Guidelines For Novices

So you are thinking you want to show and breed dogs? Here are a few things to get you on your way or maybe change your mind. Either way your eyes should be opened.

1. No one is perfect

2 No dog is perfect

3 A dog is worth what a seller charges and a buyer pays.

4 You and the breeder should write a list of expectations go over them and agree to them or disagree and come up with one list you can both agree on and save your own copy signed by the other..This is not a legal document but a promise to do the right thing and a description of what the right thing will be.

5 If you get a puppy and decide you have a problem you have two choices, you live with the problem or you return the puppy. ASAP

A If you have a puppy that you do not think will turn out, return it to the breeder within 2 weeks.
B If you keep a puppy for show and you do not think it will be show able at 6 months return it to the breeder for another puppy or for a partial refund. Remember the dog was sold as a show prospect. If it is a pet let the breeder place it as a pet and be willing to wait for a replacement.
C If you keep a dog past 6 months do not expect a full refund unless it was written in your what to expect notes.
D Dogs can change its best to be flexible and work with the breeder.
E Always give the breeder the opportunity to take back the dog.
F If you have the puppy shipped to you and you do not want to keep the puppy it is your obligation to pay the return shipping to get a full refund. 72 hour buyer’s remorse is a national law, but the cost of shipping is the obligation of the purchaser.

6 Never ask your mentor when you can get rid of them. You should always want to seek advice from a trusted source.

7 Do not expect that any dog used for breeding will be replaced.

8 Do not have any elective surgeries for the dog without consulting the breeder.

9. Never buy a dog that has an obvious temperament problem.

10 Take care and guard the temperament of your new dog. What you see in temperament the day you purchase the dog should be what it remains, unless YOU fail to work with the dog or socialize it properly.

11When buying a puppy, make sure that you plan to keep him for life, and that your commitment to him is as strong as the commitment he will make to you.

12 As a new person to the breed don't act like you know it all. Be open and willing to learn.

13 Make sure when looking to purchase a show puppy that the breeder shows dogs and has spent time in the ring.

14 Have PATIENCE! Good things come to those who wait.

15 When a reputable breeder/exhibitor that has productive time under their belt in this breed, and has a good reputation with their peers offers you advice, take it!!! The already established people in this breed can feel that taking a chance on a new person is a big risk so if one offers advice, take it as a compliment, because they obviously see some potential in you. They are probably trying to save you some valuable steps, steps that they themselves had to struggle through.

16 Realize that everyone must work hard to learn and pay their dues. Do not EXPECT that ANY established breeder will sell you a pup without knowing you for some time and establishing that you are on the right track.

17 Make plans to attend several local All Breed Shows
just to watch Chihuahuas and attend your regional Specialities.

18 Plan a vacation around attending the Spring Rotating
or better yet the Fall National Speciality in Chicago.

19 Understand up front showing dogs is an expensive hobby.
Crying you can't afford to show isn't going to earn you
any points.

20 While at these shows you MUST buy a catalog.
You must sit ringside and pay attention to the dogs.
Look at what "lines" or kennel names you seem to be
drawn to. And make it a point to introduce yourself
to those people.

21 Purchase as many CCA Handbooks as you can afford/find.
These books are your new Chihuahua Bible. Study these books
and memorize pedigrees and lines of dogs. Use these books to
help you plan the direction you would like to follow in Chihuahuas.
They are very useful in assisting the development of an "eye" for the breed;
figuring out which lines or style of Chihuahua you prefer.
It would be best to have studied the Handbooks before
you go to a lot of shows. That way you may already have the
start of a picture in your mind. Seeing the dogs in person is always best but the handbooks can help strengthen your ideal image.

22 Don't buy multiple dogs from multiple people and assume
that you will be able to breed them together and produce
the next top show dogs.

22 Don't expect to breed up from pet quality lines if that is what you already have.

23 Try to find a mentor that you can often see face to face or at the very least
can talk to by phone often.

24 Resist kennel blindness of your own dogs and also of your friends and mentors
dogs. Be able to see through and find the virtues of a winning dog and not
focus solely on it's faults.