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| Breeding? |
Deciding whether or not to breed is a Very Serious matter that concerns alot of things.
It should never be done;
1. On impulse
2. To make Fluffy a mom/dad
3. To have children witness the miracle of life (there are videos for that purpose).
4. And the most common mistake is to make a Quick Buck.
People don't realize the problems and/or costs that arise from Whelping a litter of puppies but we will get into that later.
First off ask yourself;
1. Why do you want to do it? Can you afford to keep all the puppies if they don't find homes?
2. Are you financially ready for a down fall? Can you afford thousands in medical if problems arise? Because they do.
3. Is your dog healthy? Does your dog have all necessary Health Certifications for it's particular breed? Meaning
Research your breed!!!! Every Single Breed has Health problems and for that there are tests and Screening for these
problems. Have all tests done and Certified. Also, contact the breeder of your pup, Has your dogs parents,
grandparents, great grandparents have these tests done? If not why? Just because your dog might be healthy and clear
of all tests doesn't mean it's not in the Line. AND NEVER, EVER, EVER BREED A DOG WHEN A TEST COMES
BACK WITH ANYTHING WRONG. Puppy Buyers are getting Smarter and the more they research the particular breed
they are buying the more they know what you SHOULD have!
4. Does he or she fit the Standard set forth by the AKC? If not then don't breed it. Breeding should be to raise the
Standard or better the Breed. So, if you take a dog thats lacking already how is that for the better? Don't know if it is or
not? Then you haven't done your research!!!! If your dog does fit the standard then show it. There is no better way to
learn about your breed then to become a fancier of such. Don't have time/money to show, then you don't have
time/money to Breed!
5. Are you a member of a Local Kennel Club? If not Join A Kennel Club!!! They are valuable not only for Information but
Socialization and correct standards. Alot of Breeds have Specialized Kennel Club but if none are available go to the All
breed club. 9 times out of 10, they have someone that is knowledgeable in your breed.
Now with those basics mentioned if so far you have done or are doing them, You are off to a good start and out for the
right reasons. Don't be intimidated by those that have been in it longer. Everyone starts somewhere but instead talk to
them, Learn from them, mentor under them. They have seen a lot and been through enough to know some "tricks of the
trade" that if offered are beneficial to learn. I can not stress enough how important that is. Get out there and Earn your
name and reputation. "Those that hide beneath the shadows usually have something to hide".
For those who think it'll be a good way to make money... YOU'RE SO WRONG!!!! Breeding dogs is very Costly, time
consuming and usually your lucky if you break even. How's that? In example;
Health tests. For Cockers there are many Tests. To start OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) The Hip/Elbow test
is $250.00 per dog minimum, The Patella test is another $150.00 per dog, Thyroid is $120.00 per dog(needs to be
done yearly), then you have CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) another $50.00 per dog (also a yearly test).
Brucellosis test another $50.00 And that's not counting Travel to get to and from and time off of work.
Then, Lets say you have a Bitch but need a stud there is another $500.00 for stud fee.
Then Vet visits before pups range from 3-5 times minimum at $50.00 each time. Did you say Ultrasound?? $300.00.
Then the babies are ready to come. God forbid you need a C-section that's $2,500 minimum.
Then they are here, Receiving blankets, puppy pen, paper towels, 409, You Might need to supplement with Milk(ever
check the cost of goats milk) and definitely need to feed puppy food later, They need Tails Docked, Dew Claws
removed, Shots, Socialization, Housetraining, Registration, The list is ENDLESS. And that's if all goes good with
absolutely no problems.
So, lets add this up.
Health: $1360.00 First Year, Not counting yearly tests.
Stud Fee: $500.00
Vet Checks for Mom: $150.00-$250.00
Misc: $800.00
total: $2,910 including Stud Fee.
Not Including how much it costs to Finish a dog (showing/becoming a CH); Which is about $3,000.00
Average litter of Pups; 5. Average sell price for starters with no reputation $300.00, If they even Sell. So, you dished out
$2,910 and made $1,500.00. Hmmm Boy I tell you. Profitable it is NOT.
People that breed for the right reasons don't do it for the money but for the better of the breed.
Click on these links below for more info on Health Screening...
It should never be done;
1. On impulse
2. To make Fluffy a mom/dad
3. To have children witness the miracle of life (there are videos for that purpose).
4. And the most common mistake is to make a Quick Buck.
People don't realize the problems and/or costs that arise from Whelping a litter of puppies but we will get into that later.
First off ask yourself;
1. Why do you want to do it? Can you afford to keep all the puppies if they don't find homes?
2. Are you financially ready for a down fall? Can you afford thousands in medical if problems arise? Because they do.
3. Is your dog healthy? Does your dog have all necessary Health Certifications for it's particular breed? Meaning
Research your breed!!!! Every Single Breed has Health problems and for that there are tests and Screening for these
problems. Have all tests done and Certified. Also, contact the breeder of your pup, Has your dogs parents,
grandparents, great grandparents have these tests done? If not why? Just because your dog might be healthy and clear
of all tests doesn't mean it's not in the Line. AND NEVER, EVER, EVER BREED A DOG WHEN A TEST COMES
BACK WITH ANYTHING WRONG. Puppy Buyers are getting Smarter and the more they research the particular breed
they are buying the more they know what you SHOULD have!
4. Does he or she fit the Standard set forth by the AKC? If not then don't breed it. Breeding should be to raise the
Standard or better the Breed. So, if you take a dog thats lacking already how is that for the better? Don't know if it is or
not? Then you haven't done your research!!!! If your dog does fit the standard then show it. There is no better way to
learn about your breed then to become a fancier of such. Don't have time/money to show, then you don't have
time/money to Breed!
5. Are you a member of a Local Kennel Club? If not Join A Kennel Club!!! They are valuable not only for Information but
Socialization and correct standards. Alot of Breeds have Specialized Kennel Club but if none are available go to the All
breed club. 9 times out of 10, they have someone that is knowledgeable in your breed.
Now with those basics mentioned if so far you have done or are doing them, You are off to a good start and out for the
right reasons. Don't be intimidated by those that have been in it longer. Everyone starts somewhere but instead talk to
them, Learn from them, mentor under them. They have seen a lot and been through enough to know some "tricks of the
trade" that if offered are beneficial to learn. I can not stress enough how important that is. Get out there and Earn your
name and reputation. "Those that hide beneath the shadows usually have something to hide".
For those who think it'll be a good way to make money... YOU'RE SO WRONG!!!! Breeding dogs is very Costly, time
consuming and usually your lucky if you break even. How's that? In example;
Health tests. For Cockers there are many Tests. To start OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) The Hip/Elbow test
is $250.00 per dog minimum, The Patella test is another $150.00 per dog, Thyroid is $120.00 per dog(needs to be
done yearly), then you have CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) another $50.00 per dog (also a yearly test).
Brucellosis test another $50.00 And that's not counting Travel to get to and from and time off of work.
Then, Lets say you have a Bitch but need a stud there is another $500.00 for stud fee.
Then Vet visits before pups range from 3-5 times minimum at $50.00 each time. Did you say Ultrasound?? $300.00.
Then the babies are ready to come. God forbid you need a C-section that's $2,500 minimum.
Then they are here, Receiving blankets, puppy pen, paper towels, 409, You Might need to supplement with Milk(ever
check the cost of goats milk) and definitely need to feed puppy food later, They need Tails Docked, Dew Claws
removed, Shots, Socialization, Housetraining, Registration, The list is ENDLESS. And that's if all goes good with
absolutely no problems.
So, lets add this up.
Health: $1360.00 First Year, Not counting yearly tests.
Stud Fee: $500.00
Vet Checks for Mom: $150.00-$250.00
Misc: $800.00
total: $2,910 including Stud Fee.
Not Including how much it costs to Finish a dog (showing/becoming a CH); Which is about $3,000.00
Average litter of Pups; 5. Average sell price for starters with no reputation $300.00, If they even Sell. So, you dished out
$2,910 and made $1,500.00. Hmmm Boy I tell you. Profitable it is NOT.
People that breed for the right reasons don't do it for the money but for the better of the breed.
Click on these links below for more info on Health Screening...
