to_breed_or_not_to

Should I breed my dog?

Before a dog owner breeds their bitch they must thoroughly examine their reasons for wanting to breed this animal. That includes all their motives, attitudes and knowledge.
A breeder is responsible for the health and welfare of their bitch before, during and after whelping. They are responsible for the health and welfare of the puppies from the time of breeding takes place until the puppies are settled in their new environment. They are also responsible to society for their dogs, as the general public can be very affected by social problems due to dog over-population and irresponsible pet owners. Educating new owners will help to insure that their puppies will be reared by a responsible owner whose dog is an asset rather than a detriment to society.
A breeder must also have the ability and be prepared to provide a home for ANY puppies that they have produced should the owners fall short of that duty. No puppy asks to come into this world and ultimately you as the breeder MUST be responsible for them. Being a breeder is never to be taken lightly as it is an ongoing, lifetime responsibility.
Should the bitch be bred at all?
She must be critically examined as to her quality both genetically as well as conforming to the written breed standard. Will she contribute positively to her breed or just produce more mediocre puppies? Personal feelings MUST be put aside as the bitch is evaluated.
Breeding a bitch to "make money" or to get back your purchase price are two of the poorest reasons for breeding. This is NOT a money making venture. Breeding dogs is a labor of love for the dog in general and the breed chosen in particular.
There are some wonderful benefits of dog breeding. The mother love that is seen in the whelping box, puppy breath, puppy kisses, puppy play, and the magnificent adults that come from your breeding program are the most obvious examples of the joy of breeding. For many breeders, seeing the love and the joy that a "quality" puppy gives a person or a family helps to ease the concern of placing puppies into new homes.
Dogs have given many breeders personal growth, companionship, and enjoyment. Add to that the benefit of making new and special friends through puppy placements and participating in dog sports. This makes the all-night vigils easier to bear for the breeder.
Dog breeding does have its down side as well. It is not a completely smooth road. Heartbreaking decisions (i.e.: euthanasia of a young dog or that "special friend") must be made and lived through. Disappointments in getting a bitch pregnant occur. Difficulties during the whelping itself. C-sections are always possible and are hard on the budget and the heart. You also run the risk of losing puppies or worse yet the bitch. There could be disappointment in the way a promising puppy matures for the show ring or in the manner in which the puppy is being cared for by its new owners. Occasionally, unreasonable owners must be dealt with, which can be VERY upsetting.
A "puppy producer" is interested in their wallet more than their dogs. A true "responsible" breeder never feels this way.
If the owner has no intention of breeding their dog or has the wrong motivations, the dog should be spayed/neutered. We must not give our dogs human qualities. They do not need to reproduce in order to feel "fulfilled". The benefits of spay/neuter strongly outweigh any perceived negative effects.
BENEFITS OF SPAYING A BITCH
No messy heat cycles two to three times a year when she MUST be confined for at least three (3) weeks at a time.
No stray males on your doorstep or breaking into your "secure" yard which can result in an accidental breeding with resulting unwanted puppies. No false pregnancies which could lead to a life threatening uterine infection.
The possibility of mammary cancer is GREATLY reduced if the bitch is spayed BEFORE her first cycle. As with a woman this is a terrible and often fatal cancer in dogs.
The bitch will not shed out her entire coat several times a year with her heat cycles.
BENEFITS OF NEUTERING A MALE
Removes any preoccupation with breeding and hormonal drives.
Will decrease roaming, aggression, pack status and dominance behavior.
Decreases the incidence of testicular cancer and prostate problems especially in males with one or more undesended testicles.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SPAYING/NEUTERING
Dogs will get fat and lazy:
With proper diet and exercise this will not happen. Out of a sense of guilt, owners often fall into the trap of overfeeding their dogs food and or treats.
Breeding will calm the bitch/dog:
WRONG!! Rearing a family in NOT relaxing for any bitch. Some males will become more aggressive and unmanageable after being used at stud. "Marking" (lifting their leg and urinating on objects) may become a BIG problem. Housetraining often goes out the window when a dog is used at stud.
The bitch needs to have a family;
WRONG!! Motherhood is hard on the bitches mentally, physically and emotionally.
The SPCA will place the pups that don't sell:
It is more common for the pups to be euthanized (put to sleep) rather than placed in new homes.
Spayed and neutered dogs live happy and fulfilled lives!

CONTROLLED BREEDING
With the increase of anti-dog legislation, increased human as well as dog populations, many breeders are now practicing "Controlled Breeding". Breeders plan the breedings and carefully select for correctness of structure, breed type, temperament, and good health. Before a breeder uses an animal all the necessary health checks are done. The resulting litter is then carefully evaluated with only the best puppies being designated for future breeding. A "responsible" breeder will take advantage of their kennel clubs Non-Breeding Agreement form for the puppies that are sold as companions/pets. They will also require that a legal contract between the purchaser and themselves be signed and honored.
Controlled breeding may seem to be self-serving as it may reduce the number of puppies available, but this practice helps eliminate or at least slow the deterioration of the breed quality. It also helps maintain the overall quality of pure bred dogs. The concerned breeder must always be aware of their responsibility to their dogs, their puppy purchasers and to society. Indiscriminate breeding adds to the on-going problems of irresponsible owners or unwanted/abandoned animals.
Breeding fewer, but higher quality dogs, placing puppies carefully, educating new owners and knowing where our pups are, is the focus of concerned responsible breeders. The controlled breeding practice helps ensure the new owner will have an ideal companion for a long time.
DON'T BE PART OF THE PROBLEM BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!