Posted on 08/10/2014 3:16:58 PM PDT by Chickensoup
Does anyone here breed dogs? I love a certain breed of dog and next year I am going to end one of my jobs and would like to buy and raise and train a few dogs of my favorite breed.
But I don't know how to start. Love information. Or even direction.
FreeRepublic you are like a husband, advisor, computer geek and everyday company to me. Love you all and wish I could have you all over for Chickensoup!!
English Shepard Link to pic is upstream
But if your goal is to supplement your income...the breeders I know consider it a very low (if any) profit venture. Most of them are interested in “keeping the breed pure”, etc.
From what I can tell, hunting dogs can be profitable. Their litters are large and a good one is expensive. I once looked into breeding Pappillons. Two pups a year at best. I gave up on the idea due to economics and the fact I would get attached to every pup and not be able to give it up.
Contact some reputable breeders in your area and visit them. Learn all that you can about the breed in which you have an interest. Go to dog shows and talk to the owners of various breeds that seem appealing to you. Keep an open mind. Breeding dogs is more complicated than you may have imagined.
Good luck!
There you go....
LOL
I am not looking for financial gain, I just like new life, English Shepherds (sable and white) and would love to have a go at raising them for a few years.
There don’t seem to be many of them nationally never mind locally. I will contact the few that there are out there.
Good luck, Chickensoup! And happy retirement...I envy you. :)
I’d like to breed back the “Alaunt,” considered extinct, from the genes of it’s many descendant breeds. Do we need a ping list?
I would definitely recommend that. Our breeder is very knowledgeable and has helped us immeasurably. It’s important to know the background of your dog so that when you breed, you don’t pass on negative or even deadly traits.
When done right, it can be very rewarding. The two boys that we have now both have the same great grandfather, our Champion, the best dog that ever lived. :) I may be a bit subjective about that, but he was wonderful.
Best wishes.
It is MUCH more complicated than u might think.
Some breeds have been so destroyed they are beyond help.
If its been in a movie or military, its messed up.
Hip desplasia and sudden strike syndrome is everywhere in many breeds.
Talk to the best breeders u can find. Don’t add to the problem by going cheap.
It is a ways off, but I am planning now, and I will not retire from my second job. Probably do it until I cannot find my way to the office.
I understand that part and need to find good healthy non related dogs. I want wonderful dogs and a great ethical sweet time with pups.
Thanks. Glad to hear. Are breeders competitive and not happy about one wanting to have a breed? I will make a commitment. A serious one.
Dim the lights and some soft music?
Dim the lights and some soft music?
_______________________
Thank you. That was funny.
I’ve known only one Jack Russell, and had no like of it.
There are many different types of breeders, too. There are backyard breeders, who basically breed a dog to breed a dog and make some money.
There are conscientious breeders who breed to improve said breed, which includes a full range of tests such as OFA for hips/elbows and CERF, depending on breed. There's also a structure study of both bitch and stud to determine if temperament/physical attributes will either enhance the breed or possibly result in unwanted characteristic. Conscientious breeders also look into the history of a line, whether bitch or stud, to make sure there are no genetic issues or congential defects that have resulted in a breeding. Most of these breeders also have multiple titles for their bitch/stud that shows what they are capable of, whether its agility, herding, IPO, tracking, disc, etc. And they also offer a health guarantee in a contract that the puppy buyer signs (which more than likely includes a spay/neuter agreement to make sure lines are preserved).
Then, of course, there are puppy mills, who breed indiscriminately with no regard for history, lines, diseases, etc.
If you think your dog is awesome, I would challenge you to prove it. Earn some titles doing something, specifically CGC and Temperament Tests.
Looks like my black and white border collie from Miss.
Had 2 border collies with mother from Wales, totally different dogs from Miss. dog. One of my men and his wife
breed dogs for 12 to 15 years. He had to wash out runs at 4 AM
every morning. When puppies were in they were feeding 50
to 60 dogs. One son had a house on same property and helped.
Son died and husband died about 2 years latter and wife got
out of the business.
Breeders are very much like real people. :) They’re all a little bit different from each other, and have various talents and strengths. It also depends much on you and your abilities and dedication. Our first Rhodesian Ridgeback passed away on 2/1/2000. We began looking for a new breeder a week later, and after interviewing a few, found someone that we immediately felt comfortable with, and so we began again. It’s been so rewarding and wonderful. Our latest is 8 months old. :)
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