiable pups", etc?), putting out 3 litters a month?! I read somewhere that 3-4 litters a YEAR is ideal. Does anyone know of any chihuahua breeders (preferably in the NJ/PA/NY area) that meet the following criteria?:

1) breeds to BETTER the breed, and currently SHOWS their dogs
2) breeds chihuahuas only (no other breeds)
3) both the sire and dam are AKC-certified (CKC scares me)

There's only one AKC listing in NJ, I checked her out and it may be a puppy mill. :( Any other suggestions? Please post a link or contact info! Thanks in advance! :) (Any other related advice would be appreciated here also!)

P.S., I agree that not all AKC-certified breeders are legitimate! It's so sad. The one breeder in NJ on the AKC website is probably a puppy mill. I'm just saying that the dog has to at the very LEAST be AKC-certified. Just wanted to clear that up! :)

Answer 1

The AKC has a referral link that is breed specific look on the list to Chihuahua and click the woman's name to get her email address. She is from the Chihuahua Club of America, a great club truly dedicated to preserving the Chihuahua breed. She can give you contacts for reputable breeders and would have the information you need about the breeders.
A dedicated breeder will allow you full access to tour their facilities, have photographs and ribbons on display of show winners. They will also keep breed logs of sires, dams, puppies for the purpose of proving their dedication to the breed. They will have alot of questions for you as well to assure that puppies are going to appropriate homes. There is several branches of the CCA in your area so I have confidence that through them you can locate a qualified breeder near you. There is one for Greater New York and one for Mid-Jersey if that helps.
Please read the AKC breed index listing about Chihuahuas so that you may learn how to recognize a quality Chihuahua. You can also find several informative books dedicated to the Chihuahuas and they include photos of some of the top winners from several Kennels.
They are truly great dogs, very sweet and loving if socialized properly. I hope you find a Chi of your own to love. Be patient, browse a couple of breeders and have FUN.
I own several of my own and I love CHIHUAHUAS!!!!!!

Answer 2

Try the AKC website. www.akc.org. They have a breeders classified section where they list puppies for sale. They also have a listing for breed specific rescues. The rescues are always looking for “forever” homes for their dogs! Also, you can try www.puppyfind.com. Be very, very careful about that site. There are too many puppy mills and backyard breeders that list on this site. However, if you know what you are looking for and the AKC standards for the breed, then you should do just find there, as long as you ask the right questions! You seem to know what you are looking for and have a good idea of what is good and what isn't. It may take a lot of looking and definately a lot of questions!

Here are some of the questions that you need to ask the breeder:

1. Do you have both parents on site? -- This lets you see both parents and see how they behave. This is a good indicator on how the puppy will act.

2. Are the parents and puppies AKC?-- If not, run!!! AKC has some of the strictest guidelines of any of the registries. Most dogs that are not AKC (and even some that are) should never have been born because they are very poor quality.

3. Are the parents current on all shots and are currently on Heartworm preventative? -- Shows that the parents are well cared for.

4. Have all of the proper genetic tests been done on the parents before mating? -- Shows if there are any potential serious genetic defects in the lines.

5. What type of health guarantee does the puppy have? -- Most reputable breeders have a return or refund policy if the puppy has health issues.

6. What kind of contract must I sign to get the puppy? -- If there is no contract, RUN! This shows they really don't care who gets the puppy as long as they get money!

7. Will the puppy have its first shots and be wormed? -- This is a MUST!

8. How many litters has she had? How many litters do all of your dogs have per year? -- If she has had more than 4 litters, I would be concerned. If she has had more that 3 litters in two year, Backyard Breeder, RUN! If she has several litters a year out of very few dogs, STAY AWAY! Use some common sense. A dog really shouldn't have more than one litter a year. However, accidents happen, but more than three in two years means she was bred every time she went into heat.

9. Are the parents considered pets? Do they have free run of the house? -- If they are outside only, or contained to a small area of the house, they may not be well socialized. I would be very wary.

10. So you have references from your vet, neighbors, and people who purchased puppies from previous litters? -- References are so important, so that you know how others feel about the breeder. If the breeder refuses, then you should stay away!

Finally, make sure that you inspect the property where the breeder has the dogs. See how they interact with other animals, and yourself. You can tell by looking at them and interacting with them if they are well cared for.

Also, don't be surprised if the breeder asks you for some things too. I always ask for references, a letter from the landlord if they do not own their own home, if they have done their research, how they plan on house-breaking the dog, and who would be their primary vet.

Good luck! If you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me!

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Where can I find a REPUTABLE AKC-certified chihuahua breeder?
I am looking to buy a chihuahua puppy (not for breeding or showing, but I want an AKC-certifiable pup), and have been doing tons of research in order to make an educated decision. I have found lots of breeders here in NJ, but upon examining their websites, I have determined that they HAVE to be...

Answer 4

The best idea in this respect for any breed is to go and visit the breeder. NEVER buy a puppy unless you have visited the breeder, seen their facilities, and met your puppy. And don't be to particularly impressed with AKC certification. All that it requires is that the dog be purebred 4 generations back. NOTHING else. If you want the best possible pup-ask for DUAL Certification with the AKC and the UKC. And you are very correct to be wary of CKC registration. It is just a ploy by volume breeders to lend legitimacy to their pups. Hope this helps-sorry I'm not familiar with the NJ area-from Anchorage and breed champion basset hounds.

Answer 5

I know how you feel, I have a purebred chihuahua pup but it took me a while to find a good breeder. I got my puppy from a great breeder in North Carolina, I'm sure that is too far from you, though. Try looking at the chihuahua breeder refferal on www.akc.org (The American Kennel Club's website).

Good Luck,
Chihuahua~Chic

Answer 6

I would suggest looking into specialty breed clubs. They can give you a list of the reputable breeders within your area.

www.akc.org

Is also a good place to go for akc breeders that have puppies on the site.

Answer 7

Not all litters advertised on the AKC website are from reputable/responsible breeders. Anyone can advertise a litter on there.

With the dogs I have (dobermans), we have the DPCA (Doberman Pinscher Club of America) that we can get a breeder referral from.

Check out the link below, maybe they can recommend a breeder fairly close to you.

Answer 8

what makes you suspect that it is a puppy mill have you visited ? Because it puts out 3 litters a month ? is that what you are basing your opinion of it on ? I think you should go visit before labeling it a puppy mill dont you? No I am not a byb i just think people should not be labeling people's business without first observing it . All my dogs are fixed (neutered and spayed ) and always have been .

Answer 9

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