Is Itty-Bitty Better?
Just as Americans have a fascination with oversized meals and immense road-warrior vehicles, we also have a love of small dogs. Really small dogs. Not since the mid-1900s have toy breeds been so popular. In fact, since 2000, four of the top ten most-popular breeds registered with the AKC have been small dogs (under twenty pounds) — with the Chihuahua holding steady as one of those four.
From time to time, a breeder may have a runt, or an exceptionally small puppy, born to a litter. This small pup is not special. He is not more valuable than his larger littermates. He does not command a higher price for his so-called rarity. He's just small. In fact, a very small puppy can require more veterinary care early on and take longer to wean from his mother.
According to the breed standard, the Chihuahua is not to weigh more than six pounds. Those exceeding this weight can still make terrific pets; however, they would be disqualified in the show ring. The reputable breeder tries to breed dogs that conform to the standard, usually weighing between three and six pounds.
As you can probably surmise, enterprising entrepreneurs figured out that there was a market for people who wanted a dog so small she would fit in their breast pockets or ride in a petite purse. These folks even gave Chihuahuas (that would not weigh more than one to two pounds at full maturity) special names in order to market them as being something very extraordinary, rare and, of course, expensive: “teacup,” “pocket-size,” “miniature,” “tiny toys,” and “tiny teacup” are just a few of those names.
It's okay to want a very small Chihuahua; however, you might want to keep the following things in mind:
While a quality breeder does not breed for extremely small sizes, a quality breeder may still have a tiny Chihuahua show up in a litter.
It often takes longer for these very little guys to begin thriving, so an experienced breeder will hold the occasional tiny puppy longer (more than twelve weeks) to make sure she is healthy and flourishing.
Very small Chihuahuas may be more susceptible to a variety of illnesses and conditions, including hypoglycemia.
Surgery, medications, and anesthesia can be more complex and expensive with the tiny Chihuahua.
The only differentiation the CCA makes within the breed is coat type; there is no division according to size (such as the size division of toy, miniature, and standard that apply to the poodle, for instance).
Chihuahua pups are small as it is, and a very small puppy requires even more attention from the owner to ensure her safety.
Tiny Chihuahuas tend to remain frail and prone to injury throughout their adult lives.
If you really want a very small Chihuahua, do not seek a puppy from someone who advertises or breeds exclusively for exceptionally small dogs. It is not considered healthy or wise to breed for size. Find a quality breeder, and then wait for him to produce a small one. You very well might find that while you're waiting, a healthy, robust average-sized Chihuahua is plenty small and just what you're really looking for.
