I want to breed QUALITY lhasa apsos...?

Question

I am in my early twenties and have a 2 year old lhasa. She is already spayed and I do not want to breed her. However, In the next several years I would like to breed lhasa apsos. NOT because of the money but because I love the breed. I have read several books on the breed and have done some research already. It is really hard to find lhasa breeders in my opinion so I would really like to be the next generation of lhasa breeders so that I can continue to improve this breed I want to make sure that I do this to the best of my ability so I was wondering if there were any breeders out there that could give me some good advice on what all I should do to prepare to breed. Some steps I should take

Now I do not want answers saying that i am a terrible person for wanting to breed because that is TOTALLY not true. breeders are necessary to uphold the breeds and to improve the breeds. If it werent for these breeders we would not have healthier longer living purebreed dogs we have today

Answer 1

The first two things you need to do to breed quality purebred dogs is to start off with quality breeding stock and get involved in showing. You can read all you want, you won't learn the finer aspects of breed conformation anywhere except in the show ring. Most reputable breeders aren't going to sell you their top stock already championed dogs for breeding purposes. you'll have to learn about showing/handling and get a few pups finished yourself unless you happen to get lucky. Keep in mind that a show dog is not necessarily breeding stock, the dog needs to consistently win to (officially at least) be considered a good candidate for improving/sustaining the breed.

Go to the Lhasa breed parent club, search "(breed name) club of America" to find it. It will have links to prominent breeders and breed enthusiasts who will be able to give you better information. The show ring is very political... sometimes it is hard for a newcomer because judges will often give the ribbons to breeders and handlers that they know instead of the 'best' dog...

Answer 2

If you want to breed quality, I have the following suggestions:

Start attending shows. Meet the breeders, see the dogs, learn what is good and bad in lhasas, what style of lhasa you prefer etc. Become known to the breeders.

Attend the national specialty, if at all possible. The education opportunities at these events are great. Try to attend local specialties too.

Join the national lhasa club, your local lhasa club, and your local all-breed club. Network and learn.

In my opinion, if you really want to be able to start with quality dogs then the first one you get should be a MALE. Now, you don't necessarily want to breed him, unless he turns out to be spectacular, he is to be your learning dog. The reason I suggest a male is that a quality male is easier to obtain. Good females are like gold to breeders, and they are not likely to trust one to a beginner that they don't know. But if you show your male, and make friends with other breeders, and demonstrate that you are responsible, ethical, and willing to learn, your chances of being trusted with a quality female will improve. Best of all is if you can find a good breeder who will mentor you.

This may be the "long" route to take, but you will have greater success in the long run if you lay down the proper foundations.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I think you are being responsible for finding out more information before breeding dogs. Breeding is a combination of science and business, so you have to be prepared to learn a lot about genetics and make some hard decisions if you really want to go this route. You should contact several responsible breeders, learn about the standards for the breed, and read everything you can about breeding before you even think about beginning. Also, research the market for this breed, make some decisions about how you will market the pups, and what you will do with pups that don't sell. Also, you should have a very good veterinarian on hand to ensure the health and well-being of the ***** and pups. Think through issues like: What will you do with a deformed pup?