Does anyone here breed dogs?

[orangearrow]

I am trying to learn more as this is something that, for a long time, I am feeling more and more interested in/drawn to.

 

We are considering purchasing 2 more poodles (we currently have one neutered male) and I would take my time and find two with excellent bloodlines and pedigrees - and give them plenty of time to grow up before breeding them.

 

Other than that, I really don't know where to start. I tried looking for books at the library and didn't have much luck. I reserved the two books from the AKC, but that's about all I could find.

 

From my online research, it looks like breeding/showing dogs go hand in hand - and I have zero experience with dog shows (well, except for the movie Best In Show and watching the Thanksgiving Day Dog Show, lol). And to be honest, having a poodle with the frou-frou haircut does sort of freak me out a smidgen (we've always kept ours in a simple puppy cut their whole life - very easy care and still adorable). Is it possible to strive to improve the "standards of the breed" without showing the dogs?

 

Any suggestions on where to start (or good books to read?)? Should I track down some dog shows close to us and go and pester people until I find someone who wants to talk? lol There are a handful of quality breeders within a certain distance from me, but I would feel very presumptuous to email or phone them, but I'm not really sure where else to start. I want to go about doing this the right way & I would like to have my kids be as large a part of this as possible as they grow up (they're almost 11, almost 6, and 8 right now).

 

also note: I do realize there are tons of dogs needing homes. But, there are also many people like myself who cannot, unfortunately, adopt just any dog from the pound because of allergies. So, I don't feel like I would be adding to the overpopulation of dogs in this respect. I'd also happily foster abandoned/neglected poodles as well. Our current poodle was a stray who just happened upon our doorstep last Christmas - the best Christmas gift we've ever had (and yes, we tried for WEEKS to find his owners, no one was looking for him! :confused:). Besides him, I've had 4 other poodles in my lifetime, so I definitely like the breed. just a little bit. :lol:

 

Thanks! :001_smile:

Edited January 24, 2009 by orangearrow

[plansrme]

My parents showed and bred dogs when I was growing up. If you do not show dogs, it would be very, very difficult to "improve the breed," especially a breed as popular as poodles. Just starting with dogs with good pedigrees isn't enough--there are plenty of non-show quality pups produced by breedings of dogs with impeccable pedigrees. Also, if you don't show, you run the risk of looking like a puppy mill.

 

If your goal is to produce modest numbers of pet-quality puppies, I personally don't see anything wrong with that, though as you probably know, many people will. I've purchased three dogs (all golden retrievers) from so-called backyard breeders and always had good experiences. As far as finding a good pair to start with, you can check with breeders who show poodles, as there are always pet-quality pups in their litters, though many may make you sign a contract that you won't breed their pup or provide only a limited AKC registration.

 

It has been many years since I've been at a dog show, but people who show dogs are snobs about backyard breeders. I doubt you'll have much luck with them if you're up-front about what you're looking for.

 

Terri

[SBP]

I've never bred my dogs, but we did consider it once and did a bit of research at that time. What I gleaned then was that if you buy puppies with the intent of breeding them, many (most?) reputable breeders will require you to purchase breeding rights from them in addition to the cost of the puppy. Otherwise, you'll be contractually obligated to spay/neuter, or the puppy might even come to you already altered. Vets are doing that much younger these days than they used to, and some breeders have it done before they release the puppy to its new owners.

 

And even if you get a dog with excellent bloodlines, you should still do genetic testing prior to breeding and have the dogs screened for hip dysplasia. I think this kind of health testing, more than anything, is what separates reputable, serious breeders from so-called "backyard" breeders. No one can absolutely guarantee that a pup will be 100% healthy, but you can rule out a number of genetic problems, and many people are willing to pay for that peace of mind when purchasing a pup.

 

Another option - which you might have already considered - is to only purchase a breeding-quality female and then work with an already-tested stud from another breeder. Not only would this keep some costs down, but if you built a relationship with the breeder, he/she would probably be willing to offer you advice and counsel as you went through the process of producing your first litters. I think most breeders are very happy to help out people who are sincere in their desire to add high-quality, healthy pups to their beloved breed.

 

My apologies if you've already considered all of this. I do wish you luck in your research!

 

Best,

 

SBP

[orangearrow]

Thank you both! :) I have considered using a stud service and buying 2 females (we would be buying them a year or so apart anyway). We've had males and females in the past and like them both.

 

I agree about the genetic testing. Definitely.

 

I really think I would be intimidated at a dog show anyhow. :o

 

I'm, at this point, I'm halfway wondering what's really wrong with being a "backyard breeder" (breeding high-quality, healthy, good-natured, pet-quality poodles isn't a shabby thing - there's certainly a demand for low-allergen dogs that don't cost an arm and a leg). :o We've bought all of our past poodles from what are probably considered backyard breeders and they've all been completely awesome, beautiful, extremely healthy dogs & their breeders seemed to take impeccable care of the parents and babies.

 

When I've spoken to the "top of the line" breeders (in the past when we've been shopping around for a new poodle), they have always been so intimidating and ... I don't know... brusque & borderline insulting. Sort of interrogating me instead of sounding enthusiastic, if that makes sense. lol Many of them seem to only sell to other breeders anyway (puppies, at least. I've seen several that are older pups they'd pulled back to show, but turned out too small, too pointy, or whatever, and they're now selling the dog at 4 or 5 months old).

 

I have read that if you're breeding pet-quality dogs you should consider NOT giving the puppies AKC registration... but that seems a bit steep to me (provided the puppy is healthy, up to standards, etc, etc). All our past dogs (except our current stray) have been AKC eligible, but we never bothered registering them anyway, since they were "just" our pets.

 

hmmmmm. More to ponder. Thanks for the replies, though! It's very good to have more to consider!

 

edited to add: There is nothing much funnier than looking at a breeder website, clicking on "stud service" and seeing a page full of fluffy, frou-frou, male poodles. :lol: Studs indeed! :lol: heh

Edited January 24, 2009 by orangearrow

[Ellie]

Most backyard breeders don't have well-bred dogs. I have a very cute French bulldog, a rescue from a backyard breeder (used him for breeding for 4 years or so, then put him out in the back yard on a chain for the next 5 years), who should never have been bred.

 

My mother bred toy poodles for many years. She did not regularly go to dog shows--a few, but not regularly--but she started out with a dog from champion parents. She stay connected to the breed club. She conscientiously followed the breed standard and was fussy about which dogs she would take; for example, under no circumstances would she breed to a dog with a disqualifying fault, such as a particolor (the ultimate disqualifier in poodles).

 

I don't see a problem with doing what you're talking about. You might want to consider getting a male instead of females, though; there would be only a couple of litters a year, and there would be all the puppy care and all that. OTOH, your stud could be busy all the time.

[orangearrow]

Most backyard breeders don't have well-bred dogs. I have a very cute French bulldog, a rescue from a backyard breeder (used him for breeding for 4 years or so, then put him out in the back yard on a chain for the next 5 years), who should never have been bred.

 

My mother bred toy poodles for many years. She did not regularly go to dog shows--a few, but not regularly--but she started out with a dog from champion parents. She stay connected to the breed club. She conscientiously followed the breed standard and was fussy about which dogs she would take; for example, under no circumstances would she breed to a dog with a disqualifying fault, such as a particolor (the ultimate disqualifier in poodles).

 

I don't see a problem with doing what you're talking about. You might want to consider getting a male instead of females, though; there would be only a couple of litters a year, and there would be all the puppy care and all that. OTOH, your stud could be busy all the time.

 

We'd definitely not toss one in the backyard when it was finished with its breeding years. :001_huh: I couldn't imagine. :001_huh: If we 'increased' our number of dogs we bred, we would find good homes for them when they were older. At this time, I don't forsee that, but I'm definitely contemplating the "What ifs" as we make this decision. I have, I like to think, a rather good "people meter" and think I would do a good job finding good homes for the pets, even the older ones, if it came to that.

 

Definitely no particolor. Truth be told, I don't even understand the appeal of a particolored poodle. :o They look (to me) like a mixed-breed, mutt - not a poodle (especially when they're grown - as puppies, they're adorable, but when you groom them as adults, you see their splotchy skin tone. It's just not poodle-esque at all!! lol) :o

 

I'm thinking along the lines of what your mother did, I think. The only breed club is about 2 hours away from me - so that would make it so I can definitely only be involved in a limited way. (I'm debating emailing the poodle rescue, which is also 2 hours away, and inquiring about starting up a chapter in this city...)

 

Offering the stud service is something I hadn't considered. I'd definitely want at least one female (I really do want to deal with the puppy care, lol). But, I'll look into the stud service thing ... something new to consider. You would definitely want to be particular - and not breed to a female with disqualifying faults like you said.

 

Thanks!!! You guys have been very helpful! :D

[lmrich]

We bought our wonderful poodle from a backyard breeder. I loved the experience. You could tell she loved her dogs as pets not as money makers or show dogs. She had tears in her eyes as the puppies left. I also agree that there although there are tons of dogs that need to be adopted, there are people like me, allergic to dogs. We tried a mixed breed from a rescue group, it turned out to be something totally different than (no poodle in it) and after months of breaking in horrible hives and taking benedryl to sleep, we had to give him up. So, no don't feel guilty. In fact, my youngest daughter declared that she wanted to learn about how dogs have puppies (science time) and that she would have a live experiment ready to go for us - she was 6! Have fun and post pictures when you decide.

[hornblower]

Join your breed club. Please. Consider it a time investment in your dogs. If you don't have the time to be involved in the club, to pick their communal brains about all the breeding issues & to study genetics for the next year or so, I'd say you don't have the time to breed properly.

 

Unlike many animal rescuers, I don't oppose all breeders. There are wonderful, great breeders who are there supporting their breed. I also don't think that winning the BIG shows is a requirement for good breeding. There are some very good GSD breeders out there whose dogs would never win at a show because they're breeding a dog who can actually walk on its rear legs & the breed standards today have drifted significantly in recent decades. That said, I think you should put something on your dogs - at least a CGC, and show them at least partly in your regional shows. You can have dogs handled by someone else for shows, btw. I'd train them in obed and agility & put some titles on them.

 

That said, I do think you need to have a REASON for breeding, much beyond creating more pups. Remember that good breeders are often OUT money by the end of a litter. Good vet care, genetic testing, orthopedic testing, eye testing, are all expensive. If your dam suddenly needs a c-section, the costs will really ratchet up.

 

Showing of course has its own costs associated with it.

 

Good breeders will interview buyers & will not sell a puppy to just anyone. Good breeders usually have a wait list for their litters. Good breeders will sell pet quality dogs on spay & neuter contracts & will follow up to make sure those dogs are altered. Good breeders support their breed rescue by steering potential adopters to the rescue first, by financial support, fostering homeless dogs & promoting good dog ownership. I know at least one of the breed clubs here has a bit motto on their site which says 'If you don't rescue, don't breed!'

 

Do consider getting involved in rescue. Do really think about the 4 million dogs which are killed in shelters each year. They are all be definition pumped out by mills, byb's and accidental ooopsie litters - because reputable breeders move heaven and earth to get their dogs back and if one pops up in a shelter (& is traced through chip and tattoo back to the breeder) they will pay to have it shipped back to them.

 

Herer's an article from a bichon fancier which talks about why most should not breed. The reasons are true for all breeds.

http://www.tresors.org/uthnkbreeding.htm

 

I personally don't think I could ever breed dogs (or any other animal), though I do have strong feelings about certain breeds & I know they won't exist if we don't have great breeders keeping the lines viable. I've never worked in a shelter & haven't had to inject a dog with the solution or shove them in gas boxes to kill them. But I've heard enough about it & thought enough about it that I just don't think I could. The 4 million dogs who died each year would haunt me.

 

I would see this each time:

http://www.paladinblue.com/dead%20dogs.jpg

I hope you'll click on it. It's not gory. It's very very sad. And it's just a tiny tiny fraction of what happens on this continent daily. Some shelters parts of the US have over 90% kill rates, even if the dog is pb. Doesn't matter how cute, how 'good', how healthy.

 

So at the end for me it comes down to, given the state of animal welfare on our continent, will your actions be improving things? Like I said, there are breeders who are making the world a better place for dogs. If you're going to be that kind of breeder, I'd be happy.

[Jann in TX]

I refused to look at any potential puppy that came from a show line. In our case it is because we LOVE German Shepherds and the current 'show lines' are INFERIOR. Period. Disclaimer--not all show lines are inferior--but in the case of German Shepherds they are (bad hips/greater risk of cancer/more aggressive).

 

We ended up paying high dollar for our guys--and this was on a 'pet-only'--'must be neutered by a certain date or breeder reclaims'--type of contract. Both came with 'warranties' (health guarantees). Before the breeders allowed a dog to be bred it had to make it through many health checks and meet breed standards (NOT show standards).

 

It may be difficult to purchase a breeding quality dog. Most reputable breeders are VERY VERY careful about where their 'lines' go. They do not want to be associated with a poor quality breeder/puppy mill and AKC and other registrations provide lineage--so their name AND reputation is carried on.

 

Before I purchased my PET quality dogs I researched breeders---I know the reputation of EVERY breeder on both of my dog's lineage papers. The breeders I used RARELY sold dogs to breeding homes--maybe 1-2 per year if that --and the price was HIGH ($5000 instead of $1000--plus partial ownership).

 

Your best bet to get established as a reputable breeder is to join the breed clubs mentioned before--even if you have to drive a few hours. Once you have made a few friends and have proven your dedication it will be easier to purchase your breeding pairs.

 

___

 

Do not expect to make money from this venture for several years.

 

___

 

I know a local homeschool family who runs a 'puppy mill' they have 30 or so dogs living in CAGES stacked 3-4 high in their garage. This 'job' has allowed them to adopt 5 children from Africa--but it makes me cringe whenever I see them 'lugging' a puppy around (no real show of affection). Their lines are from 'champion show dogs' but they do not show. Once the dogs are not wanted in the breeding program they are put down--it is almost impossible to train them to live outside the SMALL cage. SAD.

[Ellie]

We'd definitely not toss one in the backyard when it was finished with its breeding years. :001_huh: I couldn't imagine. :001_huh:

I know. What was that woman thinking??? It is amazing to me every day that my sweet Wrolf has no character issues from being treated that way.

 

 

If we 'increased' our number of dogs we bred, we would find good homes for them when they were older. At this time, I don't forsee that, but I'm definitely contemplating the "What ifs" as we make this decision. I have, I like to think, a rather good "people meter" and think I would do a good job finding good homes for the pets, even the older ones, if it came to that.

My mother would interview people on the telephone. They didn't know they were being interviewed, lol, but she asked lots of questions to try to figure out if she wanted her pups to go to the callers. If she didn't like what she heard, she'd quote a price that was way higher than what she knew they'd pay.

 

Definitely no particolor. Truth be told, I don't even understand the appeal of a particolored poodle. :o They look (to me) like a mixed-breed, mutt - not a poodle (especially when they're grown - as puppies, they're adorable, but when you groom them as adults, you see their splotchy skin tone. It's just not poodle-esque at all!! lol) :o

Good for you.

 

I'm thinking along the lines of what your mother did, I think. The only breed club is about 2 hours away from me - so that would make it so I can definitely only be involved in a limited way. (I'm debating emailing the poodle rescue, which is also 2 hours away, and inquiring about starting up a chapter in this city...)

You don't have to go all the time; it's just good to keep up on things, KWIM? And you might get referrals if the breeders know you care about the breed. There's nothing wrong with good-quality pets; they can still actually look like poodles while not being show quality.

 

Offering the stud service is something I hadn't considered. I'd definitely want at least one female (I really do want to deal with the puppy care, lol). But, I'll look into the stud service thing ... something new to consider. You would definitely want to be particular - and not breed to a female with disqualifying faults like you said.

There's nothing cuter than little baby poodles :-)

[Mamagistra]

Join your breed club. Please. Consider it a time investment in your dogs. If you don't have the time to be involved in the club, to pick their communal brains about all the breeding issues & to study genetics for the next year or so, I'd say you don't have the time to breed properly.

---

Good breeders will interview buyers & will not sell a puppy to just anyone. Good breeders usually have a wait list for their litters. Good breeders will sell pet quality dogs on spay & neuter contracts & will follow up to make sure those dogs are altered. Good breeders support their breed rescue by steering potential adopters to the rescue first, by financial support, fostering homeless dogs & promoting good dog ownership. I know at least one of the breed clubs here has a bit motto on their site which says 'If you don't rescue, don't breed!'

 

Do consider getting involved in rescue. Do really think about the 4 million dogs which are killed in shelters each year. They are all be definition pumped out by mills, byb's and accidental ooopsie litters - because reputable breeders move heaven and earth to get their dogs back and if one pops up in a shelter (& is traced through chip and tattoo back to the breeder) they will pay to have it shipped back to them.

---

So at the end for me it comes down to, given the state of animal welfare on our continent, will your actions be improving things? Like I said, there are breeders who are making the world a better place for dogs. If you're going to be that kind of breeder, I'd be happy.

 

:iagree: ITA Well said! I'll only add that many dedicated breeders will mentor you if you are serious, committed, and have done your homework.

 

I'm a dane girl at the moment but I loves me some poodles!:D

[CactusPair]

Just wanted to say something about allergies and pound pups....

 

I am very allergic to dogs. But I own and love 4 of them. All hypoallergenic dogs--3 poodle mixes, one maltese mix--found and rescued from the shelters and euthanasia. I have no allergy problems with any of them.

 

The shelters and foster groups have many, many hypoallergenic dogs like poodles and poodle mixes in need of homes.

 

If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, they're out there. It may (or may not) take a little time and patience. You do not have to go to a breeder to find a pet, hypoallergenic or otherwise. There are so many dogs, pure breds and mixes, who just want to love and be loved. Petfinder.com and foster groups are both wonderful resources to help find the kind of dog you need.

 

There are reasons to purchase from a breeder. I don't knock responsible, professional, conscientious breeding. But if you want a regular pet, please take a look at other options first that will help save a dog's life.

[unsinkable]

I refused to look at any potential puppy that came from a show line. In our case it is because we LOVE German Shepherds and the current 'show lines' are INFERIOR. Period. Disclaimer--not all show lines are inferior--but in the case of German Shepherds they are (bad hips/greater risk of cancer/more aggressive).

 

We ended up paying high dollar for our guys--and this was on a 'pet-only'--'must be neutered by a certain date or breeder reclaims'--type of contract. Both came with 'warranties' (health guarantees). Before the breeders allowed a dog to be bred it had to make it through many health checks and meet breed standards (NOT show standards).

 

It may be difficult to purchase a breeding quality dog. Most reputable breeders are VERY VERY careful about where their 'lines' go. They do not want to be associated with a poor quality breeder/puppy mill and AKC and other registrations provide lineage--so their name AND reputation is carried on.

 

Before I purchased my PET quality dogs I researched breeders---I know the reputation of EVERY breeder on both of my dog's lineage papers. The breeders I used RARELY sold dogs to breeding homes--maybe 1-2 per year if that --and the price was HIGH ($5000 instead of $1000--plus partial ownership).

 

Your best bet to get established as a reputable breeder is to join the breed clubs mentioned before--even if you have to drive a few hours. Once you have made a few friends and have proven your dedication it will be easier to purchase your breeding pairs.

 

___

 

Do not expect to make money from this venture for several years.

 

___

 

I know a local homeschool family who runs a 'puppy mill' they have 30 or so dogs living in CAGES stacked 3-4 high in their garage. This 'job' has allowed them to adopt 5 children from Africa--but it makes me cringe whenever I see them 'lugging' a puppy around (no real show of affection). Their lines are from 'champion show dogs' but they do not show. Once the dogs are not wanted in the breeding program they are put down--it is almost impossible to train them to live outside the SMALL cage. SAD.

 

This is horrible. Does the SPCA know about them?

[Ellie]

I know a local homeschool family who runs a 'puppy mill' they have 30 or so dogs living in CAGES stacked 3-4 high in their garage. This 'job' has allowed them to adopt 5 children from Africa--but it makes me cringe whenever I see them 'lugging' a puppy around (no real show of affection). Their lines are from 'champion show dogs' but they do not show. Once the dogs are not wanted in the breeding program they are put down--it is almost impossible to train them to live outside the SMALL cage. SAD.

 

Jann!!! Call the authorities! That's awful!

[orangearrow]

I totally agree with you. But, for some people (like myself) even poodle mixes just don't cut it. :) We actually have a saved-from-the-pound big dog (he's half lab, half SharPei) and he's awesome - a big love dog. But, I have to wash any skin that has touched him as soon as I'm back inside, otherwise I break out in hives. We "babysat" a friends' poodle mix (iirc, he was poodle/Schnauzer) - he was sweet, but I started sneezing and my airway started closing up within the first few hours. We had to give him to another mutual friend to finish out the babysitting. I *could* take more allergy medicine in order to have a different breed/mix of dog in our house, but I don't want to put unneccessary allergy medication in my system if it's not absolutely a neccessity. :)

 

I've decided to move ahead with talking to the rescue first - and seeing what I can do to help out there. Again, I'd not be able to rescue the mixes, but could foster and find new homes for full poodles. We'll also call the poodle club closest to us and I will start finding out all I can about them - then move forward. Slowly, but steadily, toward the goal. :) (and we will continue with the rescue for the unforseen future).

 

Our local pound (the only one in this metro area) is going to be a no-kill shelter as of 2010, iirc. I wonder if that will affect the rescues in this area at all... :confused:

 

Thanks for the opinions - I have a lot to think about! :)

 

Just wanted to say something about allergies and pound pups....

 

I am very allergic to dogs. But I own and love 4 of them. All hypoallergenic dogs--3 poodle mixes, one maltese mix--found and rescued from the shelters and euthanasia. I have no allergy problems with any of them.

 

The shelters and foster groups have many, many hypoallergenic dogs like poodles and poodle mixes in need of homes.

 

If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, they're out there. It may (or may not) take a little time and patience. You do not have to go to a breeder to find a pet, hypoallergenic or otherwise. There are so many dogs, pure breds and mixes, who just want to love and be loved. Petfinder.com and foster groups are both wonderful resources to help find the kind of dog you need.

 

There are reasons to purchase from a breeder. I don't knock responsible, professional, conscientious breeding. But if you want a regular pet, please take a look at other options first that will help save a dog's life.

[Peek a Boo]

If we 'increased' our number of dogs we bred, we would find good homes for them when they were older. At this time, I don't forsee that, but I'm definitely contemplating the "What ifs" as we make this decision. I have, I like to think, a rather good "people meter" and think I would do a good job finding good homes for the pets, even the older ones, if it came to that.

 

I don't breed, but have read quite a bit and talked to several breeders in our area.

 

If you take on the responsibility of a dog -bought or bred-- you need to be ready to care for that dog for LIFE. All of them.

 

If you are not ready to keep Every. Single. Dog you breed [parents and puppies], then DON't BREED.

 

I'm sure you could spot a great home if it came along. But if it doesn't come around, you need to be ready to BE that great home :)

 

 

good luck!

[Peek a Boo]

Do really think about the 4 million dogs which are killed in shelters each year. .... The 4 million dogs who died each year would haunt me.

 

This really bugs me too.

 

There are plenty of good animal owners who keep their dogs and cats outside.

The SPCA would rather kill an animal than adopt it to someone who wants to keep it in the 2-acre backyard w/ the other three dogs they have.

 

That's insane.

[Carrie12345]

My in-laws breed GSDs. As a shelter-pet advocate, I am not a fan of breeding, but I do see it as a necessary evil if we're going to keep most breeds around and healthy.

 

I have many issues with the way my in-laws operate, but I try not to hold that against all breeders.

 

To me, one of the most important things (next to health and temperament) is to have potential homes vetted (no pun intended initially, but it works!) and lined up BEFORE creating a litter.

I've watched puppies grow up into big puppies or young adults waiting for a buyer. Even with purebreds, the older they get, the harder it is to find a home.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is re-homing dogs. A good breeder will take back any dog from their line at any time, rather than let them go to an unknown home or, even worse, shelter.

That can make for a crowded house if too many people have a change in circumstance or just decide the dogs aren't for them.

[sagira]

I think there will always be a market for well-bred, healthy family pets. That's where a responsible and conscientious breeder comes in. I've done months of research and we're going to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who breeds dogs not for show, but for hunting. OFA and CERF testing is done, there's a long-standing money-back guarantee, her puppies are well socialized (even swimming lessons) -- all the good signs are there. I asked her for a pet-quality pup and she e-mailed a list of references of people who own the dogs and don't use them for hunting. Everyone was so happy with their purchase. She recently took back two older dogs whose owners lost their house due to foreclosure. Her reputation precedes her. She's a member of her society (which is not the AKC, but more conscientious) an she answers all my many questions, silly or not, immediately, and she asked me questions in return. We have a relationship. This is a good breeder.

 

I told her I want the laziest pup in the litter! :lol: BTW, we'll be biking and doing other physical activities with our dog, so we need some level of energy :)

 

I'm excited to be buying our puppy next year. We're waiting for our two-year-old daughter to grow up a bit. She's infatuated with dogs too, but I don't want two babies. One at a time.

Edited May 1, 2009 by sagira

[Mrs. Readsalot]

The whole showing/breeding etc seems to be a sticky subject. I grew up showing my families Italian Greyhounds. Due to the fact that my dad died when I was 9 we decided not to breed the two champion girls we had. As a young adult I started showing Shelties. I bought the best I could and if they did well in the show ring and passed health test related to Shelties I bred them. I only breed 3 litters over a 10 year period of time. I never used my own male dog as better more suitable males that crossed well with my girls were a superior choice. Recently I purchased a Pembroke Corgi. Due to my history in showing the breeder has asked me to show her. So far she is doing very well in the show ring. If she continues to do well and it she passes as the health test required for Corgies (These are pricey but a must in my opinion) I "may" breed her. She has an outstanding temperment and I already have people asking for puppies from her. If I do breed her my goal would be to keep a pup for myself to show etc. Kailyn is the only dog we have a present. I love showing dogs it is a sport, social activities etc for me. I am very selective about who I will sell a puppy to and I tend to keep in touch with the buyers. A neighbor gave me grief for the fact that I may breed Kailyn BAsically this was my expression :001_huh: I could rant about the puppy mill puppies that people fall in love with and are sick and cause huge medical bill for their owners. People who adopt dogs from sheltes are wonderful outstanding people and often get the most amazing dogs. A neighbor got a "free" lab mix a few years ago. The dog has so many health and behavior problems it has cost the owners thousands of dollars. I have never had a puppy have a serious genetic/health problem. I go to every lenghth I can to make sure that does not happen. I also as a personal note really breed for temperment when I do breed. Oh well I guess I will get off my soap box now.

Karen

[Impish]

I hope one day to breed my all time favourite breed of dog, the Bordeaux. That's a looooooooong time off, however. My mother used to breed them, about a decade ago. I adore the breed, but know that I need to have my beloved acreage before I can even consider it.

 

No reputable breeder expects to make money. That's the first issue. I've been also told that its best to start with a female, and find a male to compliment her. I'm not sure I 100% agree with that one, but that's likely because I prefer male animals to female for personality. Plus the stud factor. Then again, no female should be bred prior to 18 mths, preferably 2 yrs. That would make for a bit of a challenge if you already have a male in the house, keeping the 2 apart for at least 3 heats. Invest in some good strong sturdy crates! :lol: