How do I go about becoming a good reputable boxer breeder?

Question

I have a female boxer, and have had dogs my entire life, and I have been wanting to become a breeder but to do it right. I hear so many negative things about dog breeders out there, and I just wanted some info on how to do it right.

Answer 1

being a good breeder has more to do with just knowing the dogs you own or breed but also has to do with the various temperaments pups are born with and how they can develop. Along with that, as mentioned above, it is important to know practically anything and everything about the breed itself to include any illnesses that may be inherited or seen later in life. Along with that, you should know who/when/why/where the breed was started. Boxers were used for MANY jobs when they were first "created" so you should know all of them and how good they are at them. On top of that, you should know some of the famous genetic lines so you can see the difference between an average boxer and a possible champion boxer. Also, you should be familiar with both show lines and working lines as well as what events can be entered to attain titles in both categories. You should also be familiar with various training methods used for training obedience (both standard and advanced obedience). Basically, you need to be able to answer WHO/WHAT/WHERE/WHEN/WHY/HOW of the breeds ranging from the "creation" of the breed to now.

Answer 2

Before you start breeding, you should become knowledgeable about the breed, both its positive and negative attributes. Using that information, evaluate your own dog to see what areas she is strong in, and what areas she may be weak in. After determining that, lots and lots of research to find a good male to breed to that is going to improve your stock. For example, my male is defined, well built conformationally, and has good gaits, but is on the small side, so if I was to breed him, I'd want to find a good quality female with a slightly larger build to add some mass to his offspring. You'd want to do the same thing. Most reputable stud owners know what their dog can or cannot do (unless they are relatively young dogs) to improve the genetics of a female. If possible speak to other breeders about what they are breeding for. Also, get well acquainted with the whole breeding process, either by observation, or research. Make sure you have a good idea of what you're getting into whelping puppies and such. Most breeders are happy to help a new comer, especially if they are trying to do it the "right" way. Best of luck to you...

Answer 3

You need to take the time to learn everything about the breed. Be willing to work. Find a reputable breeder to mentor you. Work with them. You will have to earn their trust. Boxers have a lot of genetic issues, study them. Study the bloodlines. Study genetics and breeding theory. Any dogs bred should be OFA tested for everything you can think of and be OUTSTANDING representatives of the breed. Preferably having already won a championship in conformation and a performance title. There are many boxers in rescue right now. They are a dime a dozen.
Promise never to breed a litter without knowing they have homes or that you are willing to keep them yourself. Neuter and spay EVERY dog you place in a pet home. Get a placement contract and promise to take back any dog you breed. Get involved in Boxer rescue to see what is really happening in the world of boxers. And stay involved.
I understand that it can take a couple of years of study and mentoring before you are ready. If you are lucky, a great breeder will trust you enough to sell you a dog and then you are on your way.
It is too bad there are so few truly reputable breeders out there, far outnumbered by back yard breeders who do none of the above and the awful puppymills.
I say a prayer every day for the dogs that die in shelters. 1.8 dogs die every minute of every day in this country.

Answer 4

You know absolutely nothing about breeding otherwise you would realise that buying a boxer as a puppy does not guarantee he will be of a quality to breed when older - let alone a pair. And then you have to make sure they match each other and you are not doubling up on faults. The chances of you buying two puppies that will be right for each other is very slim and if you can't breed properly then don't breed at all.

Answer 5

What do you respect about good breeders?

My criteria are:

1) The breeder care more about her dogs than about her pocketbook. This means turning down potential owners if they aren't going to be good owners, even if she's desperate for sales. This means giving the dogs all necessary testing and the best medical care possible even when it destroys any hope for profits. This means she should be willing to take back a dog if the owner can't keep it in the future, rather than lose track of a dog she bred because it would inconvenience her.

2) The breeder must be willing to share information freely with her buyers. This means medical records, test results, and geneaology, and it means she should be willing to show buyers the pup's mother, littermates, and living conditions. She should also be willing to stay in contact with all buyers for the lifetime of the pups she sells them, in case they need help or advice.

Answer 6

First become knowledgeable about the breed then find out where in your area you can attend some breed competitions and talk to other breeders, not just boxer people. Most states have kennel clubs that sponsor shows and exhibitions, they are a wealth of knowledge and should be able to help you.

Answer 7

To do it 'right', you have to be doing it for the Boxer breed, not for money in your pocket. You have to be doing it to improve the breed in some manner, to at least maintain high breed standards.

This means that to begin with, you have to have your own girl evaluated to be sure she has what it takes to be a good foundation female.

First, she will have to have all genetic testing done, and on Boxer's, there's a ton of potential inherited problems:

http://siriusdog.com/articles/hereditary-congenital-diseases-dog.htm

Second, you will need to prove that she is physically correct, and the only way to do this is to enter her in the show ring and attain a championship. You will at least need to have multiple points, with one major, before you can really consider breeding her, if you want to do it right.

Third, you need to test her temperament outside the home to be sure she has the proper attitude a Boxer should have.

And this is only the beginning!

During all this testing, you will encounter other Boxer people. You need to talk with them, at length, about their own breeding programs. Learn the problems Boxers face, health and temperament wise, learn the strengths of the breed. Learn what areas your girl is strong in and where she is weak.

Search for a male who is very strong in any areas your girl might be weak, so that the pups you produce will be the best that you can possibly 'create.

Talk to other breeders about whelping and the multitude of problems that may erupt. Read dozens of books, on-line sites, whatever, about breeding. Get yourself prepared well before you think about putting your girl with a male.

Before you breed, you need to line up a minimum of four homes, SOLID homes, for your prospective pups. As I assume you will be keeping at least one of the pups yourself, this gives five pups homes. There may be one or two additional pups that you will have to place, but it is much easier to find homes for one or two pups than it is to find homes for five or six after the pups are born.

Be prepared to take the pups back at any point in their lives should they lose the homes you place them in. This is what being a responsible breeder is all about. Taking responsibility for the animals you 'create' for their entire lives. No dog you produce should ever end up in a shelter or in rescue because their owner died/divorced/couldn't keep the dog for whatever reason.

Thank you for wanting to do it right. The reason that millions of dogs are in shelters and in rescue are primarily due to people who simply don't care. Doing it right means your pups will never face this situation.

Answer 8

i am a small breeder of akc lab, i have a yellow,black, and cho. and have my first litter as we speak, since you have the female, you need to fine a good mannered male the calmer the better calm dog give calm pups and that is what you want when you sell them, go to www.akc.com and there is all the info you need and they even have a # where you can call an ask questions, good luck hope you find the right male dog for you little lady and have many many good healthy pups

Answer 9

Dog shows are the best way to start. If your bitc.h isn't a champion yet, she needs to be before you can breed her. After you've finished her, special her. You can breed her after she's a champion but now that you're there, why quite? Group wins and the coveted BIS are what you are after. When breeding her make sure that you breed her to a champion sire, one that you've picked apart and know the bad and good of. Even the top winning dogs have their faults and if one of those faults clashes with one of your bitches, you're doubling up on it and asking for trouble. And don't forget to talk to your competition. If you like one of their dogs, let them know and ask them to critique yours. Best of luck to you and thank you for doing the right thing. It's hard (I'm just getting started in Labs) but it's very exciting and fun.
Edit: Here's the AKC link to your breed standard. I went to my breeds homepage and bought the illustrated standard. You'll want to do the same and study it like a Bible.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/boxer/index.cfm
http://americanboxerclub.org/

Answer 10

LOTS of research, research, research, experiance, patience, time, and MONEY! there are things about each breed that a breeder trys to improve. and things that a breeder trys to get rid of in the breed. i would LOVE to become a breeder. but i think thats going to have to wait til i retire! lol.