@crs_7 They were probably better than most purebred chihuahuas I have seen! As breeders, we have a responsibility to select pairs which would result in the most freedom from pain, including trying to reduce deafness or other congenital diseases. In my breed, Italian Greyhounds, the genetic defects often won’t show until late adulthood, so gauging health at the puppy stage is moot. Sure, you’d ask the vet to check patellas, but you can’t certify the soundness until after 3 years of age.
In my area, chihuahuas and other small dogs are often in high demand, so they suffer from practices that focus on looks rather than structure and health.
Personally, I will be getting my two of my puppies who are not registered with the AKC genetic tested to consider them as stock dogs. Iggies can suffer from leg breaks, which are expensive and extremely stressful on dog and owner. Sometimes, the leg needs to be amputated. Iggies are often owned by those with more financial stability and are not often in shelters. While I don’t think breeding outside the stud book is a good practice in general, if we can perpetuate a dog with better leg structure, then that goal is better for the dog and breed.
I’m glad you’re looking into the matter more, but you may need to look at more information since your practices might lead to unintended consequences. Not saying you’re horrible or whatever. I love my chihuahua mix and I don’t like most purebred chihuahuas. There is value in certain mixes, but good breeding practices apply to mixed breeding as they do with purebreds.
