I just wanted to say as I go along and learn and become a crusader for the healthy chihuahua, I am going to have all my dogs certified with CHIC for patellas and heart murmurs, and CERF for eye abnormalities. Though I will talk the talk about how important it is, this is my decision. Breeder friends, I am not trying to condemn you in any way, I might hope that you too will decide to test so you can guarantee your dogs are free of any genetic disorders passed on from generation to generation, but I am not at all trying to slight your decisions. These tests are much cheaper than you would think! CHIC testing for heart and patellas can be done at the vet's office, usually for the price of an office visit and then its $15 to register the results! You could get it done the next time they're in for something else, it only takes a minute! Just visit the CHIC website www.caninehealthinfo.org, print of the forms for patellas and heart murmur, take them with you to the vet, he does the check, fills out the form, you mail it in, presto! Just think of the asset to your dogs to be certain they are free of these common chihuahua ailments and the asset to your business when you can assure your clients their new puppy is free of genetic disorders! The CERF eye testing is a bit more difficult as you need a certified doggie ophthalmologist to perform the test. However, if you go to, THIS website, you can find a list of clinics in your area to get the testing done.
That said :)
Best wishes always and God Bless,
~Andrea - True Shot Chihuahuas