If you have decided that a Chihuahua puppy is in your immediate future, the next step will be to find the right puppy for you. There is a right way and a wrong way to purchase a Chihuahua puppy, and the right way will save you plenty of money and heartache in the long run. First, never run to a pet shop that has a sign saying, “Chihuahua puppies for sale”. Pet shops are basically brokers for irresponsible commercial breeders and puppy mills that are breeding dogs to make a quick buck. These dogs are rarely healthy and well socialized and will certainly not be the kind of pet that you want for your family.

So you know a breeder is the right way to go, but not all breeder with Chihuahua puppies for sale are going to be responsible either. Some are simply not well versed in what it takes to be a responsible breeder, and others are outright scoundrels ? looking to con potential dog owners out of their hard earned cash.

Once you have located a breeder with Chihuahua puppies for sale, you will want to check this person out thoroughly before purchasing a pup from him. First, ask to see the registration papers for the mother of the litter. If the person’s name is on them, he is the breeder of the litter. If it is not, then you may be dealing with a broker situation like the ones listed above.

If you can determine that you are indeed working with the actual breeder, there are then some other red flags to watch for. First, bad breeders will not have veterinarian records for their dogs, often because they are trying to cut corners by cutting back on vet visits. Next, a breeder that does not allow you to see the place where the puppies are being cared for may not be keeping his puppies in a clean environment. Puppies that live in their own waste can be very difficult dogs to housetrain.

Finally, a bad breeder may try to get you to purchase a puppy too early. Most responsible breeders will not release Chihuahua puppies until they are ten to twelve weeks of age.

Now that you know what to look for in a bad breeder, it is time to determine the criteria for a good one. A good breeder with Chihuahua puppies for sale will not sell them to the first or highest bidder. They will take the time to find good homes for all of their puppies with families who are prepared for the responsibility of the dog. A good Chihuahua breeder will have plenty of questions for you, and will make sure that you understand the needs of your new pet before you take him home.

You will know a good breeder because he will let you see where his dogs are raised, and the area will be clean. A good breeder will willingly provide references for you and happily answer all of your questions about his dogs because this shows that you care about the dogs as well. Reputable breeders usually belong to breeder clubs and register all of their puppies with the AKC.

Good breeders have nothing to hide in terms of where their dogs live, because the area is always clean and well maintained. His dogs are like a part of the family, and because of this, they are well socialized. By finding a good breeder, you are much more likely to find a healthy, attractive and friendly pet.