The Long Hair Chihuahua is a popular breed, known for its beautiful coat and charming personality. Their small size makes them great for apartment living, and they’re affectionate companions, according to Hill Country Chihuahuas.
If you’re looking for long hair chihuahua puppies for sale, here’s a guide to finding reputable breeders and understanding the adoption process, so you can bring home a healthy and happy pup.
Finding Reputable Breeders
When you’re ready to bring a long-haired Chihuahua puppy into your life, it’s important to find a breeder who’s responsible and ethical. Here’s what to look for:
AKC Registration and Health Testing
Breeders who register their dogs with the American Kennel Club (AKC) are stating that their dogs are purebred and meet certain breed standards. Responsible breeders also conduct genetic health testing and obtain OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification to ensure the health and well-being of their dogs. For example, Lil Treasures Chihuahuas breeds Genetically Health Tested and OFA-certified Chihuahuas.
Breeder Location and Accessibility
You might be able to find a local breeder, like Hill Country Chihuahuas, which is located between Austin and San Antonio, TX. Some breeders, like Lil Treasures Chihuahuas, offer shipping with a Pet Nanny, or delivery to locations in Canada and on the East Coast, as well as in-person pickup.
Home Environment
It’s also important to find a breeder who raises puppies in a home environment. Puppies raised in homes are generally better socialized and more comfortable around people. At Lil Treasures, all puppies are raised and kept in the breeder’s home, as part of their everyday lives.
Understanding the Adoption Process and Breeder Policies
So, you’ve fallen in love with the idea of a long-haired Chihuahua puppy. What’s next? Understanding the adoption process and breeder policies is key to a smooth and successful experience.
Application and Contact Procedures
Some breeders, like Lil Treasures Chihuahuas, require you to submit an application before they’ll even schedule a phone call. Other breeders may prefer email, like Hill Country Chihuahuas, who primarily uses email because of family responsibilities and health issues. Be prepared to use the communication method the breeder prefers.
Deposits and Availability
Most breeders require a deposit to hold a puppy for you. Hill Country Chihuahuas, for example, posts puppies as available for deposit during specific timeframes. Before you put down that deposit, make sure you read all the fine print. Breeders like Hill Country Chihuahuas often have a “Helpful Information” page that you should review before placing a puppy on hold.
Breeder’s Right to Refuse Sales
Keep in mind that breeders often reserve the right to refuse a sale or refund your deposit. This isn’t personal; it’s about ensuring the puppy goes to a suitable and loving home. They want what’s best for the puppy, just like you do!
Frequently Asked Questions
What color of Chihuahua is rare?
While all Chihuahuas are adorable, some colors are harder to find than others. Solid black, solid white, and merle-patterned Chihuahuas are generally considered rare. The merle pattern, in particular, is often associated with health concerns, so be sure to find a reputable breeder if you’re seeking one. Keep in mind that rarity often drives up the price.
How much does a long-haired Chihuahua cost?
The cost of a long-haired Chihuahua puppy can vary widely depending on factors like the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s lineage, color, and markings. You can typically expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $3,000 or even more for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Remember to factor in the ongoing costs of pet ownership, such as food, vet care, and grooming.
What two breeds make a long-haired Chihuahua?
Long-haired Chihuahuas are purebred Chihuahuas; they aren’t a mix of two different breeds. The long-haired coat is simply a result of a recessive gene within the Chihuahua breed. If both parents carry the long-hair gene, they can produce long-haired puppies, even if they themselves have short coats. So, it’s not about mixing breeds but rather about specific genes within the Chihuahua lineage.
In Summary
Finding a Long Hair Chihuahua puppy for sale means doing your homework and choosing a responsible breeder. Chihuahuas can live 14 to 18 years, so bringing one home is a long-term commitment.
When you’re looking for your perfect puppy, remember to put the puppy’s health, temperament, and overall well-being first.