What Documents You Should Get With Your New Chihuahua Puppy

Hi there, I'm Yulia, the founder of World Class Puppies. Since 2019, my life has revolved around raising exceptional Apple Head, Long Hair, and Teacup Chihuahuas from world-class European bloodlines. From my home here in California, I've had the immense joy of uniting these tiny companions with loving families across the country, including in beautiful cities like Boston, Massachusetts.

One of the questions I get most often from new owners is, "What paperwork should I expect to receive?" This is one of my favorite questions because it shows a prospective owner is diligent and responsible. The documents you receive with your puppy aren't just pieces of paper; they are the foundation of your puppy’s history, health, and your legal rights as a new owner. An ethical breeder will always provide a complete and transparent folder of information.

Whether you're adopting from us or another breeder, this guide will walk you through the essential documents you should always receive with your new Chihuahua puppy. Think of it as your puppy’s official biography and your roadmap to a successful start together.

Why Apple Head Chihuahuas are a great fit for Boston families

Boston is a city of rich history and vibrant energy, and an Apple Head Chihuahua fits into the lifestyle perfectly. Their tiny size, typically between 2 to 6 pounds, makes them ideal for apartment and condo living, whether you're in a historic Beacon Hill brownstone or a modern apartment in the Seaport District. They don't require a large yard and are perfectly content with indoor play and short, leashed walks.

While Boston winters can be brisk, a Chihuahua's needs are easily managed. They'll need a stylish little coat and booties for walks along the Charles River Esplanade or through Boston Common, but they are primarily indoor dogs who love to snuggle up after a brief outdoor adventure. Their minimal exercise requirements make them wonderful companions for busy professionals, students, or anyone who enjoys a cozy companion at their side.

Chihuahuas are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their people. For someone living in a bustling city, coming home to that unwavering affection is priceless. They are intelligent, alert little watchdogs who will always let you know when someone is at the door, providing a sense of security in a compact, loving package.

Buyer's guide: how to choose a healthy Chihuahua puppy

When you decide to buy a Chihuahua puppy, the paperwork is your best tool for verifying the breeder's credibility and the puppy's health. A reputable breeder will be proud to provide these documents. Here is your essential checklist.

• Sales Contract & Bill of Sale: This is non-negotiable. The contract should outline all terms of the sale, including the puppy's details (DOB, color, microchip number), the total price, the breeder's responsibilities, and your responsibilities as the new owner. It protects both you and the breeder.
• Written Health Guarantee: Our health guarantee is a promise that your puppy is free from genetic defects. A good guarantee should last for at least one year and clearly state the protocol if a congenital issue is discovered by your vet. It shows the breeder stands behind the health of their puppies.
• Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, this certificate (also known as a CVI) confirms the puppy was examined and found to be healthy and free of infectious diseases. This is a legal requirement for any puppy crossing state lines.
• Complete Vaccination and Deworming Records: This record should be signed or stamped by the veterinarian who administered the treatments. It will list the dates and types of all vaccinations (e.g., Distemper, Parvo) and deworming medications given. This is crucial information for your vet to create a follow-up schedule.
• Registration Papers (if applicable): If the puppy is sold as a registered purebred (e.g., AKC, FCI), you should receive the registration application. It's important to understand the difference between "limited registration" (for pet homes, no breeding rights) and "full registration" (for show/breeding homes), which a breeder should explain clearly.
• Pedigree Chart: A pedigree is the puppy's family tree, showing their lineage for at least three generations. For us, this showcases the champion European bloodlines we work with and is a testament to the puppy's quality heritage.
• Microchip Registration Information: Your puppy should come microchipped. You will receive the paperwork needed to transfer the chip's registration into your name and contact details. This is your puppy's best ticket home if they ever get lost.

Breed comparison: Apple Head vs. Long Hair Chihuahua

Within our beloved breed, there are delightful variations. While this guide focuses on paperwork for all Chihuahuas, it's helpful to know the subtle differences, especially in grooming. Here's a quick comparison of the classic Apple Head (which can have a short or long coat) and the distinct Long Hair Chihuahua.

Feature	Apple Head Chihuahua (Short Coat)	Long Hair Chihuahua
Size	2-6 lbs	2-6 lbs
Temperament	Sassy, loyal, alert, "big dog in a small body"	Often described as slightly more mellow, gentle
Grooming	Low maintenance; weekly brushing	Moderate; daily brushing to prevent mats
Exercise	Low; short walks and indoor play	Low; short walks and indoor play
Kid-Friendliness	Best with older, gentle children	Best with older, gentle children

Both varieties are wonderful, and the choice often comes down to an aesthetic and grooming preference. If you're considering a long-haired beauty, be sure to read our guide on Long Hair Chihuahua puppies.

Puppy care tips from a breeder

Your paperwork is in hand, and your puppy is home! Now the real fun begins. Here are some of my top tips for the first few weeks.

• Feeding Schedule: Tiny puppies need to eat frequently to prevent hypoglycemia. I send my puppies home with a supply of Royal Canin X-Small Puppy food and recommend feeding them 3-4 small meals per day. For more on this critical topic, check out my article on the best food for a Teacup Chihuahua.
• Potty Training: Consistency is key. Start immediately with potty pads in a designated area and take your puppy out frequently. Crate training can be an excellent tool to help with housebreaking.
• Socialization: The window between 7 and 16 weeks is critical for social development. Safely expose your puppy to new sights, sounds, and gentle people. This early work prevents fear and anxiety later in life. For ideas on safe socialization, see our post on whether Chihuahuas get along with other pets.
• Veterinarian Visit: Your sales contract should require you to take your puppy to your own vet within 48-72 hours of arrival. This confirms the puppy's health and establishes a relationship with your local vet clinic.
• Hypoglycemia Prevention: Because of their tiny size, Chihuahua puppies can experience a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Always have a high-calorie supplement like Nutri-Cal on hand for emergencies, especially during the first few weeks in a new home.
• Dental Care: Chihuahuas are prone to dental issues. Start early by gently rubbing their gums with your finger, then introduce a puppy toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste. Good habits now will save you on vet bills later.

Travel and delivery to Boston, Massachusetts

For families in Boston and across the East Coast, the thought of getting a puppy from California can seem daunting. That's why we've perfected our travel process to be completely stress-free for both you and your new puppy.

We exclusively use a hand-delivery service with a dedicated flight nanny. This means your puppy travels in the climate-controlled cabin of the airplane, on the lap of a person whose only job is to care for them. They are never treated as cargo. We will coordinate with you to have the nanny meet you at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with your puppy and their complete folder of documents.

Before you even commit, we schedule video calls so you can see our puppies in real-time, get a virtual tour of our home, and ask me any questions you have. Transparency and trust are the cornerstones of our story and how we operate.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know a Chihuahua breeder is legitimate?

A legitimate breeder provides a comprehensive sales contract, a written health guarantee, and complete veterinary records. They will be transparent, encourage questions, allow video calls to see the puppy and their environment, and have positive testimonials from past clients.

What is the difference between an apple head and deer head Chihuahua?

The primary difference is the head shape. Apple Head Chihuahuas have a round, domed head with a 90-degree stop between the muzzle and forehead, which is the AKC breed standard. Deer Head Chihuahuas have a longer muzzle and a sloped forehead, a trait many people find endearing but is not considered standard. You can learn more in our guide to the Apple Head standard.

How much does an Apple Head Chihuahua puppy cost?

The cost of an Apple Head Chihuahua puppy varies based on factors like bloodline, conformation to breed standards, size, and color. While I don't list specific prices online, a puppy from a reputable breeder is an investment in a healthy, well-socialized companion. We discuss costs openly during the application process.

Can a Chihuahua puppy be hand-delivered to my city?

Absolutely. We specialize in safe, stress-free hand-delivery via a flight nanny. Your puppy travels in the cabin of the plane and is personally handed to you at your nearest major airport, including Boston Logan International (BOS). We never, ever ship puppies in cargo.

Ready to welcome your new puppy?

Choosing a Chihuahua is choosing a friend for life, and starting that journey with the right foundation of health and transparency is so important. The documents you receive are a key part of that foundation.

If you feel that an Apple Head Chihuahua from World Class Puppies might be the right fit for your family in Boston or anywhere else, I would love to hear from you. Take a look at our currently available puppies and feel free to reach out to me directly through our Contact us page or by emailing wcpuppies@gmail.com. Let's find your perfect tiny companion!