Ten reasons to breed your dog

[Marigold2]

Personally I can't think of ANY reason to bred a dog. With over 1 million animals being put to sleep every year. There are more then enough choices and lives to save before starting another one.

[theterrierman]

Personally I can't think of ANY reason to bred a dog. With over 1 million animals being put to sleep every year. There are more then enough choices and lives to save before starting another one.

Respectfully, I disagree. We should be breeding purebreds only, of good quality and health. I take issue with people who say we shouldn't be breeding dogs. What happens when our current purebreds are not bred and pass their breeding age? Then what are we left to breed with? Shelter mutts of unknown ancestry - hardly a good foundation for a dog breed.

[crow_noir]

And i disagree with the both of you. Dogs of sound mind and health should be bred. Not JUST purebreds. Purebreds are actually a VERY recent trend in the history of the domesticated dog. No different than the trend of the designer dogs (other than that the Purebred world has evolved a bit to be more responsible.)

I do agree though that NO dog should be bred as a means of profit. (And unless you are asking large sums a properly cared for pack will usually leave you in the red... speaking of their costs vs. the price you are asking.)

[CathyBogart]

Excellent article.

[lunasmom]

Purebreds often have more health and behavior problems that mutts. Some of the very best dogs come from shelters.

[wombat2u2004]

Purebreds often have more health and behavior problems that mutts. Some of the very best dogs come from shelters.

Yes they do, and perhaps in past millenia, it was the survival of the fittest that knocked them out. These days however, they simply survive because of us humans.
I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel....great dog....lots of problems. I even knew that before I bought her. those dogs are notorious for spinal problems and respiratory problems, but I knew that....and live with that.
Perhaps that particular designer breed (being only a handful of centuries old) could never survive ourtside the domestic home.
Wom

[rutylr]

Purebreds often have more health and behavior problems that mutts. Some of the very best dogs come from shelters.

Has anyone been testing Mixed breeds for any health problems?Hips,heart,elbows,eyes and so on...
Not that I know of..Just because you don't see a problem does not mean it's not there.
Breeding dogs is always a crap shoot.You test and learn lines,and hope you are doing the right thing.In the end it's all up to the genes.

[sumbirdy]

Has anyone been testing Mixed breeds for any health problems?Hips,heart,elbows,eyes and so on...

I'm sure that's why they go to the vet...

[Giselle]

Has anyone been testing Mixed breeds for any health problems?Hips,heart,elbows,eyes and so on...
Not that I know of..Just because you don't see a problem does not mean it's not there.
Breeding dogs is always a crap shoot.You test and learn lines,and hope you are doing the right thing.In the end it's all up to the genes.

*nods enthusiastically*

Reproduction is NEVER fail-proof. Yes, there are many diseases rampant in purebred dogs, but there is a plethora of organizations that breeders can use to test their stock to cull diseased dogs from their bloodlines (by cull, I mean alter the dog).

To say that mixed breeds are healthier is a false assumption. Hip, eye, heart, knee, thyroid, cancer, liver diseases and more can usually not be detected in one sitting. These are diseases that generally develop over time and need consistent testing to diagnose. Most mixed breed breeders by-pass these important tests, so it is an unfounded claim to say that mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds. The problem does not lie in the breed. The problem lies in plain old human error.

[wombat2u2004]

And i disagree with the both of you. Dogs of sound mind and health should be bred. Not JUST purebreds. Purebreds are actually a VERY recent trend in the history of the domesticated dog. No different than the trend of the designer dogs (other than that the Purebred world has evolved a bit to be more responsible.)

I do agree though that NO dog should be bred as a means of profit. (And unless you are asking large sums a properly cared for pack will usually leave you in the red... speaking of their costs vs. the price you are asking.)

Ah Crow....what am I to do with you ?????
As usual, you are so very right !!!!
Responsible breeding is all that matters.
Wom

[crow_noir]

Hug me and tell me you'll take me in as your dog in my next life?

Eh, it was just a suggestion.

(I just hope i come back as something handsome. ...Though i doubt that I'll be allowed to come back as a dog if i don't learn to get my temper under control.)

Ah Crow....what am I to do with you ?????
As usual, you are so very right !!!!
Responsible breeding is all that matters.
Wom

[wombat2u2004]

Hug me and tell me you'll take me in as your dog in my next life?

Eh, it was just a suggestion.

(I just hope i come back as something handsome. ...Though i doubt that I'll be allowed to come back as a dog if i don't learn to get my temper under control.)

Mate.....new kennel being built as we speak !!!!!
Wom

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Great article. If only everyone read that before they decided to breed.

Marigold, I disagree with you. It isn't the fault of responsible breeders that we have so many unwanted dogs in the world. It's because of the thousands of BYBs and Puppy Mills. If we had nothing but mutts and no purebreds, it'd be very difficult for me to find a dog that fits my needs as there are very few breeds that fit me and vice versa. Another problem we have is that unless somebody does an internet search, the education just isn't out there. People have no idea whatsoever much of the time that what they're doing isn't right.

Lunasmom, I also disagree with you (well, not about the part that some of the best dogs come from shelters). It's a common myth that mixes are healthier. It all has to do with lines, genes, etc. At least reputable breeders health test their dogs to limit the chances of any health issues ever occuring. Mutts certainly don't have that going for them. I've met just as many mutts with health and temperament issues as I have purebreds. Sure, there are some breeds that have tons of health and temperament issues, but many don't.

By the way, none of what I've said is meant to put any disrespect towards mutts/mixes. I love mutts.

[vinjashira]

it's ok, except for #9
Both parents have proper Dachshund temperament

[Freedom]

Terrific article. Should be required reading before being allowed to breed! (No idea how to enforce that, it was just a thought, he he.)