Rafina Chihuahuas
- Dowagiac, MI
- Responds within a few hours
- 100% recommend •
Meet the breeder
I'm Barbara P., the breeder behind Rafina Chihuahuas located in Dowagiac, MI. We built our program with care and intention in every step. We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of this breed. As breeders, we are stewards of the future of our breed, so we are careful to always maintain ethical breeding practices. This includes proper health testing, intentional breeding for specific traits, and raising our puppies with proper socialization.
Q. & A. with Barbara
Why did you start breeding?
I breed when I want something for the show ring. The puppies I choose not to keep and sold as pets to loving homes.What makes your program special?
I focus a lot on soundness. My first breed was Afghan Hounds, and from them, I learned how important soundness, structure and movement is. I have carried this knowledge over to Chihuahuas.What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies include smooth and long coat varieties. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include fawn, black sabled fawn, blue fawn, red and white, and black and tan. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Barbara
Barbara has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
After buyers complete the application and screening process, Barbara partners with them to find the best puppy match.
“We take great care in placing our puppies. No puppy leaves here until they are at least 12 weeks of age, are current on vaccinations and have had a well baby check at the vet. Pet puppies are sold with limited AKC registration and all registrations are prepaid by the breeder. Any defects in the puppy's conformation etc., are shared with the prospective purchaser before the purchase. We don't recommend households with very young children and that decision is made on a case by case basis.”
Price
“The price includes prepaid AKC registration, first shots, worming, well baby check, and a swag bag full of puppy goodies. The deposit will "hold" a puppy for 30 days. However, I do not offer puppies less than 12 weeks of age and I feel it's important for the puppy to meet his new parents as soon as can possibly be arranged.”
Contract & health guarantee
Barbara may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Barbara offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Barbara directly.
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on Good Dog
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What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized in new places
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Food & treats
- Puppy starter kit
- Toys
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Barbara.
Breeder's location
Meet in Dowagiac, MI
4267 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Airport
4233 miles away
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Meet in Kalamazoo, MI
4231 miles away
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More about Barbara
Certifications & recognitions
CHIC Certified, Professional Groomer, AKC Breeder of Merit.
Barbara has been a member of Good Dog for about 1 month
Barbara was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.
Barbara’s links
Barbara is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Rafina Chihuahuas meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Mandy, mom
Chihuahua
About Mandy
Mandy has a sweet, sunny disposition. She is sound and gentle. She has 5 points toward her championship and has had (and passed) all her health certifications for patellas, heart defects and eye anomalies.
Todd, dad
Chihuahua
About Todd
Todd is a beautiful, sound dog with a lovely coat. He has a sweet disposition and gets along well with others. He has had (and passed) all his health certifications for patellas, heart defects and eye anomalies. He is an American Champion.
Todd, dad
Chihuahua
About Todd
Todd is a male Chihuahua. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Barbara decided to make him part of their program. Barbara has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Excellent level
Rafina Chihuahuas reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Chihuahuas.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Vet Wellness Exam
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Barbara to bring home their puppies.
Thomas L.
Verified owner · Oct. 2026
+6Barbara is one of the most experienced and talented breeders out there!! She has multiple AKC awards and it shows in her years of experience with Love & Care. Our Chihuahua we bought from her is the best thing that has happened to us in a very long time. His temperament and the way he was raised by her is simply incredible. He is so well behaved we LOVE him so much. Barbara has helped truly make a difference in our lives. She is so kindhearted. We met her on Gooddog and happened to be located mere miles away. It was meant to be. You simply cannot go wrong purchasing a chihuahua from Rafina Chihuahuas!!! Thank You Barbara!!
