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Association of Peoria County Veterinarians |
Think Before You Breed Your Pet
So you want to have al litter of puppies. Breeding a litter is a monumental responsibility and a very expensive venture as well, so it must be taken seriously. First, get an opinion of your bitch (female dog), from a few knowledgeable breeders of your breed. Know her faults and her virtues. Learn more about the genetic problems in your breed, such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, von wilderbrands, etc. and have your bitch screened and tested for these. Study the standard, with the help of a knowledgeable breeder. Get an opinion on several stud choices, and go seem them, even if they are in California or New York. Make sure the stud dog is also tested free of genetic problems.
If all goes well, and you still want a litter, consider the expenses involved in such things as advertising, stud fees ($500-1,000), genetic testing, vet bills for both the mother and the litter, food, whelping equipment, etc.. What about the cost of finishing a show championship so that you have access to quality homes for your litter. This is normally in the $5,000 range. After all, you're striving to be a quality breeder!
Do you understand the time involved? Dogs do not have a litter and simply take care of them on their own, you are tied to the litter box just like the mother. You will most likely need to assist with delivery, or could be faced with the need for an emergency c-section. What if she is not able to nurse the litter? Are you ready to tube feed eight puppies every two hours for at least three weeks? What about the mess? A litter is a non-stop cleaning project which only gets bigger as the puppies do.
The responsibility is just beginning. As new owners look to you for the answers, are you prepared to answer questions on feeding, house training, obedience training, veterinary care, grooming, etc.? Can you demonstrate proper grooming for your breed to puppy buyers? Do you have a pedigree and registration information, health guarantee and sales contract ready to go with each puppy? Are you prepared for questions which come later, two to ten years later when the puppy buyers call? Do you have the facilities for six to eight puppies for weeks or even months after they are born, while you wait for good homes? Are you able to take back any of your puppies at any age for any reason, after all, you are now the breeder!
Millions of dogs and puppies are killed each year because they are unwanted!! DON'T BREED unless you are financially and ethically prepared to do it right!