Quote:
Originally Posted by sweet_tikka  So before you all start to judge and put me down... let me say, I am at the moment NOT a breeder. I have a neutered Pom, and a intact Yorkie female, that I literally just bought on Easter Sunday. You can just read the bold stuff if you're just wanting to quick reply and skip my story telling lol
She is seriously the most amazing dogs I've owned yet, minus the potty training we're going through haha. I've had 6 dogs in my 20 year old life, and personality wise none compare to her. She is obedient yet quirky and spunky and crazy, very outdoorsy unlike the little 3lb yorkies, loves fetch and tugowar! I have had some people interested in whether I plan on breeding her or not, and my answer to them: Nope.
But in reality, I would definitely consider a litter from her next fall after she turns 2 years old. She is only 8 months old now, and although I have seen a lot of 1-1.5yr old breeders on kijiji for sale that have already had two litters... this is NOT my plan for her. She is my pet, I love and adore her already she is our little princess! And I only want the best for her.
I do plan on spaying her, whether that be at 1 year old or after her first/only litter as I have no plan to be a full time or even part time breeder. So my questions are...
What is required prior to breeding... vaccines or shots needed?
Are there certain indicators that would show her to be a good candidate for breeding?
Are the death rates for puppies/mothers or "rotten" puppies high in yorkies?
When picking a sire/stud should I look for one that is definitely registered and that will even out the breed's standard qualities?
What is the average litter sizes?
What is the average costs for all the vet bills for the pregnancy and for the care of the puppies? [seperately... like pregnancy total= and puppy upkeep total= from your own experiences]
Here's a little about Tikka... she is 8 months old, weighing in at 7lbs with beautiful colouring right now for her age and what is looking like a good silky coat, a little on the long bodied side and not quite teddy bear faced [which from reading the ACK/CKC standards is okay as their muzzle is to be medium legnth as is hers], but perfectly short/stocky legs. Non registered, came from registered parents though.
If she does not grow a full length coat we will definitely not breed her, as well as if she gets much bigger. Not because I don't think people wouldn't want the puppies, but because I do not want to breed puppies who carry poor traits according the the breeds standard... like growing to be 10+lbs, short coated, wiry/cotton hair, faces that are too long, standing too tall etc. Although I love Tikka no matter what she matures to look like!! <<Do you think that is reasonable/a good idea? I mean what if someone bought a puppy from me and then despite a spay/neuter contract breed the puppy anyways and passed on bad traits as far and the breed's quality/standard... right?
Hopefully this doesn't cause a bunch of drama or negativity... I just want the above questions answered and some opinions on the whole reason why I would decide not to breed her. |
The fact that you are asking these questions is a good thing. But, the road to breeding is not an easy one. Several things that must be considered. You've touched on a few good questions.
There are a couple of good articles in the library I would suggest you read.
From there reputable breeding starts way before you obtain a dog that you may want to breed because you deem the dog the best you've owned.
You begin by studying the standard, learning it inside and out. Studying pedigrees, finding a very knowlegable, reputable breeder of your chosen breed. One that preferably shows and has produced numerous Champions. This type of person would be your best bet for a teacher and obtain a dog that is a good represention of the breed. However, this person would guide you through the entire process, classes to take; genetic, breeding, whelping and raising a healthy litter. This person would also assist you in finding the right stud that would compliment your bitch.
You asked about tests.....They are numerous and expensive and these tests would need to have been conducted on female and male. But, to start with; Bile Acids for Livershunt; OFA's (done at 2 years of age) checking for Patella's and Hips; CERF's, eyes, heart, kidneys, etc. Now these tests would inform you that male and female do not have said afflictions but, they do not tell you if they are carriers of said afflictions. There is no genetic marker that does that. So at the very minimum Bile Acids and Vaccinations would have to be done on each puppy. And then you would have to provide a guarantee with each puppy to cover any life threatening afflictions.
Again, it's not an easy road....but, if one has a desire, one should do it the right way.
And not to be negative, but it does need to be said. Obtaining a great stud for your girl may be difficult. Most reputable breeders may not allow their studs to be used for public stud. And/or if they do they will only allow them to be bred to females of great pedigrees.