[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!!

[Secret Agent Man]

you’d be better off setting up a group to rehome abandoned but still wonderful dogs. we don’t need more breeders - we need more people working to end the hundreds of thousands of perfectly fine dogs put down each year , and instead find them new loving homes.

[Mamzelle]

I dunno. Which breed? I hate, hate the dangerous bully breeds.

[RetiredTexasVet]

Might ask Madonna’s husband!

[fightin kentuckian]

I’m getting some popcorn before I start reading. And I’m not even going to take a swing at that hanging softball.

[Bronzy]

Before you breed your special dog, first look for rescue groups for your special dog.
It is heart breaking to see so many Dachshund rescue groups.
I would never want to breed more dogs to be abandoned by the buyers of a cute puppy.

[Bronzy]

https://www.facebook.com/NESRDogs

[PistolPaknMama]

Don’t breed dogs. Thousands die in shelters every day. Why do you want to make more?

[roamer_1]

I can’t speak to the genetics of the thing - I have always bred working dogs (Malamutes and now mini Ozzie Shepherds)... But I will speak to the logistics.

Being in north country, it is best to use only the spring heat - The bitch will winter better if she is well recovered from her last litter. But that causes a problem, as one must keep her in seclusion during her late heat, which means a spacious and bullet-proof kennel or run for her, hopefully away from the male, as he will pine for her and drive you crazy.

And to further complicate the issue, it is often the bitches that can’t get along very well - If you intend more than one female, it may well be that you will have to have to have a way to keep them constantly separated, AND a kennel/run for each when they are on their heat, and for when they have their pups, as they tend to deliver pretty much at the same time... Not to mention really good external fences, not only to keep everybody in, but also to keep others out while the ladies are advertising.

[TexasRepublic]

I personally would not attempt breeding dogs unless I was fully committed to genetically improve or at the very least maintain quality of the breed. I suspect a lot of hobby breeders don’t have the knowledge it takes to prevent harmful inbreeding. Lots of good breeds have been ruined through ignorance. Being a professional breeder requires a thorough understanding of genetics. I would first find a state agricultural college that offers courses in animal husbandry and breeding. You don’t need a four-year degree, but perhaps you could audit the courses you need.

[BigEdLB]

Hi-
Along with my wife, I bred 3 litters of Standard Poodles

Look for pups for sale that include full registration with AKC. Also, remember, there alot of breeders out there. Some won't sell except as a pet, and some are unscrupulous, and may sell you a pup of problems. Make sure you check the pedigrees before you buy. Genetic defects have to be checked for, and one can inspect that by looking at a pedigree.. In poodles the most important seemed to be hip displasia, and congenital retina defect. But other genetic problems with thyroid, or von Wildebrand's syndrome (like hemophilia). Make sure that the dogs are not too closely related, there is a number based on the occurrence of common ancestors. Make sure the number is under 10% and better if under 5%.


Our Papa (red)and Mama (White)
Together they had 12 boys and 7 girls

[freekitty]

First thing is you have to want to love it or don’t do it. Taking care of a litter of puppies day and night for 8 weeks or longer is not an easy task. Make sure you know a lot about your breed. If not, get together with breeders(good ones). Visit shows and talk to breeders. If you haven’t chosen a puppy; decide whether you want female or male. Usually if it is male, you will be offered pick of litter. Think about showing as it will help you if want to really do this. When choosing a puppy ask to see the lines and any health problems(a good breeder will tell you if there are things in the background) and be sure to ask for a litter evaluation. Do not co own. Not a good idea unless you know what you are doing. Learn your lines and genetics. I know it’s a lot and there is much, much more; but these are things you need to know. You also need to have hips, elbows, eyes heart checked. If you dog has bad hips or bad whatever, don’t under any circumstances breed. Yes, you will be told the truth and lied to; but you use your common sense. Good luck.

[KGeorge]

You’ve gotten some great advice on this thread. May I suggest that you get in touch with M.A.R.S. Mini Aussie rescue & Border Collie rescue? (2 different groups, not together as one. You can find them- & others, on Petfinder. And google)
Both breeds (& many/ most others) have specific health & temperament concerns that you need to be aware of.
Especially, look into MDR1, which affects both breeds. It’s become extremely controversial & MARS was very candid with me when we thought we had Ivermectin issues (we do) with our youngest Eskie. (google “Buster’s Story”.)

While it’s true that mixed breeds are fantastic dogs, you won’t always get what you expect just by repeating a combination. Genetics are a funny thing. & sometimes, it’s not “funny”, but heartbreaking.

I’m not trying to discourage you. I wholeheartedly support ethical breeders. Every dog should be “the perfect dog” for their owners. Sometimes, only a purebred will do. And Thank God for that! (I can’t imagine a world without them, which is why I despise HSUS, etc)

Breeding (& rescue) isn’t a part time job. Be prepared for it to become your world. Be prepared to have your beliefs changed about a *lot* of things.

I will tell you a personal story. Not long after I got into rescue, I had the opportunity to foster 3- 4 month old PB Eskie brothers. No problem! We have a very large kitchen, plenty of Eskie experience, & I am WILD about puppies- every terrifying, adorable, harrowing minute of them.

A young lady had, like you, loved the mother of these boys so much, she decided to breed her. She died shortly after (I guess, after they were weaned). After these 3 months, she’d had about enough of it & took them to the shelter in Abilene.

After about 5 weeks, we were pulling our hair out. We didn’t get to bed until 3 or 4 in the morning, it was fun & games almost 24/7, our kitchen was a SEA of pee (cleaned no less than 7 or 8 times a day). At one point, they all came down with a stomach bug & had to get to the vet for that. They moved the xpen from one end of the kitchen to the other, spreading chaos as they went. They WERE adorable, but we were EXHAUSTED. At that point, God Help me- I wouldn’t have done it, but I could actually understand why the owner had freaked out & dumped them at a shelter. Thankfully, I was just a volunteer & after several days of agonized discussion, called my mentor to come & get them.

Not only is it expensive, time consuming, information intensive, & sometimes heart wrenching, you very well could think that you must have lost your mind.
I’m just sayin’. You could be perfect for this, but I sure hope you’ll research it backwards, forwards, & inside out before you seriously consider it.

You might look up dog forums & breed specific forums- maybe join those. They are a wealth of information & there are usually at least 1 or 2 people who raise that breed & post regularly.