Home of healthy, typey, sweet chihuahuas.
About Us
I have been a chihuahua fancier for over 15 years. I have been a purebred dog fancier all my life but had to wait until I was an adult to obtain my first purebred. Since I had literally poured over and memorized all the AKC breeds when I was first able to read, I was eager to get into the purebred dog world. I decided to begin showing and breeding chihuahuas about eight years ago, though I have loved and shared my life with dogs for two decades now. I owe my start in the breed to Annette Waldkoetter of Windsong Chihuahuas. She was and still is a wonderful mentor with many years of experience. It has been a slow road for Tip's but if not for Annette it may never have happened.
I also work closely with my dear friend Karen Temple of Temple Chihuahuas. I couldn't ask for a better friend and she has contributed greatly to Tip's breeding program.
My husband just happened to "marry into" chis and he has been involved ever since. In fact, he does most of the exhibiting while I get to watch!
We are very selective and do not have many chis. We don't have many litters a year, the most we have had in one year thus far is two. We breed on a small scale because we have to...not ALL larger kennels are bad. In fact, many breeds are suffering because we do not have enough larger scale breeders due to the fact that larger kennels are no longer "PC".
If I were rich I just might have a kennel and hire help! As it is, I do the best with what I have and I sell a puppy here and there to make up for the expenses. I wouldn't make money even if I sold each pet for a thousand dollars.
And on that topic....our dogs are NOT cheap but they are not expensive either. Some folks act as if $600 is a lot of money for a dog. Really? In a society where women spend a grand on a hair weave? Really? If you think $600 or $800 is a lot for a dog, think about what you regularly spend money on and consider you are purchasing a life. If you want a healthy, quality chihuahua companion you've come to the right place.
MISSION STATEMENT:
To leave the breed in a better state than which it was found. To develop as clean of a line as possible devoid of all the chemical damage that has been inflicted on it.
NOW...ABOUT OUR DOG'S DIET!
First of all, I began the search for the proper diet for my dogs back in 1996. I obtained
a copy of Dr. Richard Pitcairn's book A Guide to Natural Health For Dogs and Cats and began there. I still believe in much of his protocol excepting the grain in the diet. He promoted cooking for dogs, which is better than commercial dog food, but still not correct. Many different sources of information have contributed to my study and it was a long road. Ironically, the answer is so simple...
It Only Makes Sense (would you feed grains and vegetables to a wolf?)
FACTS
The dog shares over 99% of his mitochondrial dna with the wolf.
Dogs have the very same dentition and digestive tract as the wolf which makes them carnivores. Sorry dog food industry.
The dog food industry began as a means to utilize scrap grains and meat not fit for human consumption.
Our dogs and cats are plagued with more health problems than ever before. Sadly, the most basic building block and starting point for health has been deprived of our pets.
With that most simple and factual information in mind, we believe in providing our dogs with the best possible nutrition and therefore feed a varied and raw diet exclusively. We do not use toxic flea spot-ons or similar pest control chemicals. Our chis are kept pest-free by way of a healthy, natural immunity from eating whole, natural foods, NO unnecessary and harmful vaccinations, and by using natural essential oils for insect repellents if necessary. They receive plenty of fresh air and exercise.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the health of my pack. I attribute the great health of my dogs to my natural, species appropriate diet. This is the first step. You have to have a healthy foundation and kibble is NOT healthy. None of it. No brand. Period. You can keep a dog alive with kibble, but not truly healthy. Pretty soon you will have a dog with plaque/tartar infested teeth, bad skin, and overall poor health. We have become used to this poor health in our dogs. It is "normal" to go to the vet for steroids, antibiotics, dental cleanings, etc. It is normal for a dog to have that "doggy odor". This could not be further from the truth. A naturally reared dog has an earthy, sweet smell. No odor at all, anywhere. Not the breath, coat, or ears.
One can find plenty of information via the web pertaining to this way of caring for dogs. Unfortunately, one can also find just as much information opposed to it. Over the years I have read with sadness the articles (mostly written by vets) in the AKC Gazzette (among others) denouncing the raw diet. We must realize that the typical vet has received absolutely no education on diet - excepting the seminars presented by the likes of Science Diet. The dog food industry is huge and old ideas, no matter how incorrect, are hard to dispose of unfortunately. I only know that after years of feeding kibble, I finally have truly healthy dogs. Dogs with a sheen to their coat like no other. Dogs with clean teeth and no odor. Bitches that free whelp easier than ever before and stronger puppies. Dogs with superior overall condition. Bottom line - I love my dogs and I want to keep them alive and healthy as long as I can.
There are so many "bandaids" to cover up the unhealthy way our dogs have been maintained since the first bag of dog food was created. Before "dog food" dogs ate like they were supposed to for the most part. Now we have been duped by big corporations to believe that our dogs are omnivores when in reality they are carnivores. Look at wolves. One has to consider both the dentition and the digestive system and both point to a carnivore. Now our poor carnivorous pets are fed corn based kibble which wreaks havoc on the teeth and overall health. Have a dog with a stinky, tartar infested mouth? No problem, just brush the teeth or have them put under to be cleaned. (Utterly ridiculous because feeding the way nature intended CLEANS teeth!) Have a dog with itchy, scab covered flesh? Easy, put him on steroids. It is so sad...these "bandaids"(and many more) would not be necessary if the poor dogs were fed properly.
And your vet? Sadly vets are sorely misguided. For instance, most people vaccinate their dogs yearly despite the fact that the AVMA stated a decade or more ago that it was not necessary. But greedy vets still send out yearly reminder cards. I used to vaccinate my own dogs and it costs around $3 per dose. Think how much you spend at the vets for that very same vaccine! Also, vets do not receive any education on nutrition OTHER than that provided by Science Diet. A dog food company. This desperately needs to change.
For those who vehemently disagree with raw feeding for whatever reason, ask yourself this:
why is it that raw fed dogs have smaller, MUCH less foul stools that biodegrade in days?
answer: the dog is NATURALLY utilizing the nutrients more effectively, that ALONE proves it is superior.
why is it that dogs (and especially chis) get tartar and plaque buildup while eating kibble but NOT when eating raw meat and bones?
answer: because the ripping and tearing of meat cleans the teeth - just as it does for wolves and other canids.
why is it that dogs eating raw meat and bones are much more toned and fit than kibble eating dogs?
answer: because ripping and tearing of meat acts as isometric exercise toning every single muscle all the way down to the toes. You won't find any fat and squishy wolves...
why is it that kibble fed dogs have bad breath and a "doggy" odor whereas raw fed dogs do not?
answer: because raw fed dogs are healthier. they don't have dirty teeth so no foul breath and their bodies are not emitting toxins from built up waste their bodies cannot handle. (ingredients in kibble).
why is it that dogs CAN consume raw meat and bones with not only no ill effect but with thriving condition?
answer: because that is what they are supposed to eat. that simple.
To Sum It Up:
Here are some of the benefits of feeding a raw diet(pet owners):
clean teeth
sweet smelling breath
no "doggy" odor
healthy skin and shiny coat
well toned muscle
smaller and MUCH less stinky stools
MUCH fewer vet visits
great looks and energy into very old age
A healthy body means fewer parasites
For breeders:
Easier whelping
higher number of pups average
healthier more vibrant whelps
more milk longer
much healthier pups when weaned onto raw
For those who detest the idea of feeding their pet raw, the list above should help change your mind. There is no reason not to feed your pets appropriately. The fact that a dog is a carnivore and not an omnivore should not be ignored. The very fact that dogs all over the world are thriving on raw is the proof. Some may say that "my dogs look fine and have nice coats and they eat dog food!" I say, YES, for now, but it will catch up to him or her. Raw fed and minimally vaccinated dogs look healthy and young into their golden years.
Below is a link to some really good and accurate information provided by an actual dog food manufacturer! My guess is to promote their grain-free diet, which is better but not good enough.
http://orijen.ca/orijen/ORIJEN_White_Paper.pdf
As for vaccines, research is ongoing, but it has been proven that a single vaccine series given after a puppy has been weaned and all maternal antibodies have cleared - can provide immunity for life. (Think about it -do we get a measles vaccine yearly?) It has also been proven that excessive vaccines are very harmful and completely unnecessary. Please see my "links" page for more info about vaccines and toxins.
To Sum It ALL Up...
Sadly, the standard of care that our dogs (and cats) receive is more than lacking, and in my opinion borders on cruelty. I see so many breeders profess to breed "healthy" dogs and in the same paragraph they state that their dogs are "up to date" on vaccines, poisoned with insecticides, fed an unnatural diet that coats the teeth in filth and produces foul smelling body and breath odor. Did you know for instance, there are only three species of animals with plaque/tartar/dental disease? Those three are humans, dogs, and cats.
Much more education is necessary. Many breeders resist and sadly the very act of natural rearing tends to be insulting to conventional breeders. I wish this was not the case, we all begin somewhere.
More and more people are realizing that a species appropriate diet is the only way to go. Dogs are meant to eat raw meat and bones like their cousins, wolves,coyotes. When you begin with a proper diet everything else begins to fall into place. But it will be a very long time before things truly change in a significant number.There are breeders in just about every breed working to create NR lines. All the health testing in the world is moot with conventionally reared dogs. They are simply too far damaged to accurately guess whether it is nature vs. nurture (or lack thereof). See my links page for more.
IMPORTANT: Educate yourself prior to beginning a species appropriate diet switch. Never feed cooked bones as they become hard and brittle when cooked and are a possible choking hazard.
My next love is photography. I studied photography in college and thoroughly enjoy photographing dogs.
We are located in Solsberry, Indiana. Member: Chihuahua Club of America.
Email: tipschihuahuas@live.com
And with a small amount of spare time I like to make little clay sculptures...
A recent neopolitan mastiff puppy I created. All are made from polymer clay, all
are OOAK. More to come soon.
The piece below is a head study and was given to my friend and mentor Annette Waldkoetter of Windsong Chihuahuas. I also plan on making pieces for the CCA and fundraising for canine health issues, as well as for friends.
I also work closely with my dear friend Karen Temple of Temple Chihuahuas. I couldn't ask for a better friend and she has contributed greatly to Tip's breeding program.
My husband just happened to "marry into" chis and he has been involved ever since. In fact, he does most of the exhibiting while I get to watch!
We are very selective and do not have many chis. We don't have many litters a year, the most we have had in one year thus far is two. We breed on a small scale because we have to...not ALL larger kennels are bad. In fact, many breeds are suffering because we do not have enough larger scale breeders due to the fact that larger kennels are no longer "PC".
If I were rich I just might have a kennel and hire help! As it is, I do the best with what I have and I sell a puppy here and there to make up for the expenses. I wouldn't make money even if I sold each pet for a thousand dollars.
And on that topic....our dogs are NOT cheap but they are not expensive either. Some folks act as if $600 is a lot of money for a dog. Really? In a society where women spend a grand on a hair weave? Really? If you think $600 or $800 is a lot for a dog, think about what you regularly spend money on and consider you are purchasing a life. If you want a healthy, quality chihuahua companion you've come to the right place.
MISSION STATEMENT:
To leave the breed in a better state than which it was found. To develop as clean of a line as possible devoid of all the chemical damage that has been inflicted on it.
NOW...ABOUT OUR DOG'S DIET!
First of all, I began the search for the proper diet for my dogs back in 1996. I obtained
a copy of Dr. Richard Pitcairn's book A Guide to Natural Health For Dogs and Cats and began there. I still believe in much of his protocol excepting the grain in the diet. He promoted cooking for dogs, which is better than commercial dog food, but still not correct. Many different sources of information have contributed to my study and it was a long road. Ironically, the answer is so simple...
It Only Makes Sense (would you feed grains and vegetables to a wolf?)
FACTS
The dog shares over 99% of his mitochondrial dna with the wolf.
Dogs have the very same dentition and digestive tract as the wolf which makes them carnivores. Sorry dog food industry.
The dog food industry began as a means to utilize scrap grains and meat not fit for human consumption.
Our dogs and cats are plagued with more health problems than ever before. Sadly, the most basic building block and starting point for health has been deprived of our pets.
With that most simple and factual information in mind, we believe in providing our dogs with the best possible nutrition and therefore feed a varied and raw diet exclusively. We do not use toxic flea spot-ons or similar pest control chemicals. Our chis are kept pest-free by way of a healthy, natural immunity from eating whole, natural foods, NO unnecessary and harmful vaccinations, and by using natural essential oils for insect repellents if necessary. They receive plenty of fresh air and exercise.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the health of my pack. I attribute the great health of my dogs to my natural, species appropriate diet. This is the first step. You have to have a healthy foundation and kibble is NOT healthy. None of it. No brand. Period. You can keep a dog alive with kibble, but not truly healthy. Pretty soon you will have a dog with plaque/tartar infested teeth, bad skin, and overall poor health. We have become used to this poor health in our dogs. It is "normal" to go to the vet for steroids, antibiotics, dental cleanings, etc. It is normal for a dog to have that "doggy odor". This could not be further from the truth. A naturally reared dog has an earthy, sweet smell. No odor at all, anywhere. Not the breath, coat, or ears.
One can find plenty of information via the web pertaining to this way of caring for dogs. Unfortunately, one can also find just as much information opposed to it. Over the years I have read with sadness the articles (mostly written by vets) in the AKC Gazzette (among others) denouncing the raw diet. We must realize that the typical vet has received absolutely no education on diet - excepting the seminars presented by the likes of Science Diet. The dog food industry is huge and old ideas, no matter how incorrect, are hard to dispose of unfortunately. I only know that after years of feeding kibble, I finally have truly healthy dogs. Dogs with a sheen to their coat like no other. Dogs with clean teeth and no odor. Bitches that free whelp easier than ever before and stronger puppies. Dogs with superior overall condition. Bottom line - I love my dogs and I want to keep them alive and healthy as long as I can.
There are so many "bandaids" to cover up the unhealthy way our dogs have been maintained since the first bag of dog food was created. Before "dog food" dogs ate like they were supposed to for the most part. Now we have been duped by big corporations to believe that our dogs are omnivores when in reality they are carnivores. Look at wolves. One has to consider both the dentition and the digestive system and both point to a carnivore. Now our poor carnivorous pets are fed corn based kibble which wreaks havoc on the teeth and overall health. Have a dog with a stinky, tartar infested mouth? No problem, just brush the teeth or have them put under to be cleaned. (Utterly ridiculous because feeding the way nature intended CLEANS teeth!) Have a dog with itchy, scab covered flesh? Easy, put him on steroids. It is so sad...these "bandaids"(and many more) would not be necessary if the poor dogs were fed properly.
And your vet? Sadly vets are sorely misguided. For instance, most people vaccinate their dogs yearly despite the fact that the AVMA stated a decade or more ago that it was not necessary. But greedy vets still send out yearly reminder cards. I used to vaccinate my own dogs and it costs around $3 per dose. Think how much you spend at the vets for that very same vaccine! Also, vets do not receive any education on nutrition OTHER than that provided by Science Diet. A dog food company. This desperately needs to change.
For those who vehemently disagree with raw feeding for whatever reason, ask yourself this:
why is it that raw fed dogs have smaller, MUCH less foul stools that biodegrade in days?
answer: the dog is NATURALLY utilizing the nutrients more effectively, that ALONE proves it is superior.
why is it that dogs (and especially chis) get tartar and plaque buildup while eating kibble but NOT when eating raw meat and bones?
answer: because the ripping and tearing of meat cleans the teeth - just as it does for wolves and other canids.
why is it that dogs eating raw meat and bones are much more toned and fit than kibble eating dogs?
answer: because ripping and tearing of meat acts as isometric exercise toning every single muscle all the way down to the toes. You won't find any fat and squishy wolves...
why is it that kibble fed dogs have bad breath and a "doggy" odor whereas raw fed dogs do not?
answer: because raw fed dogs are healthier. they don't have dirty teeth so no foul breath and their bodies are not emitting toxins from built up waste their bodies cannot handle. (ingredients in kibble).
why is it that dogs CAN consume raw meat and bones with not only no ill effect but with thriving condition?
answer: because that is what they are supposed to eat. that simple.
To Sum It Up:
Here are some of the benefits of feeding a raw diet(pet owners):
clean teeth
sweet smelling breath
no "doggy" odor
healthy skin and shiny coat
well toned muscle
smaller and MUCH less stinky stools
MUCH fewer vet visits
great looks and energy into very old age
A healthy body means fewer parasites
For breeders:
Easier whelping
higher number of pups average
healthier more vibrant whelps
more milk longer
much healthier pups when weaned onto raw
For those who detest the idea of feeding their pet raw, the list above should help change your mind. There is no reason not to feed your pets appropriately. The fact that a dog is a carnivore and not an omnivore should not be ignored. The very fact that dogs all over the world are thriving on raw is the proof. Some may say that "my dogs look fine and have nice coats and they eat dog food!" I say, YES, for now, but it will catch up to him or her. Raw fed and minimally vaccinated dogs look healthy and young into their golden years.
Below is a link to some really good and accurate information provided by an actual dog food manufacturer! My guess is to promote their grain-free diet, which is better but not good enough.
http://orijen.ca/orijen/ORIJEN_White_Paper.pdf
As for vaccines, research is ongoing, but it has been proven that a single vaccine series given after a puppy has been weaned and all maternal antibodies have cleared - can provide immunity for life. (Think about it -do we get a measles vaccine yearly?) It has also been proven that excessive vaccines are very harmful and completely unnecessary. Please see my "links" page for more info about vaccines and toxins.
To Sum It ALL Up...
Sadly, the standard of care that our dogs (and cats) receive is more than lacking, and in my opinion borders on cruelty. I see so many breeders profess to breed "healthy" dogs and in the same paragraph they state that their dogs are "up to date" on vaccines, poisoned with insecticides, fed an unnatural diet that coats the teeth in filth and produces foul smelling body and breath odor. Did you know for instance, there are only three species of animals with plaque/tartar/dental disease? Those three are humans, dogs, and cats.
Much more education is necessary. Many breeders resist and sadly the very act of natural rearing tends to be insulting to conventional breeders. I wish this was not the case, we all begin somewhere.
More and more people are realizing that a species appropriate diet is the only way to go. Dogs are meant to eat raw meat and bones like their cousins, wolves,coyotes. When you begin with a proper diet everything else begins to fall into place. But it will be a very long time before things truly change in a significant number.There are breeders in just about every breed working to create NR lines. All the health testing in the world is moot with conventionally reared dogs. They are simply too far damaged to accurately guess whether it is nature vs. nurture (or lack thereof). See my links page for more.
IMPORTANT: Educate yourself prior to beginning a species appropriate diet switch. Never feed cooked bones as they become hard and brittle when cooked and are a possible choking hazard.
My next love is photography. I studied photography in college and thoroughly enjoy photographing dogs.
We are located in Solsberry, Indiana. Member: Chihuahua Club of America.
Email: tipschihuahuas@live.com
And with a small amount of spare time I like to make little clay sculptures...
A recent neopolitan mastiff puppy I created. All are made from polymer clay, all
are OOAK. More to come soon.
The piece below is a head study and was given to my friend and mentor Annette Waldkoetter of Windsong Chihuahuas. I also plan on making pieces for the CCA and fundraising for canine health issues, as well as for friends.
