> this out. So....I will probably go check out the pups when they're
> a few weeks old. Any suggestions on when I should check them out
> and what I should look for?
I would generally look for chihuahua genetic disorders such as easily
dislocating patellas, hydrocephalus, collapsing trachea and so on . . . if
the puppy will play vigorously, that's a good sign on all fronts. But
still, I would want a health guarantee, and I'd take your pup to be examined
by a vet who's knowledgeable of the situation immediately.
I really do 100% agree with breeding dogs to the AKC standard. If there
aren't ethical, careful breeders out there who only breed to exacting
standards, then people who want a chihuahua puppy have no choice but
backyard breeders or puppymills. That said, even under the AKC standards, I
think the breeder should always hold the welfare of the dogs above all else.
IMO, that means not breeding the mom too frequently, or if she has trouble
delivering, not breeding her, period. And that means that the pups' genetic
welfare and health is more important than producing a particular appearance
trait that might fare well in the show ring. So to me, line breeding isn't
worth the risk to the pups. But then I'm neither a breeder nor a shower, so
my perceptions are biased.
Anne
" Lets talk about our wonderful little friends!
Join today! "
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chihuahuas/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chihuahuas/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
