I Only Want a Pet.....why should I buy from an AKC reputable breeder who SHOWS? Please read the entire page.  

Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder who participates in AKC shows, conducts health testing through OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), DNA testing for genetic diseases, and follows the practices of a heritage breeder can offer many benefits and peace of mind for prospective dog owners. Here’s why these factors are so important:

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1. Health and Longevity

A responsible breeder will use OFA and DNA tests to screen breeding dogs for common hereditary issues within their breed. OFA testing can identify risks for luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart issues, and other structural concerns that are often breed-specific. Chihuahuas leading concerns are patellas and heart. DNA testing screens for genetic diseases that might affect a dog’s quality of life. By selecting dogs that are clear of these conditions, breeders reduce the likelihood of passing on serious health issues to puppies. This means a puppy from such a breeder has a greater chance of leading a healthy life.

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2. Commitment to Breed Standards and Temperament

Breeders who show their dogs in AKC events are dedicated to breeding dogs that adhere closely to the breed standard in terms of appearance, structure, and temperament. AKC shows are a way for breeders to have their dogs evaluated by experts, ensuring that the dogs meet standards that help preserve what makes each breed unique. This is critical because breed standards are set with health, temperament, and functional abilities in mind. For example, a well-bred Border Collie should have both the intelligence, and the physical build suited to its traditional work as a herding dog.

3. Breeding to Improve, Not Just to Produce

Heritage breeders are committed to producing dogs that improve upon the previous generation. This means they aren't breeding simply to produce puppies or to make a profit but to improve the health, structure, and temperament of the breed. They usually invest substantial time, resources, and knowledge into each litter, making them highly selective about which dogs they breed. Heritage breeders also invest in puppy care, early socialization, and health checks for each puppy, leading to well-adjusted, healthy pets.

​In addition to health concerns, backyard breeders often lack a commitment to breed standards, which affects both the appearance and temperament of their dogs. Without knowledge of the breed’s ideal structure or appearance, they may produce dogs that are too large, have imbalanced features, or lack the correct coat type or color patterns. This can result in dogs that look quite different from what is expected in the breed and may be less functional or physically suited to the breed's original purpose.

 These deviations aren’t just cosmetic; structure and proportion are tied to a dog’s health and functionality. 

For example, a backyard breeder may produce a Chihuahua that is oversized or has an incorrect body shape, such as a longer body or overly elongated head (deerhead). A Chihuahua that is too large or out of proportion may be more prone to joint stress, back problems, or even breathing issues. Furthermore, backyard breeders may not prioritize the characteristic temperament of a Chihuahua, leading to behavioral issues or dogs that lack the breed’s typical alert, confident, and affectionate personality.

In contrast, reputable breeders who show their Chihuahuas are held to strict breed standards in terms of size, structure, and temperament. They work to ensure their dogs are small, well-proportioned, and meet the ideal breed characteristics. This approach produces Chihuahuas that not only look like true examples of the breed but also have the sound health and temperament typical of well-bred Chihuahuas.

​In contrast, reputable breeders who show their dogs are held to rigorous breed standards in appearance, size, and temperament. They aim to preserve and refine the breed’s ideal characteristics, resulting in dogs that not only look like true examples of the breed but also have the soundness, health, and stability that comes with responsible breeding.

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Comparison to Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills

Here's how responsible breeders differ significantly from backyard breeders and puppy mills:

• Backyard Breeders: These individuals often breed dogs with little or no knowledge of the breed standard, health testing, or genetics. They may breed their pets because they want more puppies, believe they have a “rare” color, or simply for extra income. They typically don’t have a long-term breeding plan or an understanding of health testing. Their puppies may not be well-socialized and may suffer from genetic issues due to the lack of selective breeding. These people probably do not register their dogs with AKC (CKC is a puppy mill registration

• Puppy Mills: These large-scale breeding operations focus on quantity over quality. Puppy mills breed dogs continuously with little concern for their health or well-being. Dogs in puppy mills are usually kept in poor conditions, receive minimal veterinary care, and lack proper socialization. Puppies from puppy mills are often prone to genetic diseases, temperament issues, and behavioral problems due to their poor start in life. These dogs are the ones that end up often in pet stores.  

• Show/Heritage Breeders: These breeders work with a purpose beyond simply producing puppies. They seek to advance the quality of the breed, focusing on health, temperament, and conformity to breed standards. They invest time, effort, and resources into breeding, whelping, and raising puppies responsibly, ensuring the best start for each one. Their dedication often includes a lifetime commitment to each puppy they produce, offering support and guidance to new owners.

In summary, buying from a reputable, health-focused heritage breeder is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re bringing home a well-bred, healthy, and well-adjusted puppy. It also supports ethical breeding practices that protect and improve the breed as a whole.

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