[amcgriff88]

You made a point to make one of your questions about how often individuals have lost puppies or mothers. We are not trying to make sure you understand, but as breeders we want you to know how likely it is to lose a dog or pup. When you ask a breeder about what it takes to breed their specific breed, they are not going to leave out the fact that you may lose a mother or pups, simply because you have been told '5 thousand times' by other individuals. It is our responsibility to prepare people interested in breeding all the facts involved in becoming a responsible breeder. The fact that you are getting annoyed by the fact that people are telling you exactly what you asked them to tell you would make me a little concerned as a breeder that you want to breed whether it is in the dogs or breeds best interest.
But on another note. Mardelin is giving you wonderful, experienced information which is key to becoming a breeder. No matter how many books you read, they will not begin to prepare you for breeding the way experience first hand will prepare you. Either way, take what Mardelin says to heart. She is a well-known and respected breeder here in California. She is looking out for the well-being of the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

Originally Posted by joeyandtanksmom

first off, thank you to everyone who has answered my questions - I appreciate the new knowledge, and to hear your guys' experiences. I think it helps to see what you have gone through and learned. It was quite interesting to see about line breeding - I'd never heard that term before. It does make sense though. I will definitely be checking into at least watching some shows, if not participating at some point. I think that would be fun, as well as a good learning experience. Also, it makes sense about my question about you selling a female to a new breeder - not being a yes or no, I mean. I didn't even think about the fact that you would probably base your decision on whether or not you trust the person and how you felt about them...you would be talking about one of your own puppies, of course Mardelin - I really thank you for your insight and taking the time to answer my questions, I can see you are a very experienced breeder and want nothing but the best for the breed, and for all your dogs/puppies.

I would also like to reiterate a few things that I think some people just haven't paid attention to or understood...I do not have a female yet, and I do not plan to buy one for at least one year (the SOONEST I would get a girl would be about January of 2011, but it could very possibly wait until 2012). I am trying to do as much research as possible now, so that I am well prepared for when I have a female ready to be bred. I realize that I will see puppies die, and very possibly a mother. I am fully prepared for that. I work in a hospital and see death on a daily basis - I know it's different, but I feel that I am able to handle death, even of loved ones, well.

I know none of you "want to come off as rude", but really, I know that I could lose a dog, adult or infant, and I don't need to hear it 5 thousand times before I understand it. I was more interested in the vet bills of a litter with and without complications, opinions of selling to a new breeder, supplies I may not think of that I would need, and stuff like that. I know about the emotional side of it, and am prepared for it.

Again, I'm not planning on breeding until at least 2013, I'm just trying to get all my ducks in a row way beforehand. Thanks