ARE YOU BREEDER MATERIAL?

The owner of a dog who shies away from cleaning teeth and cutting nails is not breeder material.

Breeding dogs is a huge subject, requiring a great deal of knowledge and experience, of which I have only a little. I can give a few basics, but much information waits for you out there.

The costs of breeding include shots, veterinarian fees, traveling to shows, entrance fees, food, stud fees and the registration of the puppies. Some of the costs can be recovered through the sale of the puppies, but breeders often must board animals to make up the difference. The initial outlay for boarding is not small, i.e., cages, runs, fencing. You get the picture. Breeding can be a lifelong commitment. Breeders often do smaller jobs, like teeth and nails to lower costs. That is why working with a veterinarian is so important. Sometimes they can give you reduced rates on shots, for instance, if a number of puppies are involved.

Another cost is time. You must know your breed thoroughly, which means books and study, and I would touch on genetics, since you will be line breeding your dogs. (Only experts can inbreed.) You must learn some medical knowledge, since veterinarians are costly. If you can do some things for yourself, all the better. There will be a need to keep records. Traveling to shows is time consuming but necessary to gain knowledge and experience. Some breeders handle their own dogs at shows, but some pay a handler to do this for them. The bottom line is the dog itself. Unless you have a deep love for animals that will override difficulties, you could fail as a breeder.

I was involved with breeding for several years with a bitch from a breeder, but later my brood bitch after two breedings, had to be spayed for her health. Within our club, one of the couples found a rare genetic disease in their breeding line, which ended their business. This left them with a number of non-paying beautiful companions. Thus circumstances occur which can end your business. Responsible breeders will breed their bitches only three or four times, but a number of factors come in to play. When a bitch is finished breeding, and not kept by the breeder, she is placed in a loving home, sometimes with one more breeding open before spaying for those interested in the profession.

So, you can see, there is a lot to consider before taking this step. Breeders can get involved in obedience when they see a particularly intelligent dog. I had an acquaintance, who took her dog to a senior's hospital to encourage the patients. There are endless opportunities. Besides obedience, there is tracking, for example. Many types of specialized training can be found. You only need to look to the Kennel clubs for this. Plan out your goals.

Anyone who takes this step, along the way will enjoy the love, loyalty and friendship of their dogs, who can bring them great joy. Are you breeder material?

DOGS WHO LOVE TO SHOW OFF

Before I talk with you about breeding my dogs, I want to tell you about Dog Shows.

One of my greatest joys was to take one of my dogs and go to a Show. If I was 'showing' a dog, then grooming was the main task, and following the breed, from Puppy, to Group, to Best in Breed. On days when I did not show, we walked about, looking at the other breeds, and watching their placings. I knew only the standards for the Shetland Sheepdog, but chatted with breeders for information. The breeders are pleased that you wish to learn about their special breed. Handlers and judges are always preoccupied.

I recommend going to Dog Shows, even if you do not plan to purchase a dog, but get it at a shelter or elsewhere. The beauty of these animals when their coats are brushed to perfection, in long-coated breeds especially, is astounding. For other less obvious breeds, you must educate yourself in their standards. Going to Shows increases your knowledge, because it is all about Standards. These have been developed over many years, and are still evolving. How close that dog comes to that particular standard is first and foremost. If, however, two dogs are equally close to the standard, it is the one who shows best on that particular day, who wins.

By attending the Shows you get to see what the breeders and judges see. You become aware of perfections and imperfections. Young breeders come to get their dogs recognized, and that is done with ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and sometimes 4th place finishes. More experienced breeders come for the basic reason for the Shows--breeding. They come to search for a dog for their bitch. Many factors come into play, which I will deal with later.

There are some dogs who love to "show (themselves) off." It requires a lot of work and training on your part to bring your dog to that position, but in the end, it is the personality of the dog who shows well who catches the judge's eye. If you are fortunate enough to have one of those dogs, you could be a winner.

A PUPPY IS ADORABLE, BUT IS IT THE ANIMAL FOR YOU?

Although a lot of work, the result of breeding your dog gives one a lot of satisfaction. Puppies are fun and charming little creatures. They remain a joy and beautiful until they get gangly--with long legs. Yes, despite their adorableness, puppies grow up. Breeders, therefore, sell their little ones while they are in the cute stage (as do pet shops and puppy mills). Unfortunately, not everyone thinks through their purchase clearly--as is attested by recently abandoned animals on July first, moving day. The dogs, cats, etc., for various reasons, are no longer cute, become a burden, and are abandoned, often ending up in shelters, or worse.

Unless you are prepared to make a commitment to your animal, then perhaps it is unwise to purchase one, no matter how much Johnny wants one. Consider the prolific number of shelters. On the other hand, abandoned animals can turn out to be wonderful pets. It might pay you to take a look, rather than purchasing from a breeder, which of course is costly. I realize some want specific animals.

Is an adorable-looking puppy reason enough to buy one? What about the future, or long term care? Has your family thought the thing through? Are the children willing to do their share? Is it all left to mother? Is it fair to the animal?

Adorable or not, our animals deserve our love and more. It is a small thing, perhaps to us, but a great thing to them. Loyalty, friendship, and love, are very much a part of their nature.

WALKING YOUR DOG BRINGS HEALTH AND JOY

When I was younger, and newly moved to the country from a large city, I reveled in the ability to walk for miles--but I did not think to do this until I received a dog from a breeder, who wanted her bitch to have a good home. Our bitch could breed once more, and after some thought, we went ahead. Much to the surprise of the breeder, our Sheltie had seven puppies--unusual in a Shetland Sheepdog. They would have four or five. I will write about that another time. What I want to talk about here is our walks in the fields and woods.

Herding dogs need to walk a few miles a day at least, which was good for me; I got healthier. We mostly made a several mile circuit around, and to, a pond, where we rested before coming home. We usually walked in all kinds of weather. The dogs loved it, nor did they get wet through because of their double coats. They did get dirty. I have a photo of one dreadful day when the three of them got into a lot of burs. The mother was a bit more circumspect. I had time then, and spent hours cleaning them up and removing the burs. Fellow breeders told me that they do not walk their dogs in bad weather--just let them run in the yard. Demands of time taught me the wisdom of this.

I will never forget the joy we had on those days, the rabbits who raced away from my rogues, and the grouse they surprised and sent flying. Each walk proved interesting, and fun, even in winter as they skied with us.

Get yourself a dog. It does amazing things for your health, both physically and emotionally.