Hero
13 points down,- 2 points to go! | 
 | | Barked: Fri Mar 7, '08 1:35am PST |  | |  | | I have noticed, not only here, but in other groups and forums as well, that people are posting things like "ANYONE HAVE A MALE TO BREED TO MY PRINCESS?" or "MY BABY IS JUST SO CUTE I WANT TO BREED HIM"
Well, As a breeder and exhibitor of fine PUREBRED and HIGH QUALITY dogs, I am glad to see you are interested in breeding within the breed, however lack of education and quality dogs has become, to say the least, annoying.
Basically Here is a guideline of basic breeding. It has been drastically shortened due to the fact that most of you probably will not read it:
I need to start off by asking you a few questions.
1. Is your bitch/dog registered with a reputable and recognizable pure breed registry?(AKC, CKC (canadian KC NOT continental KC) or a national kennel club from you area that is accepted by the AKC)
2. Has your bitch/dog gained a Champion title in Conformation OR Is well within breed standard for his/her gender? (you don't want a dog(male) with a bitch's conformation, nor do you want a bitch with a dog's conformation)
3. Have you made sure she/he is health test and certified? (i.e. OFA, BAER, Eyes)
[Believe it or not, these tests are very important. Testing can help reduce unwanted genetic disorders like hip dysplasia, Dialated cardiomyopathy, Leggs-perthes, Patellar luxations, or genetic dysfunctions of the thyroid, All of which can cause severe complications later in life. As you will see later on this topic, The purpose of breeding is to better the breed. Is the breed really better with amatures breeding disease prone dogs? ]
If you have answered "NO" to any of these questions, your dog is not fit for breeding.
In the unlikely event that you can answer YES to all of the questions, there are some things you need to take into consideration.
If you do decide to breed, bear in mind that to take a big chance like that, you must be willing to sacrifice either your bitch or the litter.
In the event you find someone with a decent dog that is willing to breed with your bitch, you should be aware of fees you have to pay before breeding. Almost all Studs worth breeding to require a brucellosis test and th fee for the test alone can cost upwards of $65 (not figuring in the office visit costs, the cost of a general physical exam, possible need for a progesterone test and other things you may need). On top of that, there is a stud fee that must be payed.
After breeding, there is pre-whelping care costs for the bitch. High Calorie, High Nutrient diet (I suggest Wellness, but Royal Canin Small breed Baby Dog formula works), Xrays, Ultrasounds, and general Physical Exams to ensure maximum health during pregnancy.
After whelping, Your bitch and the pups must be taken to the vet between 1-3 days for tail (for breeds that require docking) and dewclaw removable and an exam to make sure the bitch is ok. You must be willing to sacrifice about 4 hours per day examining, weighing, feeding, cleaning, and just generally handling your bitch and the pups. Puppies must be dewormed every 2 weeks from the ages of 4 weeks to 12 weeks, after that once every month. At the ages of 8, 12, and 16 weeks, you must take them to get their immunizations. Ear Cropping (for breeds that require cropping) usually is done on the breeders expense, and at the age of 12 weeks the procedure can be done. Breeders usually hold toy breed pups til about 12-16 weeks anyway, giving them more time to become less vulnerable to communicable diseases (toy breeds are more susceptible)
After all of this, possibly spending $1500 on the litter of probably only 3-5 considering you sell you pet quality pups for about $200-$400 each and considering there are no more expenses (emergency vet visits) you make out only -$300 in the hole.
Not to mention there is still the time and thought that has to be put into a sales and return policy....your responsibility does not end once the pups are sold. You're responsible for those pups from they day they are born til the day they die.
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Final thought:
What is the point of your breeding? You and/or your friends want pups?
THE PURPOSE OF BREEDING IS TO BETTER THE BREED!! |  |  | |  |
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The Dog Show: Who's Your Mama?
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