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Originally Posted by Ladyhawk  What I don't understand is why anyone would want to breed their pet? If you purchase a pet quality yorkie it is (I assume) for companionship. Why would you put your companion at risk when they are not capable of producing the kind of quality puppy that would make it worth the risk? When I decided to go beyond being a pet owner and become a breeder I started a year of intensive research. After attending shows and studying conformation I decided on my type and got an imagine in my mind of what I wanted to produce. From there I looked at different kennels until I found one that I liked and I purchased a dog for breeding and for showing. That person became my breeder and first mentor. Since then I have purchased brood bitches with associations to that line that would be a good match for Connor. The dogs are health screened, I know their line, and I have a goal in mind. I not only study to learn to develop an eye but lean on the knowledge of judges and experienced breeders/exhibitors. I do not believe in breeding pet quality dogs and bitches or breeding blindly, too much heartache has come as a result of that route. My dogs have become my pets but I am not a pet owner, I am a breeder/exhibitor. I breed for quality, health, and temperment and not for the fun of it or for money. |
You make a great point. I (being your "average Joe" petowner) never thought about the purpose for breeding which is to maintain the breed standard. I bought my Bella as my companion, my baby. I'm not educated enough in this breed to know if she's "good enough" to be used to breed but I don't intend to breed her now so it doesn't matter. But the question should be asked, if you are considering breeding your pet/companion, does he/she meet the standard or is he/she "pet quality"? Obviously there are other things to consider but this particular one is one that I had never thought about. You see this beautiful furbaby who's perfect in your mind BUT is she/he really up to par for the purpose of breeding? I've learned so much on this site!
