Breeding Dogs??

Question

with all the recent questions about breeding dogs I am wondering why people do not do a little research before breeding? I Know there are the people that say "well you have to start somewhere" but in most everything you do at least some knowledge is required. Why should breeding dogs be any different?

"There is nothing wrong with people wanting to enter the dog breeding business and asking questions here is part of the research"
So would you be ok if I just asked some question and then decided to teach or care for kids, drive or fly? I mean just gathering some info from a bunch of strangers that may or may not know what they are talking about should be enough research. Right?? The point of the question is that research should be done on places other then YA and before breeding because there are a bunch of people answering questions on this site if you have no idea what you are doing how do you know what is the correct information?

Once again the point is breeding should be done BEFORE breeding, not during the pregnancy and during whelping. It is fine to ask questions but they are asking for "how to" on YA because NO research was done period. This should not be where research is started.

Meant research, sorry for the mistake

Answer 1

You mean coming here with a volley of questions a week before your b itch is due isn't research..? ;)

The "you have to start somewhere" excuse irks me to no end. Researching your breed and talking to a responsible breeder is the "somewhere" you should start...but I suppose that would require commitment and forethought, commodities it seems fewer and fewer people have.

You're absolutely right, of course. But people put more time and energy into researching their next car than they do their next dog -- or whether or not they should breed it. Sad when living things can't get the same amount of respect as a machine.

Answer 2

Many of us dog owners, who don't get into breeding, find out after the fact, that a lot of breeders are not into breeding to make a better purebred, they are only seeking money and incidentally, when there is a problem, they are quick to run and hide and not help a new owner understand why a 2 day old puppy is deathly ill. Unfortunately, we see way too many bad breeders and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to put two dogs together, and figure what will happen next. Kind of like teenagers and pregnancy, it just happens right no research needed right??? If they knew the outcome they wouldn't have gotten into trouble in the first place. That leaves the responsible people who want to make matters right, picking up the pieces and reassuring new dog owners and help setting the record straight. But if all you do, and all I do is raise the standard so these precious little dogs have a better life, that is my goal. I have rescued one dog from a bad breeder and am getting more involved with rescue all the time, but it starts with the breeder. Help them do a better job if you can, rescue the others that you can't and we will take it one day at a time. You knowledge and experience is absolutely priceless and I for one am glad you are here.

Answer 3

Some of it shouldn't take any research. Anyone that has completed the 8th grade should know that a dog is in heat for about 28 days (regardless of the breed), and that gestation for a dog is 63 days (regardless of the breed). I just have a hard time with those that think their whateverpoo will be different.
Speaking of witch,,,,, no,,,, I better not open that can of worms.
Most people read a pedigree like it was a newspaper, and call that research. OK , so that dog in the third generation was a champion,,,,,, so what!!!! What were the reasons the dog finished???? Have a nice head & tail with nothing in between??? What was the dogs structure???? How many of the dogs on that fancy pedigree have you actually seen???? Put your hands on to feel what it's structure was???? Look at all those fancy titles in the 4th generation, do you know what their gate was like??? OK, what % of influence will any of those dogs have on your puppy's?????
IMHO, most have no idea of what research even is.

Here is a little breeder matrix that you might find interesting.
http://www.shilohshepherds.com/puppyBreeders/breederMatrixv4.htm

Answer 4

Simple alot of people just see the money making part of dog breeding and do not see that there are problems that can come of it!! The probl4m is also with the breeders out there!! When a breeder sells the puppies they have the option of blackening a box on the reg. paper so that the person that bought the dog can not breed the dog and if they do they can not reg. the litter. If more breeder would do this alot less puppies would be born.

More responsible breeders would not stop the problem but is sure would help! And as for the breeders that say "I Had them sign a contract" This mean nothing!! It is not a legal contract!! BLACKEN THE BOX!!!! and if people would quit buying dogs with no papers that would help to!!!

I dop agree that people just do not research enough but that is just an example of BACK YARD Breeders!! But we can help as I have noted here. Research why we are just having puppys!! I have heard that more them once!!

Answer 5

That is why I always tell the people who ask those questions to do lots of research about the breed they are thinking about. Go to kennels help them out and ask lots of questions. The other day I asked a lady on here about breeding Shih Tzu's. She pretty much told me what I always tell other people, research, research, research. That is what everyone needs to do.

Even though I breed Poms and Bichons, I still do research on everything from medications, ailments, to other breeds. If I can not find a solution to the problem I will ask my vet. You'd be amazed at what a person can learn if they take a little time to research things. I learn new things everyday. People on YA suggest websites, If they sound good I will check them out and compare them to others. I like to hear what other breeders have to say.

Why would anyone want to breed a dog if they are not able to handle all the responsibilities that go along with it?

Answer 6

Breeding of dogs is a tough decision and it's not easy to do. It is time consuming, hard work and means your life is drastically changed. Knowledge is needed for the breed you choose and research is a must. Then to go out and find the dogs for breeding is also a big commitment too. Taking classes and going to seminars and asking questions, learning hands on, going to events where the breed of your choice is being featured is also a big must thing to do. After all this and all the knowledge you have acquired then and only then should anyone consider breeding. I spent years before I decided to become a breeder. Even then I want more information and never stopped learning. Heck I'm still learning. I love the breed I chose and I don't regret a moment, but it does sadden me and angers me also when it is thought that just getting 2 dogs together makes someone a breeder. I agree with your question, and I also agree that knowledge is power. With that power also comes responsibility, not only to the dogs but to yourself too.

Great question!

Answer 7

You are right! I feel like a broken record when I tell people that they need to find a mentor, start somewhere in showing, and research! A lot of people just put 2 dogs together and don't even bother with researching bloodlines, ect... Then they ask questions either when the ***** is about to whelp or right after the ***** has whelped a litter. People are still going to do what they want. Then there are the people that have a male and they think that they can just advertise him for stud and have a bunch of people flocking to them to use him. I have had outside bitches come in for stud, but not a bunch. People really need to research, but in the end they are still going to do what they want. It is very sad.

Oh, and to it'shadows, we that have been involved in breeding and showing have learned over the years! I started researching way before I ever had my first litter. I will always talk to people when they have questions about breeding or showing. We are not snobs at all. We love our breed and have had years of showing and research with that breed!

Answer 8

I used to breed Irish Setters. So I think with my experience that I do have some knowledge on breeding. First if you want to get into breeding dogs then you need to research what type of dog that you want to breed. There are numerous books that you can find that will teach you the difference characteristics of different types of dogs. Most breeders breed the types of dogs that they love the most. You need to learn about what breeds have health problems. It does take a little bit of research into how to care for dogs that you are breeding. There are different types of shots that have to be given during their 1st six months. Then you have to research the type of foods that you feed when you are weening puppies. Also If you are selling an puppy to a person that is into showing dogs. You need to research what are the rules that the dog has to meet to be eligilbe as a good show dog. Show dogs go for a higher price than a regular pet. If you need more assistance please feel free to email me.

Answer 9

Most people care about the money so they pick a breed that they can get paid off of and just go with it and learn as they go along. Some people are stupid. Before I even thought about getting a dog I read up on the species dog then each breed to see which one was right for us. Everyone should research if they are thinking of taking home a specific breed of animal or reptile.

Answer 10

Breeding dogs should not be any different. If people do not do their research before breeding their dogs, then they are totally unprepared for all the things that could go wrong. The dog could die during birth, there could be complications and she may need a c-section, she may not take care of her puppies so you need to know what to do when they first come out just in case. They should just find out all there is to know before doing it.