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?