My dog, although i love her to death, is one badly bred dog. She has several health issues such as food allergies, seasonal allergies and a possible heart murmur. As she grew older she matured into looking like a mixed breed rather than a purebred american pit bull terrier. Some people cant even guess her breed. I brought her home when she was almost 6 weeks ( too early) and she hadnt been to a vet once. None of her issues were told to me when i inquired about her health and the health of her parents.

This is a short list of what i will look for in the next breeder i buy from.
**dogs that are health tested
**Keeps a records of all their dogs and puppies
** Keeps in contact with people who bought pups from a previous litter
**Has a contract that protects all parties ( buyer, seller, dog)
** Is truely dedicated and loves their dogs

Dogs must:
*smell like a puppy and not like scented doggy cologne
*be active and not lumped in a corner
*Have bright eyes with no discharge and an overall healthy appearance

Things to be weary of:
**A breeder who wont let you in to check out the enviornment the pups and parents are kept in or sets up the meeting in a parking lot, park, mall, etc
**A breeder who thinks its ok to breed just because they have a male and female who are both intact
**A breeder who doesnt keep records of their chihuahuas vet visits and vaccinations and especially one who wont give you the contact information to the vet they use.
** A breeder who doesnt know about the diseases that chihuahuas may have or isnt well informed on/ doesnt do health testing.
** Someone who lets chis go before 8 weeks ( not only is it illegal in my state but it could prove damaging for the pup)

I know my reply was rather long but i hope it helps someone

This is helpful, i will be armed with even more questions now when i go see the breeder.
I am keen but dont want to let them see that till i know all is as should be.

I almost got conned out 300 pounds by somebody advertising puppys for sale, they emailed me asking where I lived what kind of home would she be going to and without any answer from me, wanted to know my phone and address for postage, I thought all this was strange and not right but I gave the telephone number and was called by a south African bloke asking for bank details straight away when I asked about the dog he was vague and didn't wana answer questions I put the phone down and luckily didn't give any bank details out, there's loads on the net if the price looks to good to be true then trust me it IS!

I edited the Mia's original post to put in a few good links helping you know what to ask a breeder and what a breeder should ask and also how to recognize an unethical breeder

I will post them here to

http://www.phouka.com/dogs/bdr_irres.html
http://www.phouka.com/dogs/bdr_questions.html
http://www.phouka.com/dogs/bdr_owner.html

Brilliant sites Michelle!

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If the pups are good enough to go (deemed by the vet) at 8 weeks why should they be kept til 10 weeks? also not all puppies are born with worms if a fecal sample is given to the vet and they saw it's negative they won't deworm the puppies.

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I just added those links to help some that may have questions. As for the vet, most vets do not do breed specific homework and they look at all dogs the same. They will tell you that there is no reason not to breed your dog because they are healthy and pretty to. I have also seen them come right out and say you should breed. Vets do not always give the best advice other than medical advice. Also that article stated that the dogs should not leave their littermates until 8 to 12 weeks old. The average pup being usually 8 to 10 wks and Toy breeds being 10 to 12 wks.

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The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten....

I'm kind of embarrassed to be from the "land of puppy mills," but what're you gonna do. Don't misunderstand--I'm happy to live in Oklahoma--love it here--just can't stand the puppy mill owners.
I bought Mia and Skylar (5 months apart) from a breeder in southern Oklahoma. I really don't think she's running a puppy mill but anything is possible. We did meet about half way between her place and mine since we're a few hours away from each other. We've met her and her husband--they seem like very nice people (early-mid 30's, two young children). I've heard several breeders say that they don't let people come to their property because of having puppies stolen and, as my breeder told me, she had a friend who had a visitor who was apparently carrying some sort of disease and it wiped out half her puppies.
I got each of my girls at exactly 8 weeks (not one day earlier). Mia was perfectly healthy and well adjusted. She is THE sweetest dog on the planet. Skylar was basically healthy, and well adjusted, although she did have giardia (but I don't think that's uncommon in puppies)--nothing a round of antibiotics didn't clear up. After that she developed slimy colitis. Forti Flora, and later yogurt, cleared that up. Knock on wood, I think she's since outgrown it. I am curious as to why Mia's dew claws were removed and Skylar's weren't but can never remember to ask the breeder (we stay in touch via e-mail). The breeder sent Mia home with me along with something to sprinkle on her food and some sort of liquid antibiotic (I think it was) in case she needed it but I never used either of them. Overall, they were both happy and healthy (Skylar never acted ill) and ate and drank like old pros. We couldn't be happier with them. I found this breeder on Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder, I believe it was.

Now for my story of stupidity...I bought my daughter a Yorkie last December to be a companion to her other Yorkie. I found her, Lily (3 months), in the newspaper (it NEVER occurred to me that puppy mills advertise in the newspaper as just regular people--I know that sounds stupid but I just didn't realize it). We met the couple half way between their place and ours. Well, Lily had several health issues (nothing that couldn't be treated fortunately) and she didn't seem very well adjusted (although Yorkies are quite different from chihuahuas personality/temperment wise). Her vet even said that he thought she came from a puppy mill. Sooooo, I filed a complaint with the USDA (the couple are licensed breeders) stating Lily's health problems and my suspicions. I've subsequently requested to know the findings of their investigation, but the government being the government, who knows how long it will take to get that (it's been months already). So I could really kick myself b/c I probably should have known better but didn't. I'm happy to report that all Lily's health problems cleared up and she's far better adjusted than she was initially. My daughter (23 y.o.) loves her to death!
I might also add that it was Mia and Skylar's breeder who provided me with the information on filing a complaint. I e-mailed and consulted with her beforehand regarding the situation. She was very helpful.
Anyway, those are my stories. Best of luck to everyone looking for a new baby!

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