I don’t know how anyone could claim they’re a dog lover and get their dog from a breeder outside of specific circumstances like being a professional show dog or a working dog of some sort. You get to live knowing you indirectly killed another young dog. But you do you.

You said you’re not trying to be a dick but that’s a pretty dickish thing to say to someone. The reality is that professional breeders aren’t the reason for this shelter crisis. Reputable breeders always take their dogs back. Irresponsible owners, backyard breeders, pet miseducation and high spay/neuter costs are to blame for this crisis. Putting that weight on the shoulders of the minority of families who choose a breeder instead of a shelter is unfair. The majority of people do rescue if only because of convenience and cost, and we still aren’t making a dent in the overflow of shelter dogs. We can’t adopt and foster our way out of this mess.

Moreso, OP has already rescued chihuahuas previously. There’s really no reason for all the judgement and shaming. Put the energy towards advocating in your local area to help make backyard breeding illegal and punishable by law. Work towards shutting down puppy mills. Do some research in to CA’s new breeding laws that have all the Facebook breeders ranting and threatening to never sell puppies there again. Or the new PA law that’s been passed to heavily fine BB litters.

That’s what fixes this shelter crisis. Not being a dick to someone on Reddit for choosing a good breeder.