Doggie Rescue

[dionythicus]

I found a couple chihuahuas loose on my way home today, so of course I stopped and brought them home. I called the number and got a voicemail. They are so friendly. the male's a dark brindle and white and the female is a red fawn. After the hubby came home and gushed about how much it made him want another chihuahua (I'm just laughing inside over what a softy he is) we drive over to the address on the tags and meet their owner. He was so happy to get them back. He's bred them and is hoping the female's pregnant. Without my husband saying a word, I told him to put us down for a puppy, especially a brindle. So he has our number and we have his. Here's to hoping for a little brindle baby later this summer!!

 

[wstphal]

You are a truly good person. I hope the female is preggers so you get a little bundle of puppy joy later this year.

 

[Lolo]

That's awesome you saved them! Just make sure this is a real breeder, with health guarantees and AKC registration... cute as they are, a poorly bred Chihuahua will give you nothing but trouble (and huge vet bills!).

 

[dionythicus]

The owner isn't an AKC breeder. That won't stop us. As long as the puppies are healthy and well loved, we don't need a piece of paper. lol The parents are both very different looking chihuahuas, too, so I know they aren't from AKC stock. Maybe not even pure. The female looks much like our girl, but with a real chi face. The male looks like Toby, with the thicker coat and stockier body. It was so funny to see completely unrelated dogs look so much like our own! I do know all about health issues that can come from poorly bred dogs, so we'll see. Maybe nothing will come of it.

 

[Lolo]

The owner isn't an AKC breeder. That won't stop us. As long as the puppies are healthy and well loved, we don't need a piece of paper. lol

HEALTHY is the key, and that "piece of paper" (a health guarantee with genetic testing) is actually quite important. I'm not trying to discourage you, and I'm sure the puppy would be lovely... just trying to save you future heartbreak & money. As for myself, I'm the proud owner of a mutt! I love purebred dogs, but have seen firsthand what backyard breeders can produce - so I'd only go with an AKC breeder if I got one. It's not about the name or fancy registration, it's just a guarantee that their dogs will be free of genetic disorders, etc. If they can at least show you the parent's health histories, your future puppy will probably be fine. I wanna see pictures if you get one!

 

[Lolo]

P.S. If it turns out they're not pure chis, I'd say go for it... mixing breeds usually makes for a healthier dog, and chihuahua mixes are always freaking adorable.

 

[dionythicus]

Ours are all rescues. The puppy will go to a vet before we purchase, that's for sure.

I would only go to an AKC breeder if I wanted a specific breed (to me these puppies will be more like mutts), or if I was interested in showing. I know of many AKC breeders who don't offer any genetic testing. The only one I know of is a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder who's done the thyroid testing on hers and has retired her prize male from showing and never bred him because he is positive for the thyroid condition. Not all AKC breeders are that scrupulous.

 

[Emily1188]

HEALTHY is the key, and that "piece of paper" (a health guarantee with genetic testing) is actually quite important. I'm not trying to discourage you, and I'm sure the puppy would be lovely... just trying to save you future heartbreak & money. As for myself, I'm the proud owner of a mutt! I love purebred dogs, but have seen firsthand what backyard breeders can produce - so I'd only go with an AKC breeder if I got one. It's not about the name or fancy registration, it's just a guarantee that their dogs will be free of genetic disorders, etc. If they can at least show you the parent's health histories, your future puppy will probably be fine. I wanna see pictures if you get one!

But backyard bred dogs can be AKC registered too... and the AKC has no health guarantee restrictions on the breeders who register with it. AKC registration really IS just a piece of paper.

But I totally agree with your point about well-bred vs. backyard bred - I just wanted to point out that "AKC registered" means nothing as far as health goes.

Good luck with the potential pupper, Dionythicus!

 

[snakemom1961]

But backyard bred dogs can be AKC registered too... and the AKC has no health guarantee restrictions on the breeders who register with it. AKC registration really IS just a piece of paper.

But I totally agree with your point about well-bred vs. backyard bred - I just wanted to point out that "AKC registered" means nothing as far as health goes.

Good luck with the potential pupper, Dionythicus!

Thanks for saying that. That's exactly what I was going to say.
AKC means nothing other then your dog is a purebred. But even puppy mill operators have been known to fudge those papers and you don't always get what you pay for.

 

[Lolo]

Thanks for saying that. That's exactly what I was going to say.
AKC means nothing other then your dog is a purebred. But even puppy mill operators have been known to fudge those papers and you don't always get what you pay for.

I guess that's true... my point was just to make sure it's healthy, and that the parents have a clean health history. What colors are the potential mom & dad?

 

[Tara80]

But backyard bred dogs can be AKC registered too... and the AKC has no health guarantee restrictions on the breeders who register with it. AKC registration really IS just a piece of paper.

But I totally agree with your point about well-bred vs. backyard bred - I just wanted to point out that "AKC registered" means nothing as far as health goes.

Good luck with the potential pupper, Dionythicus!

Aye, I agree. Here is some knowledge about the AKC:

Does the AKC inspect the breeders?

The AKC does not inspect kennels, nor does it vouch for the health or well-being of a puppy.

Are AKC - registered dogs guaranteed?

No. AKC registered simply means the puppy had two parents of the same breed. The AKC registers dogs and gives them 'papers which help to sell them in pet shops or at breeders’ kennels.

Does the AKC make money from puppy mills?

Yes, lots. Puppy mills comprise 80% of the AKC’s business. It registered 917,247 puppies in 2003 at the cost of approximately $25.00 per puppy.

In a way, the AKC can actually support unhealthy animals. It is absolutely no guarantee.

But also, that was wonderful of you to pick up and bring those dogs home. I'm sure he was one happy owner. Also, how much are they charging for a puppy- I might want one too. Ive wanted a Chihuahua for some time now and this just might be an excuse.

 

[dionythicus]

I'm going to wait a few weeks and call to see if she's really preggers. At that time I'll ask about prices. I'm hoping he'll cut us a deal since we saved mom and dad. LOL If he wants a lot of money, we won't be getting one.

The father is dark brindle and white, mostly brindle, and the mom is a red fawn. Dad is super friendly, like our Toby, and mom is a cuddlebug, like our Winslowe.

 

[Tara80]

I'm going to wait a few weeks and call to see if she's really preggers. At that time I'll ask about prices. I'm hoping he'll cut us a deal since we saved mom and dad. LOL If he wants a lot of money, we won't be getting one.

The father is dark brindle and white, mostly brindle, and the mom is a red fawn. Dad is super friendly, like our Toby, and mom is a cuddlebug, like our Winslowe.

Nice! Keep me updated if you could on what his response is (price & if she did take) because I am seriously thinking about getting one when they come. My Bulldog needs a friend.