We live in beautiful Victoria BC with my husband, and our 3 wonderful children.
We breed well rounded dogs in conformation, temperament, and intelligence, dogs that stay as true to standard as possible if not improve the standard.

Let me first start off by saying, Big River Chihuahuas is NOT a kennel, our dogs are not outside dogs, we do not sell puppies to Puppy Mills or Pet Shops.
We are a small in home breeder. Our dogs are members of our family, We breed for quality with the best interests of our dogs in mind.

I have always been involved with purebred dogs, before owning our first chihuahua I had totally misguided information regarding the breed. Never owning one, I belived that they were yappy, hard to train, bad with kids and basically purse puppies! Was I wrong!!!!!!!

I did a ton of research through books, computer and spoke to alot of chihuahua breeders and owners, before purchasing one for my husband who already loved the breed, and realized that everything I though was wrong! They are easily trained, great house dogs, wonderful with children (when both are trained : ), and like any dog, not big barkers if trained. They barely shed, and can go anywhere with you. It is incredibly sad to me to see a poorly trained chi as they are so smart, and easy to train.

I first fell in love with my husbands dog, a delightful little girl. She had one accident before being house trained, learned to "come" and "sit" very quickly,and never barked. She learned to stay in our downtown buisness with out going out the door. I was amazed that such a small dog could be capable of all of the things that I loved so much about big dogs, without the hair or size! : ). Personality packed into one well behaved, easily trained, companion, with gorgeous looks to boot! I had to know more!

I have met great friends over the years through researching the breed, as well as at shows. I have gained more knowledge and experience from them than I can ever explain. Much more than you can read about. We breed and show chihuahuas and english mastiffs.

Let me tell you right away, a good breeder who is honest, and maintains their dogs and puppies to the highest standards, does not make money at breeding. So much more goes in than comes out from the puppies , It has to be based soley on love of the breed, chihuahuas are harder to breed and whelp than most breeds with a much higher rate of C-section and complications due to their small size, breeding giant & tiny breeds is more expensive and time consuming, needing more care than average sized dogs. I have often heard"why are chihuahuas and english mastiffs so expensive?" well, they do cost more to breed and maintain breeding dogs, also in most cases you get what you pay for.

I keep learning, still doing my research and keeping up to date on new material concerning my breeds. No breeder knows everything, and a good breeder can never stop learning as everything you do is a learning experience, and there are always new things to learn and changes. I don't claim to know it all, but I breed to create the healthiest, sturdiest, sound chihuahuas, true to type, I breed for pups that are true show of everything a chihuahua should be, in health, type, temperment, and beauty.

My first thought is always the best interest of my dogs and their puppies, as well as potential owners. I take alot of time finding great homes for my pups that will provide the best care, as I would care for them myself. I take great pride in my chi's , and their incredible temperments, as well as their intelligence, grace, fearlessness and beauty.

All of our dogs, are raised in our home, including our giants, we kennel train our puppies until they are house broken, after that a kennel is very rarely ever used or needed. They are raised with our kids, and household noises. They are all part of our family until they become part of yours. And they are always welcome back!

I am available for my puppy people, before, during the process, and after the purchase of one of my puppies for advice or help with training. A dog is a big commitment. You need time to train, being able to afford proper vet care and be home enough that your dog gets the attention they need. As well as consider a puppy the of the right size / activity level for your home and family. I hope that all my puppy people are aware of these things, and make the right decision for them and the pup.

I love my little puppy; she makes my house a home.
She is my very sweetest little friend; I never feel alone.
She makes me smile; She makes me laugh; She fills my heart with love . . .
Did some person breed her, or did she fall from above?

I've never been a breeder, never seen life through their eyes;
I hold my little puppy and just sit and criticize.
I've never known their anguish; I've never felt their pain,
the caring of their charges, through snow or wind or rain.

I've never waited the whole night through for babies to be born,
The stress and trepidation when they're still not there by morn.
The weight of responsibility for this body in my hands,
This darling little baby, who weighs but 60 grams.

Should you do that instead of this . . . or maybe that was wrong?
Alone you fight and hope, one day, he'll grow up proud and strong.
You pray he'll live to bring great joy to someone else's home.
You know it's all just up to you; you'll fight this fight alone.

Formula, bottles, heating pads, you've got to get this right,
two-hour feedings for this tiny guy, throughout the day and night.
Within your heart you dread that you will surely lose this fight,
To save this little baby, but God willing . . . you just MIGHT.

Day one; he's in there fighting; you say a silent prayer.
Day two & three, he's doing well, with lots of love and care.
Day four & five . . . he's still alive; your hopes soar to the
heavens.
Day six he slips away again, dies in your hands, day seven.

You take this little angel, and bury him alone.
With aching heart and burning tears, and an exhausted groan,
You ask yourself, "Why do this? . . . Why suffer through this pain?"
Yet watch the joy your puppies bring, and everything's explained.

So, when you think of breeders and label them with "Greed,"
Think of all that they endure to fill another's need.
For when you buy your puppy, with your precious dollars part,
You only pay with money . . . while they pay with all their heart.

.... Author Unknown....

Rhonda Mason Radisson SK.

OMG Beth!!!!

He is soooo cute!!!! He's so well mannered! He's amazing!!! I could just eat him up :)

He cried a bit on the way to the terminal. But we spent lots of time with him on the ferry, I have him some water and 1/2 of a treat and he seemed happier :) He even cried to be put back in the kennel to pee!!! I couldn't figure out what he wanted at first, but that was it! He didn't want to pee on me! lol!

I'm really sorry that I didn't get a chance to meet you, I was really looking forward to it! Your husband was very nice.
I didn't have any questions to ask when I picked him up today, but I'm sure I will in the days to come!

I will definately keep you updated with pics and let you know how he's doing! I'd love to come by and chat with you the next time I'm in Victoria!!! I could bring Boone with me too of course :)

Tara BC