New Page 0

TO THE

Bay de Noc Kennel Club

I’m Thinking About Breeding My Dog

Here are some things to think about before breeding:

Every year in the United States alone, 8 million dogs are destroyed because there are not enough homes for them. In Delta County alone, 500 dogs are killed each year. Every day 30,000 puppies are born. Out of every six puppies born, only one will find a home. If you breed your dog you are assuming responsibility for the lives of each and every puppy.

Most dogs should be spayed or neutered. "Fixed animals" live longer and they are healthier. Males won’t develop testicular cancer or have prostate problems, they will be less aggressive, be less likely to roam and won’t mount your leg or the children. Females won’t get ovarian or uterine cancer, will have a lower incidence of breast cancer and will not have the mood swings common in unspayed females.

Some Bad Reasons to Breed:

"I can make money selling the puppies"

Before your dog is used for breeding there are certain health checks that should be done on both the mail and female—These tests should be done on all dogs used for breeding.

OFA Certification –Cost approx. $150.00 – this is the test for hip dysplasia and cannot be done until your dog is at least two years old.
CERF—Tests for eye problems—Cost approx. $50.00
Thyroid test—cost approx. $60.00
Brucellosis—This is a test for sexually transmitted diseases in dogs, which can render both dogs sterile—cost approx. $35.00.
Other tests (depending on breed) include test for deafness, patellar luxation, OCD, heart problems, von Willebrand’s and others too numerous to mention.
The female should be wormed and her vaccinations updated before breeding. You must also have each puppy vaccinated, wormed, checked for heart murmers, hernias, deafness, eye problems, etc. Along with these financial requirements come the ethical requirements. You as a breeder are responsible for the life of each puppy. You must ensure each puppy gets a good home and you should agree to take the puppy back if for any reason the buyer can’t keep it.

"I want my kids to see the miracle of birth"

What happens if she gives birth during the day when the kids are in school or in the middle of the night? What happens if the birth goes wrong? What if the puppies are born dead or die after birth? What if the mother needs a cesarean? Or what if the mother dies? What about the novice mother who kills her puppies (it happens)? What if the whole litter gets Parvo or distemper, requiring expensive vet care?

"My dog is so nice I want another one just like her/him"

Unless you are planning to clone your dog, getting another one just like him is impossible. If you really want a dog "just like" this one, your best bet is to go back to the original breeder to see if the breeding that produced your dog was repeated and if puppies are available.

Can You Answer Yes to These Nine Questions?

Do you own a dog that is an excellent representative of the breed?
Did you have your dog evaluated by someone experienced with your breed and did they say your dog is of breeding quality?
Is your dog either a Champion or does it have titles in it’s working abilities (hunting, herding, tracking, obedience, etc.)?
Do you know your breeds health problems and have you had the proper health tests done to determine that your dog is free from them?
Have you done research on genetics and breeding and have you been able to find a suitable mate for your dog?
Are you financially able to give your dog and puppies the best medical care available?
Do you have the time to socialize each and every puppy starting at two weeks of age until they are at least eight weeks of age? (The youngest age a puppy should be sold)
Do you have a good understanding of canine growth and development and can you evaluate each puppy to ensure each puppy is matched to the appropriate owner?
Do you have a home for each puppy you produce and are you willing to make a home for any you can’t sell or that are returned to you for any reason?

IF YOU CAN ANSWER YES TO EACH OF THESE QUESTIONS—THEN GO AHEAD AND THINK ABOUT BREEDING.

This site hosted by