[FlDebra]

That is a good post in the sense that it makes a person consider all the responsibility and potential risks of breeding their dog. But on the other hand, every breeder had to start somewhere. No one knows until they go through the experience once if it is something they really want to do on a consistent basis.

My plan is to breed my Yorkies at least once (and hopefully more). I won't go into it half-cocked. I will do my studies while they are growing up -- I will have a couple years and have already started in earnest. I do want to give this an educated try. I made sure to buy two puppies that have the potential at least to be quality parents with traits that need perpetuated in the breed. I will seek a more experienced opinion on their breedability when they are old enough. I will get all exams and tests needed before breeding and make sure both have the best possible health.

I do not need the extra income -- and fully realize many litters wind up costing the breeder money. I can take care of any needs they have, and I have the room, the time, and the love to devote to them. I am not squeemish and I think I am fairly intelligent.

I hope the initial experience is great and I will go from there. If I can do this, if I can do it well, then I want to repeat the experience and enlarge my efforts. I never want to breed more dogs than I can have in my home. I want all my puppies to grow up in the home with lots of love and attention. That is my preference for all puppies.

The lady I am getting my female from has a home breeding program just like that. She loves each of her dogs and you can tell by interacting with them how well-cared for they are. They all live in her home and are a part of her family. She does not need the money -- she loves what she does. That is what I want too. But if for some reason it does not work out the way I think, if I feel I am not good enough at this, if it tears me up too much to let the babies go, then I may only have the one litter. I don't want to feel ashamed to admit that.