While I do agree that you shouldn't just go into breeding blind and think everything is going to turn out fine, I also don't think that just because you are a beginner that you do not need to breed. Every great breeder in the world starts out somewhere. I bred my yorkie in the summer of last year, but before I did I read up on everything, I spent a couple of months before making my decision talking it over with my vet (who is a breeding expert and has bred small dogs for many years), I did all the genetic health testing that was needed on Ellie and the stud, I had everything prepared and lined up, and I had the breeder of my girl on the phone while she was giving birth. I was blessed and Ellie had a very easy birth to four beautiful babies(two boys and two girls). She was a great mother and she took to mothering very well. While I realize that is not always the case in breeding, I think me having everything lined up really helped. I do agree with everyone else that no matter how good of a mother your dog is, it is a lot of work. I was constantly up checking on them and Ellie making sure everything was fine and safe for them. Money is also a big factor. Although there were no emergency vet bills I had to pay for, thats not to say it couldn't have happened and I still had plenty of money lined up just in case. At the end of it all I had spent a lot of money and time and effort but it had been worth it. We kept one little girl(Lilly Anne) and the rest went to great homes where I hear from them at least once a week and am always getting pictures. I am not sure if it is something I would ever want to do again and it is certainly not something I would do for a living, but it was a great experience. You have to take the time to research and learn and prepare and make sure what is right for you and your girl. In your heart you will know whether it is the right thing to do or not.
__________________ Ellie Grace  Lilly Anne |