Things to consider when breeding your Chihuahua

Breeding a little Chihuahua is not as easy as breeding other breeds of dogs. Chihuahuas have a comparatively large head and this often leads to complications during the delivery (birthing) process therefore you should consult your doctor before you mate your dog.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are famous for giving birth through C-sections which requires a lot of investment in terms of money and time as well. These little pooches are extremely delicate and require extra care. In case you have made up your mind to mate your Chihuahua; the following tips should be considered:

1. The first step is to buy a pair of Chihuahua’s (a male and a female) in case you do not own a pair. You may also buy a female only and can breed her with a proven stud dog. Make sure that the dogs you buy are registered and the paper work includes the information about the dog’s pedigree.
2. You should buy a chihuahua from a reputable or a registered breeder only.
3. Get the dog’s checked by a vet, so as to determine that there are no genetic discrepancies which can be passed on to the puppies.
4. The female should be at least 2 years of age at the time of mating.
5. The male should be small preferably less than 4 pounds.
6. Make arrangements so that you have funds available for the required medical checks and also for unexpected medical costs. Since Chihuahuas are prone to giving birth through C-section operations therefore keep adequate funds in case this procedure is required.
7. Once the female has given birth, have the mother as well as the puppies checked out by a vet.
8. Since Chihuahuas are very delicate take extra care of the puppies and make sure they are well fed.

1. To breed or not to breed?

The decision of whether to breed or not is a very serious one. Breed only if you can spend the requisite time and money.

2. When to breed?

Generally a female should be of 2 years and weigh more than 4 pounds.

3. Size of litter?

Chihuahuas are tiny and the average litter size is two puppies, however sometimes they may give birth to four puppies or even one pup.

4. Gestation period?

Chihuahua’s pregnancy lasts for about 55 to 63 days.

Things to watch out for

1. If the dog exhibits behavioral problems it's better not to breed it to prevent such characters from being passed on to the offspring.
2. Dogs which suffer from genetic problems should be spayed or neutered to prevent transmission of these diseases causing genes to future generations.
3. Have the dogs checked for transmittable diseases.
4. Supervise the pregnant female or hire a dog sitter to do so and in case there is a problem with the female immediately take her to the veterinary doctor.
5. If the birth requires a C-section it’s possible that the mother will not accept the pups. In such a situation bottle feed the pups and keep them well fed.