Chihuahua breeding has become a popular business, and this can work both for and against you when you are on the hunt for the perfect Chihuahua puppy. On a positive note, if you are serious about wanting a puppy from a responsible Chihuahua breeder you will be able to find a breeder that has the perfect dog for you. The down side is that there is Chihuahua breeding going on that is not done in a responsible fashion, and the result can be unhealthy, unfriendly ugly dogs - probably not what you are hoping for in a family pet.

When you begin the hunt for a reputable Chihuahua breeder, take the time to ask plenty of questions and conduct the proper research into each breeder that you consider. By selecting your Chihuahua breeder carefully, you will be much more likely to purchase the friendly, healthy dog that you are hoping for.

There are plenty of steps that you can take to ensure that the breeder that you select practices responsible Chihuahua breeding. First, check with your state or national Chihuahua clubs for a listing of reputable breeders in your area. The American Kennel Club is another good source for responsible breeders of all kinds of dogs. Your veterinarian may have names of good Chihuahua breeders and friends with Chihuahuas might be able to guide you in the right direction as well. Publications will also have listings in them for Chihuahua breeders, so check your local pet supply store for these magazines and trade publications. If you go to dog events like obedience classes and agility trials, you might be able to collect names of breeders as well.

Another good source for finding Chihuahua breeding sources is over the Internet, but caution should be used in this situation. Make sure that you can talk to the breeder you select over the phone, and ask for plenty of documentation before sending any money for your puppy.

Once you have tracked down a breeder that looks promising, it is time to investigate his Chihuahua breeding practices to ensure that he handles his dogs in a responsible way. A reputable Chihuahua breeder will ask you as many questions as you ask him, so that he knows his precious puppy will be going to a good home.

You can do this by coming to your first meeting equipped with a list of questions that include whether the dogs are tested for hereditary problems and if dogs that test positive are kept out of the breeding process. You can ask about the lines of dogs that your puppy has come from, and spend some time with the puppies parents to see what kind of dogs they are.

Some of the practical aspects that you will want to explore with your Chihuahua breeder is whether the area that the dogs are kept in is clean and well maintained, and if the dogs look healthy and act friendly.

By checking out Chihuahua breeding practices, you have a better chance of purchasing a healthy animal.