Runts can just be small... but they are more likely to have problems than the fullgrown dogs, just as premature humans often have health problems more than full-term babies do. I have two cats both of whom were "runts" of their litters... and both of whom have grown up to be healthy and normally-sized.

Hard to say, but with a dog that is already hampered by problems for being small, it's a bit risky. She may require special care and precautions. And she will probably not grow up to large size. I would never breed her as that could bring out more problems. Be sure to spay her so she can avoid reproductive problems, too.

Both of the Schnauzers I have were the runts of their litters, and both are not only totally adorable, but they are beautiful, intelligent, and in perfect health ; ) One of them has never grown much beyond the size of a puppy, but she doesn't seem to have any problems with it; she is just small. The other had a slight complication with his chest at one stage, but a single visit to the vet and he hasn't had any problems at all since.

The breed is already small, a friend recently "booked" the runt of the litter and it died just before she was going to collect it - give it some thought, you would be better off with a decent strong pup, it would be awful for you if you had this pup and it died

It's not necessarily "BAD." My dog was the runt, and she has probably out-lived her siblings.

As everyone else has said, it's hard to know how a runt will develop. My sister's dog was a runt, but it grew to be bigger than all it's siblings. That's probably not typical, of course.

I have had "runts" of the litter before cats AND dogs. (not chihuahua, but...) They have all thrived away from the others who will crowd them out of getting food. They should have no more problems than others of the breed. In fact, from all I read on Chihuahuas checking this question out, they BREED the runts of the litter to make the little tiny "teacup" version (just a marketing ploy). Is this a breeder that really treats their dogs well, or a puppy mill? If the former, there SHOULD be no more problems with her than with a non-runt. If the latter, take your love elsewhere. ANY of the dogs there may and/or WILL have problems. Good luck. ;-)

the runt will be fine as long as u feed and care for it fine.. how much is this dog if its a puppy mill i wouldnt buy it.. then again us humans come in all shapes and sizes.. are we called runts? i mean if ur gonna buy at a puppy mill u might as well just go to the shelter and give a dog a home.

I am having trouble answering your answers to my question, but wanted to thank you all for your input!! The puppy is from a breeder, NOT a puppy mill! thank you again

I have worked with dogs for the past four years in different capacities. Here is a response, based on what I have seen in that time and what I know about dog breeding and breeders. In most breeds of dogs, being a runt isn't a big deal. However, at extremes of size (giant or tiny) dogs tend to run into more health problems. This is true in general of breeding any kind of animal- breeding for extremes in any one area, especially to the exclusion of other traits, can cause major issues. Chihuahuas are already tiny, and in the case of this breed going for an unusually small puppy could increase your chances of ending up with a dog who is either unhealthy or so small and fragile that s/he is very easily injured. I've heard of a lot of owners having major problems with "teacup" sized dogs- as runts of small breed litters are often deceptively marketed. As for buying a dog from a picture, that is never a good idea either. It is best to find a responsible breeder in your area who will allow you to meet the mother and inspect the area where the dogs live- which should really be in the breeder's home. No reputable breeder will sell a dog to anyone sight unseen without an interview (or at least hearing the answers to a LOT of questions via e-mail or phone) and a strict contract- including a clause that mandates that the new owner return the dog to the breeder if there is ever a problem, not send him/her to a shelter or give the dog away. Some will ship, but for your own sake it is really best to meet the puppy, the mother, and the litter before you buy. If you decide to look for a breeder in your area, the AKC club for your breed of choice is a great resource, they should be able to recommend someone really good. Also please, please, please, consider a shelter dog instead. 1 in 4 dogs in shelters are purebred. And there are also breed specific rescues, who could find you a lovely chihuahua puppy- and let you save a life in the process. The humane society has a great guide to finding a good dog breeder and a healthy puppy. It can be found here http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/how_to_find_a_good_dog_breeder/

Hi. In answer to the last answer....I did fall in love with her from the picture, but I am going to visit her for the weekend, this weekend. I have been in constant contact with the breeder, and my puppy has gained 3oz in the last week. She is doing very well! As far as a shelter, I got a border collie/shepherd from the pound in 2000, and still have her. She is the best dog I ever had..very lovable.(so I wasnt against a shelter). I checked a few, most dogs were pitbull mixes. Thank you for your answer. I appreciate it!

I rescued a 3 year old, 3 lb. Chihuahua about 9 months ago that seems to be in perfect health, except for bad breath - but otherwise perfectly healthy. I took her to my Vet the first week I got her who said she's perfectly healthy. She absolutely adorable, and what a personality!!! The people who initially paid for her as a puppy kept her in a garage by herself!!! I cannot imagine!! So, she was never taught to play with a ball or other toys, and shows no interest, but loves to play peek-a-boo where I cover her with her blanket and she sits still for just a second and jumps out and I act surprised. It's very cute. So, since I would say 3 lbs. qualifies as a runt, I say not to worry. Enjoy her. My Chi is very spoiled, and I know I shouldn't, but it's hard not to.

A runt is the smallest and weakest of the litter. Her chances of problems are greater.

trust me iv worked with dogs for 7 years now the runt of the litter may turn out smaller than the rest of the pack but doesnt mean they will have health issues. runt's are still dogs just smaller.you might need to know this with runt's there more prone to be aggressive than other dogs to help prevent this id recommended watching this show named the DOG WHISPER. glad to help

I know nothing of chihuahuas, but in my experience the runts have always out-lived their siblings, who died much earlier of health problems!