AIBU to want a rescue chihuahua?

[LEMisdisappointed]

We have two dogs already (JRTs) the chihuahua would be for DD me. I love chihuahuas and used to have one as a teenager which was also a rescue of sorts - my uncle adopted a female that turned out to be pregnant. I do not like how they are used as fashion accessories, they are all dog and mine would be expected to muck in with the rest of us. DD is absoultely desperate for one, but to be honest thats by the by, I dont believe in buying dogs for children, it would be a family pet. I would be happy with a xbreed (but of course realise that they are "designer dogs" nowadays ), but want a small dog so chihuahua x staffy not so much (although we nearly ended up with one of these when we got our last dog).

So, is it unreasonable to try and get a rescue dog? I don't particularly want a puppy, in fact i'd prefer something about 1-2 years, older would also be ok. Or is it a bit off to be looking for a specific breed rescue, especially when that breed is overpriced quite expensive. I'd happily pay for the dog, just not a grand!

I've lots of doggie experience as an ex vet nurse and have had only ever been without a dog for 2 months since i was 8 (im not saying how long hat is, but trust me,,its a LONG time).

We looked in the dogs trust today, not really expecting to see one, we didn't but felt too embarrased to enquire after a specific breed or type of dog.

What about breed rescue?

No idea if they are still available but there are some on dogsblog.

Most breed clubs usually have an associated breed rescue. I've just had a quick look and the British Chihuahua Club do have a rescue branch.

There's also the Little Dog Rescue who specialise in finding homes for small breeds.

The only thing that would concern me a little with getting a chi from unknown breeders would be the potential health issues that could be present. I believe Syringomyelia is becoming more common in chihuahuas, not helped by them being churned out by puppy farmers and BYB who put little to no thought or care into their breeding.

I think you shouldn't feel embarrassed to ask for a particular breed, it shows you've thought about what would work best for you and your family. Of course it would be lovely if every dog in rescue could go straight to a Forever Home, and yes it's pretty shitty having to walk past a pair of soulful eyes, but you can only rescue one, you can't rescue them all, and the best results come when the new home is ready and realistic about the dog that they've chosen.

PinkFairy has some good points about the disastrous effect of shitty breeders on popular breeds/crosses.

Will get out of thread now before steam comes pouring out of ears...

Pinkfairy that is a good point. I wouldn't buy from a puppy farm or byb hence wanting a rescue. Of course they are most likely to have come from those places so its difficult. I get cheap vet bills as I used to be a v nurse and my old employers only charge cost price but thats not the point. Its the worry and heartache. I am going to wait a while but if one comes our way it will be fate :)

Lem, there are 2 chis and 2 chi crosses on many tears website at the moment

ProDogs Direct have Jack, a 1 year old JRT x Chihuahua in at the mo. Not yet listed on their website but he is on their facebook page:

www.facebook.com/pages/Pro-Dogs-Direct/321074236470?fref=ts