Breeding Chihuahuas?

Question

I have a 7 month female Chihuahua and I am planning on getting another one that is male. I am thinking about breeding them when they get older, not to sell, but to keep for myself and to give to my other family members. Besides over population and knowing the genetics of the 2 animals, what are the pros and cons of breeding them? How hard is it and what is the general cost? I have found books on breeding but not specific to Chihuahuas. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

When breeding Chihuahua pets, the risk is great. If your female is under 5 pounds, she is likely to require a C-section (cost varies $500-$1200, so best to call local vets)
If male is more than a pound larger than the female, she is likely to require C-section.
If she does have to deliver by C-section, you may have a huge job on your hands to get those puppies their colostrum, and get them started nursing. (usually involves hand rearing for a few days).
Chihuahuas shouldn't breed until the estrus following their second birthday..ever.
Normal litter is 3 puppies..often only one or two..
Be sure to have both parent's knees checked before breeding, as Luxating patella is a huge problem in the breed..Most owners don't know their Chi has that issue, or carries the genetics for it.
Time the breeding for mellow weather..not mid summer or winter, as chill and overheating are problems with Chihuahua puppies and nursing moms.
Feed a PREMIUM kibble to mom, her entire life..Nothing from the grocery store will be sufficient...Chihuahuas have so many bone maladies as they mature if not fed a premium diet, especially females that have produced a litter or litters..
Take the mom for an ultrasound on gestational day 55, to make certain that she will be able to free whelp, or to schedule a C-section. (emergency C-sections cost twice as much) .
My friend breeds tiny Chihuahuas, of about 3 pounds...She called me Christmas week. Instead of wishing a happy holiday, she told me the heartbreaking tale of losing her precious little Chihuahua in trying to deliver her first litter..at 2 years old..This person is very experienced, and the Chi was her 'special' favorite little bed buddy..By the time it was realized mom was in trouble, it was too late to get her in for a C-section. She lost both mom and puppies..You need to be aware that that happens all too often with these precious little critters..
I was a Chihuahua breeder for many years.
If your female is 5 pounds or more, when mature, the risks are much lower.

Answer 2

Make sure the male is smaller than the female, this will reduce the chance of her having puppies too big to pass through her birth canal. Little chis are prone to needing c-sections, and most vet clinics will want the money when they do the operation, so be prepared for that. Chihuahuas obviously have very small birth canals and it is not uncommong to have a puppy turned the wrong way or stuck, which can be harmful to both mom & babies if she's not watched carefully. I wouldn't breed her until she's over a year old and in her 2nd or 3rd heat cycle. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I have to agree with one of the above statements: I never made any money either. That said, if you're just breeding for hobby I guess it doesn't make any difference :)

Chihuahuas are just as expensive to maintain as any larger dogs, they just eat marginally less. Vet costs will vary by location-- ask about 'litter discounts' on shots!-- and in some cases (such as my home state of Virginia) it is illegal to sell or give away un-vaccinated puppies and if you try to do it at less than eight weeks you'll be fined. So make sure you do some research (talk to other dog breeders, vets, rescue organizations, etc.) in your area, not just online for that info.

A vet is probably going to tell you that breeding Chihuahuas is dangerous, especially if you have no prior animal breeding experience and you will be advised against it... just like most of the people who have responded to your question... but if you pay careful attention to your dogs (also helpful is if you are a parent yourself) you can be successful.

Essential Breeding Info:

- Wait until she's one year-old to breed and do not breed her more than once a year if you want her to have a long, healthy life.

- Pay attention to the size of your female in comparison to the size of your male: if he's more than one pound larger than her, DO NOT BREED THEM-- you risk losing her and/ or the puppies (in other words: find the absolute smallest male you can and breed him to an average-sized female)

- In my experience, females under four pounds shouldn't be bred: they're simply too small and things can go wrong incredibly quickly

- A female who can lay flat on her tummy with her legs stretched straight out behind her will have a slightly easier time with delivery (I think it has to do with the shape of her pelvis)

- Perfectly normal litters can range from one to five puppies (with five being uncommonly large and six being huge)

- Two hours between deliveries is normal and labor can last for as long as twenty-four hours

- She experiences a lot of discomfort and may yelp, whine or struggle

- You can do everything right but there is a very real risk that she might die

Even though it's possible for an absolute beginner, the breeding and upkeep of these dogs is a major hassle for anyone with a job and/ or family. Plan accordingly.

Good luck!

Answer 4

It does not need to be specific to Chihuahuas, all canines have the same breeding cycle, wolves, foxes, dobermans, terriers, they are all the same. Individual dogs may vary in when they come into heat but the cycles is all the same.

I would not breed them to give away or sell. Back Yard Breeders do not know what they are doing. And for you to ask here is proof enough. The only way to keep a breed pure of faults and predispositions is to breed pure. If you do not have the Pedigree on your dog or the one to come you will be messing with genetic's that you know nothing about. Creating a pool of faulty genetic's that weaken the breed. Even as a Back Yard Breeder you should know more than you do.

Please, do not breed them. PLEASE !!!!!!!

Answer 5

I have bred my Chihuahas and all they have to do is like each other it all comes natural to them to breed. My first litter there were only 2 but the second litter there were 5. The mother will need help on her first litter to deliver they are not very good at first.
I sold some of the pups to the pet store but only got 100.00 a piece for them.

Answer 6

When my two chi's breed they really didn't need any help until they were done because when they tie up the female might freak out a little bit, I know mine did. the best thing to do with that is to put them both in the bathtub and let them untie themselves. It might break your heart to see them like that and hear the noises that they make but trust me they arent in any danger. As far as the bath tub thing, when they become un tied there is a little bit of a mess so it's just easier to put them in there for easier clean up! My best advice to you on breeding chi's is to go to http://www.chihuahualoving.com It tells you every single thing that you need to know about chi's! good luck!!!!

Answer 7

Well I've bred my Chihuahua's and let me tell you YOU DON'T MAKE ANY MONEY!

most of my money went back into caring for the puppies but i enjoy the puppies.

this is a GREAT site, i used it when i whelped my first litter and i later got to know the owner of the site.

http://www.chihuahualoving.com/HomePage.asp


Great photos! ~ I used this site too.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/showdogs/breedingreproducing.htm


i also have a chihuahua forum with many chihuahua owners if you need help stop by
http://www.mokashosue.tk I'll be glad to answer any questions

Answer 8

Go to Petfinder.com and type in Chihuahua and see how many are homeless in this country. Thousands are homeless. Why would you want to add to the problem?

Answer 9

You risk the female's life. You risk mammary cancer. You risk personality changes. You risk territorial marking by the male.

You contribute to the deaths of some of the millions of dogs who are already here, because you choose not to open your home to them and instead bring more puppies into the world.

Please spay, neuter, and rescue.

Answer 10

Why don't you just adopt some that are in desperate need of a good home instead of bringing more into the world.