WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?

Puppy Farming/Backyard Breeding has become a huge problem within Australia! Dogs are being advertised as pure bred (when they are most definitely not!) and of course there is now the influx of “designer dogs”. 

Designer dogs as they are known are the crossing of two entirely different breeds with no genetic studies being undertaken. The long-term result of these so called “designer dogs” is that life spans are considerably shortened, major health defects from two breeds combined are being shown, with vets also having to diagnose new illnesses.  The quality of life for the dog itself has been affected!!!

If you are looking at getting a Chihuahua or any breed from a shelter – good on you! I would never discourage anyone from bringing a rescue into their home, but what you need to think about is if these dogs had been purchased from a registered ethical breeder in the first place, would the majority even end up in a shelter?

Perhaps the worst thing is that many of these dogs are being sold by pet shops, backyard breeders and the worse case scenario puppy mills.

These people produce an enormous amount of puppies just for profit from dogs who are ill, have not even had a basic vet check, live in smelly, dirty and crowded conditions where little to no thought given to their welfare.  The girls live a horrendous life (brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it!) as they just pump out litter after litter for their owner’s profit.  

As a REGISTERED ETHICAL BREEDER I really hope you will take note of the below check list when purchasing a pure-bred Chihuahua.

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• Is the person who is selling the puppy a registered breeder with their State Body.  You can ask for their Dogs Australia number and check by making a quick phone call.
• Does the breeder show their dogs?  If so, it will most likely be conformation showing where it allows the breeder to be judged on meeting the breed standard.  (Other show formats could be agility, obedience or even scent trials).
• Is the breeder knowledgable about genetics, health traits, conformation and temperaments.  
• Are you being advised on how to continue with your puppies socialisation?  
• Is the breeder screening and selecting homes for their pups?  Ethical breeders will be super honest with you if they think your environment and home situation is not suitable.  
• Is the breeder offering you LIFETIME support? and are they encouraging you to remain in contact?
• Can the breeder show you certified documentation of their pups pedigree from Dogs Australia? (Please be careful of private organisations like “The Master Dog Breeders Association” which is purely a profit-making website, set up for the sole purpose of making cross breeds look legit by providing “papers” they print themselves).  
• Medicals - such as health checks, microchipping and vaccination records should all be yours to take home with you.
• An ethical breeder will insist on a written contract of sale for their show potential dogs as well as their pet puppies - not to mention they will issue a receipt!
• An ethical registered breeder will have the mother dog available for prospective new owners to view.  (Note:  The sire might not be available to view, however their pedigree, pictures and other documentation should be).  This is often the case as registered ethical breeders mate their bitches to the best possible male to complement and improve their lines, and we are not just using Tom, Dick or Harry in the backyard because it’s convenient or we want to earn some extra cash!