I have never had a pedigree dog before (just cross breeds/ mongrels), and have no idea where to start!
I will be looking for a long coated chihuahua, but doesn't even have to be KC registered - I'm not going to show or breed her, she'll be a family pet. I'm lost - will I be able to find a chihuahua that isn't KC registered? Are KC pups better? Come to think of it what does being KC registered really mean? What's the difference between a breeder & an owner? I thought I knew, but then I noticed that owners sell puppies too!
I'm so confused, can any one help????

If you dont want papers maybe try their breed rescue most good breeders will only sell KC reg pup KC reg is kennel club registered and means that all the parents have been registered and are the true breed. Without KC red you cant show them unless you want to do fun dog shows. A breeder with KC reg pups is more likely to of done all heath tests on parents where as a breeder who didnt kc reg you'd be better asking why they are not regestered and if there is a very good reason then maybe think about it.
I hope this helps a bit

A breeder is just someone whose bitch has had puppies!

I suggest you go to the Kennel Club site, click on Discover Dogs, then Breeds (down the side), Toy group, Chihuahua (longcoat) and scroll to the bottom of the breed standard where you'll find breed club contacts. These will be the best people to help you get a healthy puppy. But you may have to wait some time, because not many chihuahuas are born each year. Good luck!