| Becoming a breeder was and is one of the most frightening decisions I could ever have made. It's not just a matter of throwing two cute doggies together and producing miniature replicas of my beloved pets nor is it an added source of income by any stretch of the imagination. I chose to do it because I love the breed and all that it stands for. But there are sacrifices that come with being a breeder. We have to choose what we deem is "responsible". One person's idea of what a responsible breeder is may be very different from the next and unfortunately most folks believe that their way is the correct way. There are a lot of politics in the dog world and that is unfortunate. I have found many people to be sensitive, accusatory and judgemental but I have also met some very compassionate people who, though they may not share the exact same views as I, do their best to share their knowledge with others and support their decisions even if they would have taken a different approach. I am a person with many interests and have chosen to make my dogs my priority next to my family. Sometimes this entails not attending an event because we don't have a dog-sitter or the inability to attend a dog show because we need to eat. Life moves in waves and we have to learn to move with it. I would say that I believe that dogs should be used for the intention of their breed and should show the drive to perform in the way it was meant to be. I will say that I believe that dogs used for breeding should be tested for soundness of mind and body and I believe that each and every breeder should stand by the results of their decisions even if it means admitting mistakes. As breeders we learn what our preferences are and these may or may not change with experience. I prefer hip, eye, hearing, brucellosis and merle gene testing. Many do not and I do not judge them. In deciding to breed there is much that must be taken into account. Who will the parents be? What attributes will they pass on to a litter of pups. Are you willing to keep an entire litter until they are sold even if it means waiting a year? What will you do when your female needs a C-section or comes down with mastitis or uterine infection? What will you do when your buyers can no longer keep their pup and need to give it back? Other things to think about are facilities for your dogs. Not all intact males and females can get along. How will you separate them to make their existence safe and unstressful? How will you avoid fights between your dogs. Lets add on exercise, training etc. My advice - find a direction to begin with and should your views change find a way to change them in a harmonious manner. Consistency is always best. Have high expectations of yourself but don't let the expectations that others may have of you cover your eyes to your goals. And if your goals take longer than you intended do not be disheartened but slow down your pace until you achieve what you want. I will tell you that there will always be someone with more experience, more knowledge and different ideals. Learn from them and teach those that look up to you. Understand that every animal has it's own personality and needs and to do your best to accomidate those needs. Support your puppies' new owners to the fullest extent of your abilities and accept the fact that many new owners will make decisions about their dogs with or without your consent. Keep an open door policy, choose your puppies new homes wisely and stand up for your beliefs. Strive for perfection but understand there will be failures yet take pride in your accomplishments no matter how small. I am here to not only improve the breed but to improve myself as well. I may never know everything there is to know but it will sure be an incredible ride trying! |
| Thoughts on Becoming a Breeder |
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