Euthanasia?

Question

Thank you all for helping me with the last question. We took the puppy to the vet this saturday and found out something heartbreaking. He had water in the brain which caused him to be blind and deaf (reason why he bumped into things and didn't respond to us.) and so he had to be euthanized. I felt sad that this had to be done because he was about to reach 2 months of age, and....at least I wanted him to have his first Christmas, but tht didn't happen. I just wish the best for the other 4 puppies, since I stayed with the spotted one.

I want to make sure that when something like this happens, I can be there for the puppy and care for them through their problems, because most people just abandon a dog with defects.

Do you have any advice for me, if I want to put forth my best efforts and go into dog breeding, preferally chihuahua and other Toy breeds?

Answer 1

Okay, so your question really isn't about euthanasia but you want to know about breeding animals? First of all why are you wanting to breed animals? I'm not asking to be rude, but really think about what you are getting into. There are millions of unwanted dogs out there without homes and you will be contributing to that. That is the reality of breeding. You will contribute to the population of animals. How are you going to keep the animals you produce from becoming homeless, from reproducing out of control, from being abused, from being used in puppy mills, etc. THE ONLY REASON TO BREED IS A DESIRE TO IMPROVE THE BREED STANDARD -- NOT TO MAKE MONEY!

Next, whatever breed you choose, know what the standard is, know what is normal. Know what genetic defects are likely (i.e. chihuahuas commonly are born with brain/skull defect such as hydrocephalus). I'm nore sure what your educational background is, but you need to know a lot about genetics before you start breeding animals -- what traits are recessive, which are dominent, how to cull breeding animals with undesirebable traits, etc. You need to know about mating, estrus cycles of the the dog, whelping and caring for the puppies after whelping. You need to learn about showing and competition in order to gain access tothe use of good stud dogs that are a good standard of the breed. You need to be familiar withthe Animal Welfare Act, and other animal care and welfare protocols. You need to be aware of laws in your state, county, city, district, etc regarding keeping breeding animals on your property and the limit which you can own.

You need to join AKC and other club breeding groups to network, get advice, etc on breeding, to find good specimens to breed, etc. You need to familiarized yourself with the following: OFA, Penn Hip and other certification agencies.

Breeding is not a pasttime - it is a life. Breeders do it for a love of the breed, they compete and only produce the best specimens of the breed. IF YOU MAKE MONEY BREEDING ANIMALS - YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG! Breeding takes many hours, a lot of money (vet bills, stud costs, shelter, food, medications, the occassional C-sections, flights to competitions, hotel fees, registration fees, creating adoption documents, certifying hips, elbows, knees, retinas, etc).

My suggestion - why not participate in an animal rescue? There are breed spcific rescues out there that are in need of foster homes and many animals in need of rehabilitation. There are many animals with disabilites that need foster homes and forever homes (www.petswithdisabilites.org). I am a medical coordinator of a rescue group in Indiana and I have had nothing but great experiences rescueing animals and seeing them go to good homes with caring people. In the year I've been working with this group I've fostered 10 animals, and our group have found homes for over 200 unwanted and stray animals. Now that is a life!

Oh and I own 2 chihuahuas - one was a stray, not spayed, and attacked by a dog, the other was a puppy that was poorly socialized. Both are happy, healthy and neutered. I also own 2 poodles - one in congestive heart failure that was dumped at the humane society and one that has progressive retinal atrophy (a common genetic disorder) and is blind.

Answer 2

Any time you are dealing with breeding no matter how hard you try or how perfect everything seems to be going death of a pup or dam can occur. This is nature. I still think by your question you need to do more research. Make sure you know all of the potential problems that can arise and keep an eye out for them. I have lost entire litters with no indication of trouble what so ever. Yes, it is heart breaking. And I am not condoning your decision to breed. Frankly I feel there are too many breeders of toy dogs. But, if this is what you are going to do, research is my best advice. Sorry for the loss of a pup.

Answer 3

The sad thing is, when you have a dog with something like water in the brain, you have no choice but to have them euthanized. Being a dog breeder comes with those kinds of disapointments, and if you're planning on being a good breeder you're going to have to pick out the best and keep them and let the others go. The good thing is that those things don't happen too often, and the rewards should outweigh the dissapointments!

Answer 4

If you truly want to put forth your best effort: Go to www.akc.org, find your closest local chapter of the Chihuahua club & JOIN. If you really want to do it right as a breeder, you need the advice & support of good breeders. These people put their heart & soul into their breed, and test for genetic defects known to their breed before breeding to ensure they are bringing healthy, good quality pups into the world - so, if they advise you the dogs you have now are not breeding quality, trust their judgement. For more info: http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/

Breeding done right is a hard, expensive venture, and there are many pitfalls - as you are finding out. Be sure to read these very truthful & informative articles, to make sure this is something you really want to get into: http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/breeding.html

Answer 5

Don't go into dog breeding! There are thousands of animals in the pound put to sleep every day because people would rather get dogs from breeders and puppy mills!

Answer 6

I had to put down my dog that I had for 14 years cause she was suffering extremely from arthritis. She could barely walk. It was a really hard decision to make, but it was best for her, she was in so much pain, and now she's not suffering anymore.

Answer 7

Was the dog incurable that you euthanized
I hope you did not euthanize your dog because of the cost
Need more info

Answer 8

I am so sorry about your puppy. It made me cry just reading this. I think you would be an excellent dog breeder being as you care so much for them. Good Luck to you!

Answer 9

Humane yet unlawful. ought to I ever do it? i could not say what i ought to do if I had to ensure my toddler in consistent undesirable discomfort, yet i am going to assert that i in my opinion does not decide someone who did what they felt replaced into the right element for his or her toddler.

Answer 10

My heart goes out to you. No living being should ever suffer. BOL