I'm Cristy S., the breeder behind Southwest Virginia Chihuahua located in Wytheville, VA. We have developed several protocols to ensure the health and well-being of all of our dogs. It’s our top priority to make sure each of our puppy families welcomes a happy and healthy new family member into their homes!
Q. & A. with Cristy
Why did you start breeding?
My journey into Chihuahua breeding began with a deep, unexpected connection. Growing up, I always had a love for animals, but when I met my first Chihuahua, it was as if I had found my perfect match. Their spunky personalities, endless loyalty, and unwavering devotion completely captivated me. One look into those big, soulful eyes, and I knew my life would never be the same.
What started as a love for this unique breed soon blossomed into a passion for breeding. I spent years researching, learning from the best, and diving deep into the intricacies of responsible breeding. I wanted to do more than just raise puppies—I wanted to raise companions that would bring joy and light to others' lives, just as my first Chihuahua had done for me.
Over time, that passion became SWVA Chihuahua, where I now focus on producing healthy, happy puppies with top-tier lineage and personality. Breeding isn’t just a business for me; it’s a calling, one rooted in love for these incredible little dogs. Every day, I wake up excited to care for these tiny wonders, knowing that each puppy I raise will go on to be someone’s loyal companion, bringing love, laughter, and joy to their new families.
What makes your program special?
SWVA Chihuahua is recognized as one of the finest Chihuahua breeders in the southeast. Led by Cristy, our program is built on a foundation of love, care, and a commitment to raising well-bred, healthy Chihuahuas. We prioritize quality, ethical breeding, and the well-being of both our puppies and their future families.
1. Quality Lineage and Health
Our breeding pairs come from strong, well-documented lines, ensuring that every puppy inherits excellent physical traits and temperaments. Health is a top priority—each puppy receives regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and is monitored for any potential issues. This level of care ensures that our puppies are healthy and prepared for their new homes.
2. Personal Attention
At SWVA Chihuahua, we raise our puppies in 8-week cycles, giving each one individual care and socialization. Cristy takes the time to get to know each puppy’s personality, ensuring that they are well-adjusted, confident, and ready to integrate into their new families. This personal touch sets us apart from larger breeding operations.
3. Ethical Breeding
Our breeding practices are centered on responsibility and the betterment of the breed. We carefully select breeding pairs and ensure no dog is overbred or treated unethically. Our goal is not just to breed for profit, but to raise high-quality, healthy Chihuahuas that meet the breed’s standards.
4. Flexible Payment Options
We offer flexible payment plans, requiring half the total price upfront and the remainder over six months. This approach ensures families can welcome their new puppy without financial stress, making us accessible while maintaining transparency.
5. Reputation and Ongoing Support
SWVA Chihuahua has earned a reputation for excellence due to our dedication to quality, ethical practices, and customer satisfaction. We also provide ongoing support to ensure that new owners feel confident as they raise their new companion.
In every way, SWVA Chihuahua stands out for its passion, integrity, and commitment to raising exceptional 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.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Female 1 - AKC - Full Registration
Reserved
Female
Female 2 - AKC - Full Registration
Reserved
Female
Male - Black
Went home
Male
Female - Chocolate
Went home
Female
Male - Lavender
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Baby Girl Roberts
Went home
Female
Baby Boy Blue
Went home
Male
Baby Girl Purple
Went home
Female
Baby Boy Green
Went home
Male
Baby Girl Orange
Went home
Female
Tom
Went home
Male
Baby Girl Pink
Went home
Female
Baby Girl Brown
Went home
Female
Baby Boy Grey
Went home
Male
Baby Boy Yellow
Went home
Male
Baby Boy Clark
Went home
Male
Baby Boy
Went home
Male
Baby Girl
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Cristy
Cristy has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $250 non-refundable deposit and between $1,350 - $2,050 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“At Southwest Virginia Chihuahua, we offer top-quality Chihuahuas with ACA, CKC, and AKC registration options.
Males: $1,800
Females: $2,200
AKC Registered Puppies:
Males: $2,200
Females: $2,500
. To reserve one of our exceptional Chihuahua puppies, we require a $250 deposit. This deposit secures your spot in line for the next available puppy or a specific puppy of your choice. By placing a deposit, you are committing to the purchase of one of our puppies, ensuring that your chosen puppy is reserved just for you.”
Contract & health guarantee
Cristy 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 Cristy 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 Cristy directly.
Southwest Virginia Chihuahua 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
Litter and program updates
Cristy S.
Program update on 19 Nov. •
Ember and Bubba Roes little loves ❤️ 😍
Cristy S.
Litter update on 27 June •
🐾 Weekly Update: Love’s Puppies – Born June 1st 🐾
Week of June 24 – June 30
Hello Puppy Families!
Love’s precious babies are now 4 weeks old, and we’re so excited to share this week’s milestones and updates with you. They’re growing fast and their little personalities are beginning to shine!
⸻
🍼 What’s New This Week:
• Eyes Wide Open: All the puppies now have their eyes fully open and are responding to light and movement.
• Wobbly Walkers: They’ve started toddling around their whelping area! It’s clumsy but adorable, and each day they’re gaining more strength and coordination.
• First Taste of Mush: We introduced their very first taste of puppy mush this week — a blend of soaked kibble and formula. A few dove right in, while others are still figuring it out!
• Teeth Coming In: Tiny baby teeth are starting to poke through, so don’t be surprised if you catch them chewing on each other.
⸻
🧼 Care and Routine:
• Daily weigh-ins continue to ensure everyone is thriving.
• They’ve had their nails trimmed to help keep Mama Love comfortable.
• Early neurological stimulation (ENS) and gentle socialization activities are ongoing — this lays the groundwork for confident, adaptable puppies!
⸻
💡 What’s Next:
• Exploring a Bigger Play Area: Over the next few days, we’ll expand their space so they can begin exploring new textures and toys.
• Litter Training Starts Soon: We’ll begin introducing a litter area to encourage early potty habits.
• Individual Personalities: We’re starting to see glimpses of each puppy’s unique temperament — we can’t wait to share more in the coming weeks.
⸻
Thank you for following along on this journey! We’ll have more photos and videos coming soon, so keep an eye on your portal for updates. As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
With love and puppy kisses,
🐶 The Southwest Virginia Chihuahua Family
…
Gus Gus and Love's litter
Cristy S.
Litter update on 13 May •
7 weeks old!
Gus Gus and Ember's litter
Cristy S.
Litter update on 09 Apr. •
Updated pictures of the litter
Gus Gus and Ember's litter
Parent dogs
Tom Tom, dad
Chihuahua
About Tom Tom
Tom Tom is a male Chihuahua. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Cristy decided to make him part of their program. Cristy 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.
Ember, mom
Chihuahua
About Ember
Ember is a stunning long-haired Chihuahua with striking black, white, and tan markings and a graceful, alert expression that instantly captures attention. Weighing in at about 6 pounds, she’s the perfect balance of beauty, elegance, and substance.
AKC registered and bred from quality lineage, Ember brings strong genetics and a well-structured frame to our breeding program. Her long coat flows smoothly over her body, with distinctive tan points that highlight her eyes, cheeks, and legs—true to the classic tri-color pattern.
But Ember is more than just a pretty face. She’s intelligent, deeply affectionate, and thrives on human connection. Whether she’s snuggled in a lap or gently watching over her puppies, Ember has a calm, nurturing nature that makes her an exceptional mother and a joy to be around.
Her personality is a lovely mix of loyal and playful—always eager for attention, but never overwhelming. She adjusts well to new environments, enjoys the company of other dogs, and forms strong bonds with her people.
Ember embodies everything we aim for in our long coat lines: health, temperament, and timeless beauty. She’s a valued member of our home and a cornerstone of our breeding program.
Lilly Billy, mom
Chihuahua
About Lilly Billy
Don't let the name fool you—Lilly Billy is a dainty and dazzling little lady! Weighing in at just around 4 pounds, she’s a petite sweetheart with a unique silvery-tan coat that turns heads everywhere she goes.
Lilly Billy is ACA registered and comes from exceptional lines. Her sire, Black Jack, is known for his bold build and striking features, while her dam, Love, brings warmth, intelligence, and an affectionate temperament to every pup she raises. Lil Billy is the perfect blend of both—elegant in appearance and loving at heart.
Her soft, smooth coat and soulful eyes give her a delicate, refined look, while her curious personality makes her fun to be around. She’s observant, easy to handle, and thrives on human connection—often found nestled in a lap or following close behind her people.
Lilly Billy is not only beautiful, but emotionally balanced and incredibly gentle. She gets along well with other dogs and has a calm, affectionate nature that makes her a joy in both companion and breeding roles.
She’s a shining example of quality, temperament, and rare coloring—and a treasured member of our Chihuahua family.
Bubba, dad
Chihuahua
About Bubba
Buddy is a charming, sleek-coated black and white Chihuahua with a bold personality and striking features. His expressive eyes, symmetrical markings, and confident stance make him a standout—whether he's cuddled on the couch or strutting through the yard.
Weighing in at around 6 pounds, Buddy is a compact yet sturdy little guy with excellent conformation and classic breed traits. He is AKC registered, representing quality lineage and adherence to breed standards.
Buddy’s short coat is smooth, shiny, and easy to maintain, making him not only handsome but also practical for everyday life. His distinct white chest and paws, paired with his bold black coat and white facial blaze, give him a signature look that draws attention everywhere he goes.
But what really sets Buddy apart is his temperament. He’s alert, intelligent, and deeply affectionate with his people. He loves attention, is eager to please, and bonds closely with those he trusts. Buddy also gets along well with other dogs and has a playful, curious nature that makes him a joy to have in the home.
Whether you're looking for a companion, a potential sire, or both, Buddy brings together solid genetics, wonderful personality, and undeniable good looks. He’s a valued member of our pack and a proud representative of our breeding program.
Tinker Bell, mom
Chihuahua
About Tinker Bell
Tinker Bell is a stunning long-haired tri-color Chihuahua with an eye-catching coat of white, black, and warm chestnut brown. Her markings follow the classic tri-color pattern, a result of the tan-point gene (at/at) combined with white spotting—making her both a genetic rarity and a visual gem in any breeding program.
Weighing in at just under 4 pounds, Tinker Bell is the perfect example of tiny but mighty. Her petite size is matched by her graceful build and luxurious long coat, thanks to the recessive long-hair gene (l/l) inherited from both parents. With soft, expressive eyes and a balanced structure, she brings both elegance and charm wherever she goes.
Tinker Bell has been DNA tested and is clear of all major genetic conditions commonly seen in the breed, including:
Patellar Luxation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Common congenital heart defects (such as PDA)
But Tinker Bell is more than just a pretty face. She’s affectionate, intelligent, and wonderfully gentle with both people and other dogs. Her calm nature and nurturing instincts make her an exceptional mother, producing well-socialized, emotionally balanced puppies.
Tinker Bell embodies the best of what we aim for in our long coat breeding program: exceptional health, rare beauty, and a sweet, loving spirit. She’s a true treasure and a cherished member of our family.
Love, mom
Chihuahua
About Love
Love Love is everything we strive for in a Chihuahua—graceful, intelligent, and irresistibly sweet. With her classic apple head, elegant bone structure, and soulful eyes, she captures attention the moment she enters a room. But it’s her gentle spirit and loving heart that truly make her shine.
As a cherished part of our program, Love Love brings not just beauty, but a solid pedigree and calm, affectionate temperament to her puppies. She’s a devoted companion who loves to snuggle and nurture her puppies with instinctive care.
🐾 Temperament: Love Love lives up to her name with a personality that is warm, nurturing, and incredibly people-oriented. She’s confident yet gentle, playful yet calm—a perfect example of a well-socialized, emotionally stable Chihuahua.
💎 Lineage & Health: Coming from carefully selected lines, Love Love is free of known hereditary issues and has been health screened to ensure she’s a strong foundation for future generations. Her lineage includes Chihuahuas known for exceptional health, longevity, and loving dispositions.
🌟 Her Puppies: Love Love passes down her affectionate temperament, signature Chihuahua expression, and petite, well-proportioned frame. Her puppies are well-balanced, alert, and ideal for families seeking devoted, small companions with loving hearts.
Love Love plays an important role in preserving the integrity and future of the breed. We are proud to raise her litters in a loving, in-home environment where early socialization and hands-on care are prioritized from day one.
Gus Gus, dad
Chihuahua
About Gus Gus
Gus Gus is a truly exceptional representation of the Chihuahua breed—compact, confident, and full of charm. With a rare wolf-like haplotype, Gus Gus brings not only unique genetic heritage to the table but also a contribution to the preservation of ancient, robust Chihuahua lineages.
He embodies the best of both worlds: a sturdy, well-balanced structure and a delightful, affectionate temperament that makes him a joy to live with and an asset in any responsible breeding program. Gus Gus has a plush, soft coat, striking expressive eyes, and the classic apple head desired in the breed standard.
💪 Health & Genetics: Gus Gus has been health tested and cleared of common breed-specific issues. He is genetically sound, and his lineage reflects generations of responsible breeding and exceptional care.
🐾 Temperament: Sweet, gentle, and incredibly people-oriented, Gus Gus is known for his calm nature and excellent disposition with both people and other dogs. His laid-back, loving personality passes beautifully to his offspring.
🧬 What He Passes On: Gus Gus sires puppies with correct structure, balanced movement, and sweet, stable temperaments. His rare genetic makeup and sound health make him a desirable choice for programs seeking to produce well-rounded, healthy companions or show prospects.
We are proud to offer Gus Gus for approved females who meet our health and temperament standards. Contact us to learn more about this special boy and what he can bring to your lines.
Black Jack, dad
Chihuahua
About Black Jack
Goofy but affectionate. Very gentle and loving. Loves to snuggle.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Southwest Virginia Chihuahua 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.
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Cristy to bring home their puppies.
EG
Elizabeth G.
Verified owner · Sept. 2024
+6
From the start Cristy answered all my questions or concerns I had throughout the process of getting my now child Canelo. But overall she’s an amazing person and made my experience 10x better and she made me feel comfortable when it came to reaching out to her. So if you’re hesitant, don’t be. Reaching out to her was the best decision I made. Even after having my fur baby she reached out and made sure everything was going smoothly. Thank you again Cristy for everything.
Venna R.
Verified owner · Nov. 2023
A special thank you to Southwestern Virginia Chihuahua and gooddog.com for bringing our precious little Chloe to us. We highly recommend and view it as a privilege to have a puppy from Southwestern Virginia Chihuahua. Cristy & Robert Smith were amazing to work with and are top notch breeders! They raise their chihuahuas as part of their family and it shows in the loving disposition of their puppies. Cristy went above and beyond in being responsive to our questions, sending pictures and keeping us informed about Chloe’s growth. The adoption process was easy and seamless.
Liz J.
Verified owner · Sept. 2024
+5
Cristy and Robert are truly compassionate animal lovers. The chihuahuas from Southwest Virginia are cherished and treated like family pets until they find their forever homes. They share adorable pictures and heartwarming stories about each puppy's journey, and they also follow up to see how each fur baby is growing and thriving in their new families. I've had my fur baby for over a year and could not be more in love with him and happy that he's in my life. I'm in the process of getting o second puppy from Cristy and Robert and they have been absolutely wonderful with keeping me in mind for every little milestone the little one reaches so l don't miss a moment. I would recommend Southwest Virginia Chihuahua to anyone who is thinking of getting a chihuahua. I can't thank Cristy and Robert enough for changing my life and filling it with so much love in one tiny 4 pound package.
Teresa D.
Verified owner · Oct. 2023
My husband and I purchased our chihuahua puppy from SWVA Chihuahuas owned by Cristy and Robert Smith located in Marion, VA.
We were fortunate to find SWVA and our puppy through the Good Dog website when she was a just a newborn. From day one Cristy kept us updated on our puppy’s health and also shared cute stories and pictures of our puppy every week. Cristy and Robert were great to work with. All their puppies are raised in a true family environment. Their daughters helped with raising our puppy and did a great job with socialization. Because of SWVA’s commitment to their litter’s care and family environment our new family addition blended right in with our family without any problems.
We received our puppy’s health records, ACA registration papers together with other important information in a neat binder along with a huge puppy starter package. The adoption process was seamless. Our puppy is beautiful, and well socialized and has no fear. We couldn’t be happier or more in love with our lovely little baby girl.
Teresa and Kevin