I was so lucky when I had my first litter - I worked as a vet tech and had seen several litters whelped. I also had my boss, who was my vet ready for any emergencies that might arise. Showing and grooming skills came from my breed club mentors and whelping experience and knowledge all came from my vet/boss. I also had to learn from reading a lot of books and I learned as I went through my own experiences. I knew I could not just depend on others -you have to dig in and book learn yourself too.
I hate the whelping part of all this I must say. I love the showing so much better, not so much at risk. Maybe that is the reason I do not breed much. When I finally decided to breed for the very first time I tried to make the best match I could, trying to get the best out of the pedigrees and also make a match of how they both look like in person against the standard. I learned my girl's faults and good points and tried to make the best match not to double up on anything. I always tried to make sure first though that my dogs were worth breeding as well - reason showing is so grounded in my breeding program. I still believe this now. My very first litter ever was (AKC) championed sired, by a really good champion and so gorgeous!! I can still remember him to this day. What a coat and structure too!! I just knew that if I was going to do this - I wanted to make sure I did the best possible. If you want to do the best - nothing is impossible and you have to make it happened. |