If you are new to breeding chis, I would start with a 6 to 7 or even 8 pound girl and a smaller male. I know standards are 6 and under, but it really is safer for a newbie to start with a larger female...the genetically smaller male should help bring the pups into standard range. Ideally, a larger female from genetically smaller parents and a genetically smaller male would be best.
Experienced breeders generally breed in the 5 to 6 pound range. Some, myself included, will breed smaller, but that is NOT recommended if you don't have the experience and know exactly what you are doing. Some people fault me for that, but I have many years of chi experience and do feel comfortable breeding the size I do. The smallest I breed is a 3 pound female to a genetically smaller male. It is kinda like breeding merles...I would NEVER do that because I do not feel I have enough experience to do so safely. At the same time, I do feel I have enough experience to safely breed certain 3 pound females but would not recommend it for just anyone... So, bottom line, you are a new breeder looking for advice to get started, look for a female in the 6 to 8 pound range and a male in the 4 to 6 pound range and you should be ok. Smaller males can be difficult to mate with larger females simply because the physical act can be ...errrrr...hard to reach?? lol, so unless you know how to help him, you would be better off with a male around 4 to 6. As you gain experience, you can start cutting your size back via selective breeding. No one starts at the top :-) Marsha ' ----- Original Message ----- From: stef481 To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 3:00 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] Safe Size for Breeding Chis Hi everyone. I joined this group a while ago but haven't posted much because I haven't gotten my Chi yet. I have really been enjoying just reading everyones post and getting info on the Chi breed. I was going to get my baby back in December but decided to wait until after the holidays and find just the right one. I am looking to start a small Chihuahua breeding program in my home. I live with my husband and two Miniature Australian Shepherds, who are my babies. This new Chi will be my "baby" too and will be a loved part of our family first and foremost. I have been researching the breed for a long time. I am also aware of the "ups and downs" of breeding. I would eventually like to get into conformation with Chihuahuas. In the future, I would like to get a male and show him. For now, I want to find a good female that is a good size for breeding but will also have a great temperment and confomation. My question for anyone with experience is: what is a "safe" size for a female to be bred? I know that c-sections are very common in the Chihuahua because they are so small. But, I have heard that the larger the female, the more likely they are to free whelp. I want to conform to the AKC standard as far as size (under 6 pounds). I have my eye on a pretty black smooth coat Chi who is already 9 months old. She is about 5 1/2 pounds. Would she be a good size? I also REALLY like this sweet little long haired Chi who is only 4 pounds at 2 years old. Too small? She is a gorgeous light red color, like apricot. If anyone has an opinion on size, that would be great if you could share! Stef
