| This is a huge issue when it comes to Chihuahuas and therefore we believe there is much to be said on this subject in particular. Size is very important after all isn't it one of the main reasons you want a chihuahua? Size should also be even more important to a good breeder if they care at all about the breed standard, producing quality pups and The safety of chihuahua Moms. The word "teacup" or "Micro teacup" "Pocket pup" or "Purse puppy" gets tossed around a lot. It's really just semantics. Some breeders feel they are more ethical for not using the term. Even though most of us will have that size range in our puppies. While others not only use the term, solely to promote the sale of their pups for higher prices. Still others set out to purposely produce puppies that small by using mothers that are far too small for breeding and even die in the process. We do not promote our puppies as such. Frankly size is only a part of what we care most about. A sound healthy Puppy (that fits the breed standard) with an excellent background of a good hardy line going back much farther than just the parents. Hey! Lets not forget temperament! Temperament is crucial even the ring. Dog that show aggression or too timid, Siddish are immediately dismissed from the ring. We don't care if you want to call it "teacup" we know what you mean. We do give our buyers some credit when these terms are used to simply describe the size and style of the puppy they are looking for. Simply put, some self righteous people out there need to lighten up. True, technically, there is no such thing as the as the Teacup as an official term but there is such a thing as a happy completely healthy 31/2 lbs Chihuahua. Or even a 2lb Chihuahua. That can live to be 15 or more years old Being small is part of the Chihuahua's genetic make up it is not unhealthy phenomenon. If being very tiny was a health deficit than Hamsters shouldn't have babies either. Chihuahuas are the worlds smallest dog so they sometimes come extremely tiny. Just be sure they come from verify ably healthy parents, Grandparents, and great grandparents. Also While they are just as healthy as their larger counter parts. They do require much more care and watchfulness during there first 10 months I will explain this further in "Care Of Chihuahuas" For the sake of argument the breed standard AKC, CKC, UKC, and Westminster (The number 1 Kennel club in the world) is 2 to 6 LBS With 4 lbs being preferred by almost all judges. If 2 similar Chihuahuas in the ring Score a tie for example, a 4 1/2 Lb and a 3Lb than the smaller of the 2 will win best in breed. What is meant by teacup is a dog weighing between 31/2 to 5 LBS at maturity a micro is a dog weighing 2 to 3 1/2 lbs at maturity. However their papers will only say (Chihuahua Long Coat) or (Chihuahua Short Coat). We Target our pups to reach somewhere between 31/2 lbs to 5 lbs. We do for the safety of our females try to use tiny males with a healthy Genetic family ancestry of being fairly small. We Take that a step further When we have a female on her First and sometimes even her second if I am still concerned. We have her X-rayed within 2-3 days of her due date. Our Doctor measures they're puppies sculls with a micrometre and then measures the pelvis and birth canal. This helps relieve our minds that the puppies are not to big for Mom and enables us take any preemptive measures if needed. We believe in being proactive rather than reactive. However even a huge female with plenty of room for birth can have a non progressive labour (cervix does not fully dilate) In this Case an emergency Cesarean must be done. I am happy to say all our girls to date have free whelped, None have required a C section. If a C Section is ever required the Mom will be spayed at the same time. We consider it cruel to put a female though repeated cesarean sections. |
Shasta Valley Chihuahuas
| Chihuahua Facts Of Life |
| Chihuahuas are one the most emotional breeds going. They require a lot of ATTENTION. They are very dependent and demanding especially tiny ones and little puppies. They will not do well when left for long hours regularly if you have a demanding job, Must travel a lot without your pooch, Have a busy social life or do a lot of entertaining at home, A dog may not be right for you at this time. This is true with most breeds Dogs are not cats They need to be around their owners as much as possible. Having said that, not everyone who has a loving heart to share with a little dog should be deprived of that special relationship simply because most Families have to leave their dog for work or school. There are a few options to look at; #1 Having a dog-sitter/walker come to your home when the dog will be left for more 4 or 5 hour per day and spend some time (15 min or more) Freshen water, change pee pad, and have a cuddle. This helps break up the day and the dog will look forward to it. #2 Brining your dog to Doggy daycare ( a bit of cost and perhaps inconvenient) But the benefits are fantastic! It limits or eliminates the chances of your dog being dog aggressive, Keeps them well socialized with other animals and humans, and of course The dog is not lonely. You get the peace of mind knowing you dog is safe and well cared for. Please do your homework and thoroughly check out the place you may send your dog. Check references, vaccine policy, and accreditations of the daycare service I will discuss this further under the section below Under Doggy Day-Care. #3 Consider having a pair of Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are perhaps the most community oriented breeds I have ever seen! Chihuahuas really, really, need to be with other Chihuahuas! Even if you don't have to leave your dog regularly I strongly recommend it. The effect is so positive all around. It is excellent for their development and social behaviour They tend to calmer less timid, It practically eliminates aggression toward other animals. They keep each other warm. Chihuahuas Long or Short coat don't keep their heat as well as other breeds. There is just so many benefits I can't name them all. Most of all They are never lonely When they have a companion Chihuahua in their life. Chihuahuas are not a fashion statement. They are a living, breathing, being, that need to be fully engaged with owners on a frequent basis. One life's greatest pleasures for the chi, is to cuddle up on your lap or in your arms for hours if you will let them. When I sit or stretch out on my couch they all pile on. Even as I work on my site or answer email, I have one or 2 in my other arm. (I have gotten quite good at typing with one hand) These little dogs are such a joy and I have fully devoted myself to them. I expect my potential buyers to understand that dog/Chihuahua is A LIFE TIME COMMITMENT. Which could be 15 to 18 years or even longer. These little dog become very attached to their owners. It really breaks their huge hearts. It breaks my heart to see countless Chihuahua resold because the owner underestimated level of commitment they require. Let me stop here and say it is a written clause in our sales contract that for any reason you can no longer keep you puppy we want to be given first refusal. We do not want our puppies ending up with just anybody. We screen our buyers for suitability. Therefore if one of our pups has to be resold we would like to scrutinize the new potential owner or we may keep the pup ourselves. If you are planning a family ie Children in the next few years. Please do not get a chihuahua. They are too small and fragile to tolerate the poking and prodding young children tend to do. A young child can seriously injure or even kill a Chihuahua. Larger Chihuahuas over 6lb tend to be more sturdy and may be okay for some older children. |
| This page will cover many topics. Please be patient, we are still working on it. I will be adding to it from time to time. As much as I know (and I have done a lot of research and have over 20 years of breading experience.) I am still humble enough to say I still have much to learn too. When I discover nice chunk of wisdom I will share it on this page. Whether or not you buy your chihuahua from us, or are already the proud owner of Chi we would be happy to answer your questions or advise you any way we can. Your questions help us understand what new owners or potential owners are concerned about. We may add it as a topic here. Our philosophy is the only silly questions are the ones you don't ask. If we can help you and your Chi enjoy a better relationship That's just super! It Is our sincere hope this page will help you discover whether or not the chihuahuas is right for you. Perhaps more importantly Are you right for the chihuahua |
There is a lot of misconception about short or long coat chihuahuas. One is, the short coat is a little more timid than the long coat. Perhaps a little more testy in temperament. My personal opinion is, this is not so much a myth, but it is overstated I do find the short coat a little more cautious. But it really boils down family history If the parents have a good temperament that goes a long way. But it is crucial That the adoptive family maintain excellent socialization to continue that good temperament. This is soooo soooo True especially with the chihuahua! I see many very friendly, Very outgoing, happy, pappy, Short coats. I have also seen a few nasty long coats another difference also over exaggerated is long coat require so much grooming They really don't need That much grooming. They may have a long coat but it is not dense like the Pomeranian. The long coats need a bath once a month in the warmer months and every other month in the winter. I use I nice therapeutic Oatmeal dog bath shampoo and oatmeal Conditioner so soothing comforting and moisturizing for their skin. It has the same properties as the Alveeno Natural oatmeal bath for humans. It does a great job! If they are keep clean they only need to be brushed once per week (long coats) now if you go for the Double long as a few of mine are it is a good idea to brush them every day ( I enjoy brushing mine ) Another myth is the long coat Does not get cold like the short coat. Chihuahuas in general, be they short coat or long coat, do not do a good job of maintaining the body heat. Remember their native climate is Mexico's extremely hot climate. So There bodies are conditioned from ancient times to be more efficient at cooling the body. Some say that's why they have such large ears in proportion to their tiny little bodies. It is thought that the blood circulates to the tiny little veins in their ears. The ears being on their outermost extremities the blood is cooled somewhat as it returns to the rest of the body. So their ears are air conditioners as well as highly sensitive to sound to hear possible approaching danger. Another difference is shedding but its not what you think. LONG COATS: Males shed once per year for 2 to 3 weeks and that's it your done for another year While Male SHORT COATS are always shedding a least a little. Then they have a heavier shedding period in the warm months LONG COAT: Females shed according To their estrus Cycle When a female has a litter about 10 to 12 weeks later they will have a heavy Shedding that again only lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. If they do not have a litter The shed approximately 5 months after estrus. SHORT COAT Females also are always shedding at least a little But their heavy shedding is also linked exactly the same way to their estrus cycle If the are not spayed the will usually have 2 Cycles per year. Spayed Females have a heavier coat (in the long coat ) But shedding periods are like that of the Male once per year Neutered Males have a much heavier coat in the long coat also In the animal Kingdom the males always have the prettier, nicer, fuller, coat than the female and dogs are no exception. |
| WHEN IT COMES TO SIZE |
| Choosing a good breeder |
 |  |  |  |
| Are You right for the chihuahua |
Like The term "teacup Chihuahua" Or "Micro Chihuahua" The term "double Long coat" or Double short Coat is NOT AN OFFICIAL TERM. Again it is only a descriptive term commonly use to describe the style. Some may use the term loosely so you will have to be the judge of that If you are after a really thick luxurious long coat than you are after the double Long Coat the female version like my Lucy (on our girls page) The male Version Ch Foxy Who is the father Of Lucy's Boy Yoshi He is also a Double long coat. The Double long coat has an undercoat in some cases not quite as dense as the Pomeranian. Unlike the Pomeranian however the coat lyes down rather than stands out. The typical Long coat Female Coco Chanel have a thinner silkier coat and maybe not quite as long sometimes like humans it is really just different textured hair some long coats have wavy hair (not tightly curled like a poodle or beshon) A fact few people know with long coats it Can take as long as 24 to 28 months For the long coat to develop it full potential. Basically what happens is around 14 weeks The puppy will start loose their fuzzy puppy coat (this is part of transitional faze is also known as the "uglies" I will explain this further in the segment called "the uglies") around 16 to 18 weeks they almost look moth eaten patchy losses of fur and still some fuzzy puppy fur. Some people even think their long coat is turning into a short coat. That never ever happens it is impossible. They do not start out long coats and turn into shorts or vis versa. Now around 22 to 24 weeks the new adult coat begins to come in. It will be softer than their wholly puppy coat by the time they reach 12 months Their first adult coat is in. Then Around 15 months or roughly 5 month after the females first estrus. They start to Shed This time is very critical if you want to bring out the best in the next coat. When they are Shedding every few days you need to gentiley brush them out being careful not to pull on the hair too much (you will loose fur that was not going to fall out that way) Then take a Nit or flea comb and finely comb out the Rough, ear feathering, leg feathers and tail plume. By the time all their fur is shed in about 2 to 3 weeks you will be left with thin long hairs in the locations I just mentioned. Now what happens as the 2nd adult coat comes in by 18 to 20 months you will keep those layers and the same applies to the next shedding cycle. Over the course of the shedding cycles you develop more and more layers if you take excellent care during the shedding process. Now if Your female is spayed or male neutered they have a cheating edge on their intact counter parts with the absence of fluctuating hormones, They develop and even fuller coat. One of the reasons they cannot be shown if they are altered The Double short coat is really a short coat with very thick smooth coat They are somewhat harder to come by, but not rare. The double short Coat has a more plush appearance like velvet it shows up more in the blues, lilac and chocolates for some reason. |
| Choosing a good and reputable breeder is as important as the puppy you choose. After all, You want a puppy that has been raised in a clean, safe, healthy, well socialized environment. You want to know Your puppy had the best possible start in life and that means while they were still in their mummy's tummy. Make sure the parents received good medical care, preventative care and nutritional needs were well met. The puppies and parents Should be premium high performance dog and puppy food not found in a regular grocery store. Our dogs are fed breed specific "Royal Canin Chihuahua #28" Royal Canin Pro for Pregnant or nursing moms and "Royal Canin Small breed puppy #33 Find a breeder that knows their lines well. Not everybody has 20 or 30 years experience producing their lines (although it is good to find someone like that) Most people are under the false perception That if the parents clear all genetic testing with flying colours, That is their guarantee their puppy will have no genetic health issues. It helps but not that much. The grandparents and even the great grandparents(to a lesser extent) play a HUGE roll in the appearance, size, and over all health and genetic issues. Every good breeder even if they are breeding new stock from a new line should have taken care to thoroughly check out the lines they are acquiring. They should be able to tell you about the family history as far back as possible and even have pictures of grandparents, great grandparents, and other relatives if possible. A good breeder Should not seem over zealous about getting paid. They should come across as having the best interests of the puppy at heart. If they care and respect you as a potential buyer of their puppies. They may redirect you to a more suitable puppy they have for your family and your situation. Sometimes I refer people to another breeder That I feel may be closer to them, and have what they may be looking for.I love the breed. I love to see a job well done, whether I have anything to do with it or not. So I do know some really good breeders in Canada and the United States in most cases I have bought from them myself. A good breeder will not tell you everything you want to here just to make a sale. They should try to be painfully honest. They will want to know as much about your situation as possible so you and your pup will be happy ever after. Wouldn't rather know now than have yours and the pups heart broken later not to mention the money you would lose. You will never get back what you paid, plus subsequent Vet visits and more vaccines. This happens more often than I care to even think about. If you feel rushed or pressured, DON'T! This not something to rush into. You will regret it later. There are millions of chihuahuas out there you will find the right one when the time is right. Sometimes I do advise another breed, or even suggest a buyer wait a few years based on their situation. A Good breeder will welcome you to their home to see the parents and where the puppies are raised. If they offer to meet you somewhere DON'T! They are most likely a puppy mill when they offer to do that! Pay attention when you go is the home clean? Does it smell clean? Is there little green or yellow crusties on their water server/food dish? Where do they sleep? Are they pee pad trained. How do the parents and puppies behave (it is normal for the parents/adults to bark when a stranger comes after all they are dogs) but do they never stop? Are they shaking and hiding That is poor socialization. A good breeder should have some kennel club membership(s) in good standing ie: CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) AKC (American Kennel Club) and Westminster The top Kennel Club in the world (APRI and another one Called CKC meaning Continental Kennel Clubs are not truly accredited kennel clubs) You should only buy a registered pure bred puppy. Many people pass off so called "designer dogs" ( mixed breeds) as pure breds Like a Jack Russell and chihuahua sometimes that is hard to tell when they are so young If the pups aren't registered You should ask why? Usually it is either because one or both parents were registered on a non breeding contract. Reason being the breeder who sold them the parents felt they were not suitable for breeding. The other reason is one or both parents are not registered again why? The breeder should offer you their full support and make themselves available to help with advice and answer any questions you may have. |
| Beware of online Fraud |
| Long Coat Or Short Coat |
| Double Long Coat _____________ Double Short coat |
| Doggy Day Care centres |
| Protect yourself from online fraud. These crooks are getting better and better at what they do. They are even duplicating Websites. Make sure you are dealing with the real thing! How? Ask for additional pictures. Ask them to take a picture of the pup/dog next a familiar object you choose. Never, ever, agree to send money Via Western Union ( I do not accept payment that way) In Canada the new email bank transfers are (I think going to replace paypal because of the much lower fees) You can use escrow. They hold the money until your puppy arrives safe, Healthy and acceptable condition Then payment is released to the breeder/seller. The only draw back is the small fees. Buying from a local breeder virtually closes the door on Fraud Scams. Don't fall for the most popular scam that you only have to pay airfare to get the puppy. Or they say they are a Missionary, Priest, Man or woman of God and they can't take the puppy with them. |
| Breeding and exhibiting pure bred dogs is an extremely expensive hobby, if you do it ethically and responsibly. At most when we sell a few pups, it helps us recover some the costs and medical expenses associated with this very unpredictable profession Good quality pure bred Chihuahuas are expensive if the price sounds too good it probably is! |