Chihuahua Information Center
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Breeding a Chihuahua
Should You Breed Your Chihuahua?
Breeding a Chihuahua is different than breeding other dogs. In fact, it is a difficult challenge and makes one wonder how we have Chihuahuas at all, considering the elements involved in breeding these dogs.
Chihuahua breeding information is not given to discourage anyone from breeding; but rather to make sure a person understands all of the very real dangers and elements involved.
One must be aware of the process and sometimes unfortunate outcome of breeding a Chihuahua and then decide if they wish to do so.
Breeding a Chihuahua is different than breeding other dogs. In fact, it is a difficult challenge and makes one wonder how we have Chihuahuas at all, considering the elements involved in breeding these dogs.
Chihuahua breeding information is not given to discourage anyone from breeding; but rather to make sure a person understands all of the very real dangers and elements involved.
One must be aware of the process and sometimes unfortunate outcome of breeding a Chihuahua and then decide if they wish to do so.
Because the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world, breeding a Chihuahua differs than breeding other, larger dogs. The breeding of a Chihuahua is even very different than breeding other toy dogs such as the Pomeranian or Toy Poodle.
If you are thinking of breeding your Chihuahua to produce top quality pups, think this over again. It takes only a very few male stud dogs to breed, but a large number of female dogs. In most cases, only the top winning Champion male dogs are considered the high level of quality to qualify as a registered stud. If your female dog is not registered, an honest breeder would not allow a breed to take place. Therefore, you would want to begin with an AKC, high quality female.
The Chihuahua is prone to having to have a Cesarean. This can be quite expensive and it can compromise the health of the dog.
You must have all needed supplies, you must have time (breeders spend countless nights awake, hand feeding little puppies who cannot get milk from mama and without constant nutrients would quickly develop Hypoglycemia), possibly dealing with post-pregnancy health issues for the dam, and you must have dedication, whether breeding 1 litter or wanting to become a professional breeder.
Reducing Breeding Risk
Because the Chihuahua is so small, when a female is going to be matched up with a male, the male should be under 4 pounds (1.81 kg). Also, the male's parents should be between 4 and 5 pounds (1.81 kg to 2.26 kg ) . Doing this, will give the female Chihuahua a better chance of being able to have her puppies naturally. When these guidelines are not followed, there is a huge chance that the female will need to have a cesarean section.
See Chihuahua Pregnancy
If you are the owner of a female Chihuahua, think very carefully if you wish to place your dog at risk. The majority of Chihuahua mothers will end up having a cesarean section;this can be very dangerous to such a small dog. The statistics of results of dog cesarean births are that only 67% of the pups will be born alive.
Medical Testing & Other
Any pairs of dogs that are planned for breeding should have complete medical examinations. This will test for any hereditary diseases which can be passed on to puppies. If found, the dogs should not be bred. Any dog who has health issues should not be bred. Any dog with unusual behavior, such as severe aggression should not be bred.
One must be aware of the Chihuahua bloodlines. Experienced breeders will know which bloodlines to mix and which to not. It is not recommended to inbreed. Line breeding, on the other hand, is often done.
Your Chihuahua in Heat
Duration: 21 days on average for heat
Frequency: every 6 months, this can vary
Signs:
* A leak of clear fluid for a couple of days
* A change to a cream colored fluid
* A change to blood
* Enlarged vulva, on a Chihuahua the vulva will be extremely enlarged
When the bleeding stops, your Chihuahua may still be in heat for a few days. If you carefully touch the base of her tail and she moves her tail to the side, she is still in heat.
Keeping Other Dogs Away
While your Chihuahua is in heat, males dogs will be able to smell this from incredible long distances away. You will not even realize it, but the smell will transfer onto you and any other family members. Small children can then attract large dogs to them and this can be dangerous.
After Breeding
It is best to have your Chihuahua spayed if you are not going to be breeding her. This is the best possible thing you can do for you and it will be best for you also! This greatly reduces the chances of developing several types of cancer. If you do breed your Chi, as soon as you will not be breeding anymore, a female should be spayed and have a full & complete dental.
If you are thinking of breeding your Chihuahua to produce top quality pups, think this over again. It takes only a very few male stud dogs to breed, but a large number of female dogs. In most cases, only the top winning Champion male dogs are considered the high level of quality to qualify as a registered stud. If your female dog is not registered, an honest breeder would not allow a breed to take place. Therefore, you would want to begin with an AKC, high quality female.
The Chihuahua is prone to having to have a Cesarean. This can be quite expensive and it can compromise the health of the dog.
You must have all needed supplies, you must have time (breeders spend countless nights awake, hand feeding little puppies who cannot get milk from mama and without constant nutrients would quickly develop Hypoglycemia), possibly dealing with post-pregnancy health issues for the dam, and you must have dedication, whether breeding 1 litter or wanting to become a professional breeder.
Reducing Breeding Risk
Because the Chihuahua is so small, when a female is going to be matched up with a male, the male should be under 4 pounds (1.81 kg). Also, the male's parents should be between 4 and 5 pounds (1.81 kg to 2.26 kg ) . Doing this, will give the female Chihuahua a better chance of being able to have her puppies naturally. When these guidelines are not followed, there is a huge chance that the female will need to have a cesarean section.
See Chihuahua Pregnancy
If you are the owner of a female Chihuahua, think very carefully if you wish to place your dog at risk. The majority of Chihuahua mothers will end up having a cesarean section;this can be very dangerous to such a small dog. The statistics of results of dog cesarean births are that only 67% of the pups will be born alive.
Medical Testing & Other
Any pairs of dogs that are planned for breeding should have complete medical examinations. This will test for any hereditary diseases which can be passed on to puppies. If found, the dogs should not be bred. Any dog who has health issues should not be bred. Any dog with unusual behavior, such as severe aggression should not be bred.
One must be aware of the Chihuahua bloodlines. Experienced breeders will know which bloodlines to mix and which to not. It is not recommended to inbreed. Line breeding, on the other hand, is often done.
Your Chihuahua in Heat
Duration: 21 days on average for heat
Frequency: every 6 months, this can vary
Signs:
* A leak of clear fluid for a couple of days
* A change to a cream colored fluid
* A change to blood
* Enlarged vulva, on a Chihuahua the vulva will be extremely enlarged
When the bleeding stops, your Chihuahua may still be in heat for a few days. If you carefully touch the base of her tail and she moves her tail to the side, she is still in heat.
Keeping Other Dogs Away
While your Chihuahua is in heat, males dogs will be able to smell this from incredible long distances away. You will not even realize it, but the smell will transfer onto you and any other family members. Small children can then attract large dogs to them and this can be dangerous.
After Breeding
It is best to have your Chihuahua spayed if you are not going to be breeding her. This is the best possible thing you can do for you and it will be best for you also! This greatly reduces the chances of developing several types of cancer. If you do breed your Chi, as soon as you will not be breeding anymore, a female should be spayed and have a full & complete dental.
