Originally Posted by WidsMom  Congrats on a healthy delivery!
I did read that thread. Although some of the posts were strong, I don't think the majority of concern was that your dog could have pups successfully. I think the concern was more for a lack of awareness as to the dogs history and potential for genetic problems.
I've always been interested in breeding Chihuahuas. I just adore the breed. But after talking with several women who have been breeding for 20+ years, I realized that to truly show a love of the breed, a thorough knowlege of each lines benefits and deficits are vital. Dogs are usually quite successful at reproducing! LOL...but it's what lies inside, the luxating patellas, the liver shunts, the heart defects, the hydrocephalus'...what hides in the DNA, that is the hard part. It may not show in one generation, or even two..but go back in your research and a weakness to watch for will reveal itself. And we have to be unselfish enough to NOT breed that beloved, cherished, 'perfect' pet if a weakness shows up. We have a choice.....WE have to make it a responsible one for any breed we love.
This is not meant to be in any way disheartening to you. However, I have had the experience of owning several loving 'results' of non-researched breeding. One had hydrocephalus, one had atlanto-axial subluxation, two have grade 4 luxating patellas and two had grade 3 heart murmurs. The first two needed neurosurgery. Their total bill was about $4,800.00. And those precious ones had to be re-homed with a vet. tech at the Neurosurgery Clinic of Maine. Of the babies with LP, one had to have her right knee repaired at the cost of $750.00 five years ago, she's nine now and has arthritis. The two with heart murmurs were on cardizem and lasix until they passed away.
I promised myself that until I was prepared to research as much genetic history as possible, and then also prepared to purchase from a line that was supported by that...that I wouldn't do it. What if on of my beloved dogs produced a baby that needed open heart surgery? That needed liver shunt surgery? Am I in a position to support that emotionally, financially, and responsiblity wise? For me, the answer was no.
See, I've been, and currently am, on the other end. I'm daily loving and caring for someone else's desire to let their much loved pet 'just have a litter'. She's old now, and not well. Spinal problems, knee problems, various neurosis and skin ailments. And I love her. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Joy |