What can be done to become a reputable breeder?

Question

IF someone wanted to become a breeder, that's an IF, how would they go about finding out the necissary information and still avoid the accusations of being a BYB wannabe?
I ask because there seems to be a lack of availible websites that are usefull in learning things along the lines of what to do if a puppy get's "stuck" or what normal gestation is and the things involved in the actual act of breeding *mating, gestation, birth, what to do with the pups before they're 6weeks old* There's plenty of information availible on what the qualifications are, but being responsible and having all the vet chacks and stuff is useless when you don't know what a dog should look like when pregnant or how to tell if a puppy "is having problems *not the obvious not breathing type problems, more like a coat not coming in properly*
If the internet fails, and any questions asked are answerd with accusations of irrisponsibility, what's left to do?

I didn't ask about what makes a BYB, I knew that. Most of us do.
Hmmm, let's throw out a situation to any breeder. If someone comes to you asking for you to take them on as an "apprentice" are you more likely to take them on if they know what they're talking about a little vs. completely clueless? I'm talking the things you can do to prepare yourself so you don't go in*just to talk to a breeder*looking like an idiot.
Lots of times I ask questions here because of anonymity*sp?* and no one's going to tell me I'm wrong for thinking the way I do simply because I'm 17. Seeing as I don't sound mature in the voice, breeders I've called looking to buy a pet have turned me down because I am so young no matter what the questions are I'm asking. No one seems to want to invest their time in the "next generation" if they are mere teens.
This is my observation, and I can give an example involving a bengalcat breeder, me, and my dad that supports.

But how would a teenager get to know the basics? I've seen how-tos *so to speak* on breeding rodents and I can't find anything even close to that on breeding dogs. Or cats, even, though I s'pose they're very prolific on their own *whoever coined the term "multiplying like rabits" has never dealt with cats and doesn't know that in just a few years, one mamma cat could populate a city*
But it seems that asking questions regarding breeding dogs, no matter what the question, is met with hostility. Some people have questions they want answered just to know, not to put in practice.

I don't get it. Even asking the right way to do it was met with hostility on some bits, as in the fact that it's not entirely hypthetical. I thought it was a good idea to start educating yourself when you have the drive for it, not waiting until your 25 and capable of getting the things you need *ie. the experience pup, that i've been after for a while. people tell me i'm wrong for wanting the puppy experience, but is it so wrong to want to understand the responsibilities of house breaking and obedience training and other stuff first hand?*
How do i put without sounding like I want to jump in and make a puppy right now? I didn't think that's how what I've already said would go across.
But as for breeding to better the breed, what about breeding quality dogs with the healthchecks and that meat breed standards but don't have the pricetag of champion dogs? I wouldn't be in it for the money/glory but the joy I know a puppy can bring anyone and the companionship when they grow up.

I missed saying something a second ago. Started a thought, then half forgot it.
If you want to learn NOW and are willing to wait till then to put it into practice, what's the harm in getting in early?
If at, say, 15 you have a burning interest in psychology, but people tell you you're too young to begin to understand and you shouldn't even try, what will that cause? Who'll be better off, the college freshman who took psychology as a class in highschool or the freshman who doesn't even know what depression is *thinks it's just a mood*?
I NEVER made meantion to "where can I get a dog to breed" in this post, and when I had made the question about is it an ok idea to make my own puppy *so to speak* I didn't know some of the things that I know now. Yes, the learning process progresses that quickly sometimes. Mostly only with teens though, because when we want something, we try for it, fail, then learn the right way and go that rout. those that don't try lose interest.

Answer 1

You get involved with other breeders, of your breed and other breeds.

You go to shows, join breed clubs and kennel clubs, attend educational events.

If you have a breed that was created for some sort of work, you go to trials to learn about the work your breed is supposed to do.

You read everything you can about your breed and dogs in general. You learn about your breed, health problems, training, dog psychology, nutrition, breeding etc.

You learn about breeding ethics.

Best if you can find someone in your breed to mentor you.

Edit: Just because you are a teenager doesn't mean you can't join the clubs. Some places even have a junior kennel club, or programs specifically for juniors. This will help to show you are serious. If you have a registered dog already, train and compete with it in a performance event, like obedience or agility. If you have a purebred that's not registered, you can get an ILP number and compete in performance. Again, competing with your dog will show that you are committed enough to put some effort into it. If you have a groomed breed, learn the correct grooming. People WILL get to know you, if you are persistent. Keep attending the shows and meetings. Meet people, network and learn. Just phoning people and asking questions will not do it. Nobody wants to trust a dog to a fly-by-nighter, but someone who shows serious interest and committment is more likely to get a second look.

One thing sure to put a serious breeder off is if your first interest appears to be "breeding", rather than "the breed".

Edit 2: There's nothing to stop you from starting now and "getting in early". I did.

When I was a teenager, we adopted a Basset Hound from a family member who didn't want it any more. Fortunately, he had come from a good breeder but had been sold as a pet. I was also fortunate that he had grown up to be good enough to show. When I watched my first dog show, I thought "Sam is as good as any of these, I think I'll show him".

So we attended our first match when I was 15. Then our first show. As a handler, I stank. When going around the ring my dog lay down and refused to move. We got reserve in spite of this. I decided he needed some training. I was also inspired by the fact that there were TWO bassets entered in obedience that weekend, as up until then I'd believed that bassets were untrainable. So that's how I also got into obedience.

As I said, I was a poor handler. Our first year showing, we got 2 points. Our second year showing, ditto (though we did earn a CD). I spent the next winter attending handling classes, and in the spring we finished his Championship right away with a group placement.

Unfortunately, a couple of months later he escaped from the yard and drowned in a neighbor's pool. I went to his breeder for a new puppy to show. This dog did not turn out to be show quality, but I showed him anyways for practice and because I enjoyed it. We also did obedience and earned his CDX (and top obedience basset). During this time I was also training and showing/trialing dogs belonging to friends, and learning all-breed grooming as a career. I also got involved in rescue.

By this time I was ready for a foundation bi tch. The breeders all knew me now, new that I was responsible and serious about the breed. I was able to purchase a nice girl from a breeder in Texas, and then another from Quebec.

The rest is history.

Answer 2

I have given the my time to a couple of teenagers that had taken the time to do a little research on different breeds and had hung out at some dog shows and were willing to learn. That is the ONLY way to learn enough and the right stuff to become a good and responsible breeder. You cannot get the knowledge from the internet. You can get ideas, and some insight....but you will never get the actual knowledge. Most people that have had a decent dog and have done some showing, obedience, or toher activities and gotten involved with the "world of dogs" have learned enough to know what they don't know. Then, they proceed from there to learn what they need to know.
I don't think ANY of us REAL breeders work up one morning and decided to become a breeder. It evolves from having and being "IN" dogs for a while. It was the next logical step. When you start wanting another good dog and have trouble finding what you want....you decide it is easier and better to produce your own!!!! Breeding, whelping, puppy care, ALL that is WAY down the road!!! Consider that most breeders worth ANYHTING were YEARS in dogs before breeding a single dog. This is what the general public lacks. They just want to BREED. They really know nothing about dogs or breeds, so they just want the puppies and the money. People need to be smart enough to know that breeding is a MAJOR undertaking and a LIFELONG responsibility. It rearly goes all as expected and as planned. It can be a wonderful thing one time...it can be totally devestating the next. You are dealing with LIVING creatures and your ignorance can KILL.

And Tyke has it totally right...it is about being HUMBLED by the whole thing!!! You go through hell breeding a ***** and everything has been done perfect......best stud, health clearances, prenatal care, puppy list, EVERYTHING in order....6 TOP people waiting for these puppies....and they all DIE. No reason...nothing you can do. LOTS of time, money,effort, and tears and DIDDLYSQUAT to show for it. Or God forbid, you lose a bit ch. This, if anything, make you very HUMBLE. That kind of experience and knowledge cannot be gotten off a webiste, and it SURE cannot be gotten from asking breeding questions on Yahoo! Answers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And frankly...a teenager DOES NOT have the mental maturity to themselves become a breeder. They are not capable of making rational decisions and HARD decisions. They can get a start for down the road, but they would not be ready for a LONG TIME.

"teens try for it, fail....." THAT is the danger here. You CAN'T fail. If you fail, some one or some living thing SUFFERS. This is not like failing at learning chess, or failing your physics exam. This is real and living things are the price.

And I don't have a problem with someone breeding GOOD quality dogs with health clearances the RIGHT way. BUT...all BYB say they have good dogs that meet the standard. I say, how can you know that if you don't know what the standard says, or if you have never put your dog against others?????????

Answer 3

The first thing you can do is educate yourself about your breed. Get a mentor and talk to your vet. READ READ AND MORE READ. It takes time to become a reputable anything. Try one litter with quality dogs. Always breed for the betterment of the breed. Only breed dogs that have desired traits and strong health. Visit show rings and other AKC events to find out more from people who know the most. There are so many things that can go wrong. If you are prepared, you will do fine. Have a vet on hand that you can call if you ahve a question, dont try to use the net to figure it out. It takes years. If you breed you should also rescue. It is a responsible breeder that not only places puppies in this world, but takes responsibilities for the ones already here.

Answer 4

One would hope that -- prior to having to worry about what your dog might look like when pregnant -- you (generic "you", here) will have found a mentor to help you learn about and evaluate your breed (including your own dogs), and to help you make intelligent breeding decisions based on your goals.

In the course of doing this, you will likely have assisted in whelping litters with this mentor, and will therefore know what a pregnant b*tch looks like, when to prepare the whelping area, how to assist with a breech puppy, when it's time for a C-section, etc.

This, IMO, is the proper way to go about becoming a responsible dog breeder, in addition to doing the correct genetic testing and proving your dogs worthy of breeding by working and/or showing them.

Excellent post, Miriam! You rock!

ADDED:
A lot of teenagers get involved in dogs beginning with Junior Showmanship, Obedience, or Agility (all of which you can get into via a local dog training club). If they want to do Junior Showmanship, they can often find someone in their breed of choice with a retired show dog that they are willing to co-own, sell, or even give to the Junior -- this is because the dog can be spayed or neutered and still show in Juniors, so the breeder doesn't have to worry about any breeding occurring while in the Junior's posession. The breeder is also usually quite willing to mentor the Junior if they seem enthusiastic about being "in dogs", and it goes from there.

Even if the teen is competing in Obedience or Agility with their dog, if they stay involved it is only a matter of time before they meet other people in the breed, since most Obedience/Agility trials occur in conjunction with All-Breed shows.

The point is that you have to be willing to get out there and get involved, talk to people in person and show them you're serious. Sitting at home online will not get you anywhere. It may lead to "Instant Expert Syndrome" in some people, but the Internet really isn't the place to learn everything about dogs and breeding.

Answer 5

I would guess that you have pretty much angered everyone with your previous posts, me included. I would suggest hanging out at some dog shows, memorize your standard, study the dogs, and meet people in the breed. I would not approach breeders with the thought of getting a puppy for breeding, but rather with the plan to learn from them. Be aware that the handlers are sometimes very busy at shows, especially before ring time. ALSO be aware if you go with a huge attitude you are not likely to get ANYWHERE!

"But as for breeding to better the breed, what about breeding quality dogs with the healthchecks and that meat breed standards but don't have the pricetag of champion dogs?"

*I* have no problem with someone breeding healthy purebred dogs strictly for pets, as long as you learn first and do it right. Many show breeders are not going to agree with me though, although a few do. There are many good breeding/whelping books available, as well as books on specific breeds. Look at Dogwise.com for a good selection.


WOW! You have some EXCELLENT answers! Torbay, Shadow, 'Tyke', Loki, Miriam, ALL great answers!

I must say, I would be VERY hesitant to let a pup go to a teen, especially if they had not 'paid their dues'. I DID give one to my niece (with a contract, LOL!), who is currently too busy with boys to show her. Shame, such a pretty *****, I would have preferred she were being shown. That is the kind of thing that can happen when you sell to a teen, even one that has grown up around dog shows.

She has been offered several retired dogs, when she was active in juniors, as someone had commented.

Answer 6

Most of your questions regarding pregnacy (what to do if a puppy gets stuck, normal gestation, ect.) can be answered by a qualified veterinarian...but they can also be answered via a quick GOOGLE search. Gestation? 9 weeks. What to do with a stuck puppy? Go to an emergency vet where the vet can administer oxytocin or perform surgery. There's plenty of information online about the areas you're asking about.

What makes a BYB?

Breeding animals indiscriminately. This means putting 2 animals together for the purpose of making offspring in which to make money from. There is no attempt to 'better a breed' or even preserve a breed...the motivation behind the breeding is selling to the public.

BYBs don't have their animals genetically tested for deformities, or certified against crippling genetic defects. They don't show and thus have no way to prove their animals are even good representatives of the breed and should be bred in the first place.

BYBs don't take good care of their animals---they're fed grocery store kibble because it's cheaper, not because it's healthier or easier to get (you can get high quality kibbles at Petsmart). Often times, the dogs and puppies don't receive necessary vaccinations and are simply 'dewormed' (which should not be a concern if your dogs are always kept in a clean environment, have their vaccinations, and are fed properly---dogs left outside are at the most risk for contracting worms).

So how does one become a reputable breeder? By doing the things the BYBs are criticized for NOT doing.

The best way to become a reputable breeder is seek out a reputable breeder as a mentor and let them show you the ropes.

Answer 7

What breed are you going to breed? Do you love the breed? To be reputable breeder you need to love your breed. What is that breed originally bred for? I have German Shepherd dogs and most of the American breeders do not breed what the dog is to be bred for. They are a working breed, not a show breed. My GSD's most pet owners could not live with because they are to high of drive. They are not one to sit by the fire with you. They have to be that way to do Schutzhund though. In Germany they have to title the GSD a Schutzhund 1 to be able to breed. Unlike the AKC here in the USA. They do not care about breed standard.

Research your breed for the standard, what was it bred for and only strive for the best. Don't expect to make any money for at least 5 or so years. You got to build a reputation for a good product. And it all takes time. If you get a reputation for breeding junk you will be stuck with that reputation. Be honest. It really gripes me when people say they breed working GSD's just because they are listed as a working breed or some ancestor may have a Schutzhund title. Say it like it is. You may have some in a litter that is of excellent quality and also those that are only of what we call pet quality. Call a spade a spade.

Answer 8

"...breeders I've called looking to buy a pet have turned me down because I am so young..."

Recently I needed to research the rescue dog thing a bit more as I had a stray we needed to home and wanted to be sure to place her with a good family. One thing a couple of rescues told me is that a very common owner to place a dog in a shelter is college kids and military personnel. You are of the age of getting to college and it's possible that the breeders you have requested a puppy from were reputable and realize this could be a possibility. Even tho a reputable breeder is willing to take any dog back they produce, at any age, for any reason (and requires it in their contracts), they try to make a sensible decision on picking potential families for their pups to avoid this all together in the first place. So don't take it too personally and maybe try to understand that these breeders are looking out for the best interests of the puppy involved.

Okay that I just wanted to mention that as it's something I really didn't know myself until a couple of months ago.

As to you wanting to become a breeder some day, there is a right way to do this. First of all, consider if getting a dog in the breed of your choice is anything you can really do right now. Do you have the proper time to train and prepare a dog for performance sports, such as obedience or agility? This is a good first step to take. But if you are soon on your way to college, now may not be the best time to do this. But when the time is right for you, don't get your first dog of your choosen breed with the intensions of breeding that dog. Let this first dog simply be your learning experience and a way to bring you in touch with others who are into training, breeding and showing their dogs. If you get a puppy from a reputable breeder, they will be thrilled to help you get in the right direction here too.

Train this first dog extensively, so that you can learn what is involved with that. Join your local training clubs and the club of your breed as well. This will help you make friends who are all doing the same thing and share the same love for their dogs that you do. Compete with your dog to prove to yourself and others that you are capable of training and acheiving your goals--agility, obedience and rally-o are great sports fun for you and your dog!

Doing this will set you up with connections in the right areas for setting yourself up to breed some day. The best thing you can do is maybe make a few good friends in your breeds club and hopefully, when the time comes that you are ready to get in that direction of maybe breeding, someone will be willing to mentor you so that you can be a responsible, reputable, ethical and knowledgable breeder.

These things are what I am doing right now. I have an interest in breeding Border Collies some day, but I have so much to learn about the world of training and competing with dogs before I even consider it. The pup in my pix is about 6 months and spayed. She is my learning experience and the clubs I am joining will provide me with some knowledge and maybe someone will be willing to mentor me in 6-10 years, when I feel that I've learned all I can on my own. IMO, this is a good way to go. Take it slow, get your first dog and learn all that you can. Seek out a mentor who is willing to guide you in the right direction. Breeding is a ton of work and rarely profitable for the hobby breeder, but if you love your breed, it can still be very fulfilling to know that puppies from your litters went on to win titles in performance sports, or best of breed in a conformation show!

Good Luck to you!

Answer 9

Becoming a breeder should ALWAYS start with years of research. Contact www.akc.com, find a seasoned breeder in your area and ask their advice. Pick a breed you are interested in and learn all you can about the animal. Don't allow money to be your goal, make it improvement and love of the breed. Get a close relationship with a club, find a mentor and STUDY.

Answer 10

im a breeder of jack russel and i didnt have the first clue of what i was doing in the beginnig but you just learn it thankfully the only probs i have had are the 2 births one puppie died in labor and another got toe ripped off in delivery but i do get calls on this or that with my dogs i sell you know the puppie for the 8 weeks you get to know habits etc. and will know when there is prob etc but till you think you can handle this dont do it its alot of work