When I first started looking into Labrador Retrievers, I was searching for a dog that could potentially be an excellent breeding candidate. Breeding wasn’t my initial goal, but I wanted to keep the option open in case I decided to pursue dog breeding. My parents had bred Pomeranians, and since I enjoyed it as a teen, I thought I might enjoy it again as an adult.
The first Labrador Retriever we purchased was a male, and we bought him with full breeding rights. It was a big step, and our male dog eventually became a successful stud for a service dog program. His puppies went on to work with autistic children. However, that was the extent of my breeding efforts. After purchasing a female Labrador Retriever and trying my hand at conformation, I realized that the life of dog breeding just wasn’t for me.
What many people don’t understand – and what I failed to realize initially – is that breeding is a heavy responsibility. Sure, you can breed a dog just to produce one litter, and there might be a reason for it. But for every reason to breed, there are at least ten reasons not to. The main issue with breeding “just one litter” is that many puppies from such litters end up in shelters or are euthanized. The puppies born often have health problems, and many owners quickly realize that the work involved isn’t worth it. As a result, entire litters, along with their mothers, are regularly abandoned at shelters.
Becoming a Responsible Breeder
The first rule of becoming a breeder is to be a responsible one, helping control pet populations and ensuring the continued health of the population. Improper breeding practices lead to dogs being born with more diseases, temperament issues, and health problems, so it’s crucial to start off on the right foot.
Get to Know Your Breed (er):
Before you begin breeding, it’s essential to understand the breed you plan to work with. Know the qualities of a great dog and the breed standard. Additionally, research any potential health issues the breed is predisposed to and learn ways to avoid them.
Once you understand your breed, start networking. Attend dog shows and other events where breeders showcase their dogs. Take the time to observe the dogs, and get to know the handlers. Don’t interrupt them while they’re waiting in the ring, but ask for their contact information and reach out later to ask any questions you may have.
At this stage, you should aim to find a breeder who is willing to mentor you. It may take some time, but most breeders are happy to help new breeders get started on the right track.
Get Those Tests Done:
As most dog owners know, purebred dogs often have a number of inherent diseases and conditions. These conditions vary by breed, and while some are unavoidable, many can be managed or prevented.
When you decide to become a dog breeder, it’s crucial to use only the best breeding stock available. Breeding dogs with diseases or inherent problems increases the likelihood that their puppies will inherit the same issues. When choosing a puppy with the intention to breed, be sure to select a reputable breeder. If you’ve established a long-term relationship with them, they will be happy to help you select the right dog. Many breeders have stipulations on breeding rights, but if you’re serious, you should have no trouble meeting those conditions.
Regarding health tests, some are breed-specific, but most dogs should have their eyes checked and certified annually, along with certifications for hips and elbows. Additionally, yearly health exams are recommended.
Compete with Those Dogs:
While not everyone has the time or desire to compete with their dogs, breeding dogs that have achieved titles in various disciplines reinforces the idea that you’re offering the best of the breed. This not only benefits you as the breeder but also assures potential puppy owners that they’re getting a dog that has been carefully bred and tested.
Understand the Risks:
Many people only think about the end result when it comes to breeding: the cute litter of puppies that they can love for 8 weeks before sending them to new homes. Unfortunately, breeding is not as simple as that. When my parents had their first litter of Pomeranians, the mother developed a severe illness a few days after delivery. We almost lost the dam and ended up hand-feeding three puppies. Luckily, her litter was small, and everyone made it through, but imagine having to hand-feed a litter of 12 puppies.
Even if the female has no issues after delivery, there are still many other potential problems that could result in hefty veterinary bills. Emergency C-sections are common for many dogs, and whole litters can be lost during pregnancy or shortly after delivery. One common complaint I’ve heard from seasoned breeders is the number of puppies they lose in each litter. It’s rare for all puppies to survive until they’re weaned and ready for their new homes.
Lastly, not all puppies find a new home. A responsible breeder can be left with a puppy for up to six months or longer, and sometimes, adult dogs are returned to breeders if a home doesn’t work out.
Do It for the Love of the Breed:
Finally, I want to emphasize that breeding should be done for the love of the breed, not for financial gain. One breeder I knew once calculated the amount of work that goes into raising a litter of puppies. When she factored in all the overhead costs and worked out an hourly wage based on a 40-hour week, she discovered that the grand total for raising a litter of eight puppies was just 16 cents per hour.
As you can see, breeders are rarely compensated for the work they do – except, of course, in the satisfaction of knowing they’re bettering the breed and creating wonderful companions for many families.
