I've never adopted from a breeder, only rescue. I was a dachshund adopter from my first dog. My last dachshund I had to put down at 17 yrs old. When I checked shelter websites in my area, lots of Chi's and Chi mixes and large breed dogs. So now I'm an owner of my first 2 Chi's. Mickey a Chi mix and Minnie is a full Chi. They're really loving and sweet dogs. Quite a bit different than dachshunds. I was leery taking on Minnie, being a purebred (at least according to the shelter). I don't know if I'm unlucky or God thought I was the right person for the job bit I've had at least one known dachshund problem with my purebred dachshunds. The mixes, no problems.
\ \ /\ Alice ( ) whiterabbi...@gmail.com .( ). Sent from my iPad mini > On Jul 21, 2013, at 4:26 AM, susiewh...@aol.com wrote: > > Why go to a breeder when there are so many Chihuahuas just waiting for good > home at every shelter. > > All my dogs have been rescues. Dobermans at first and in the last decade > Chihuahuas. > > There are also breed specific rescues. > > Think about it. > > It's a much better option. > > As for the collapsing trachea that is a genetic issue and I agree with the > other writers. > > My one Chi is now 13 and has collapsing trachea. I avoid walking the dogs > with leashes attached to their collars. I use a harness that closes at chest > level. They wear a collar but only for identification, it's embroidered with > our phone number and their names. > > Good luck >