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Originally Posted by YorkieRose I have bred for over 30 yrs..ther are no hard, fast answers. I take it bitch by bitch. The size and overall frame of the bitch is important for a first breeding..I have no problem breeding at 16 months if all else is good..meaning, is she mature, good weight, settled adn in tip top condition. Most bitches have two sysles per year..some one...I, perfer a once a year cycled bitch..had a number of them and it worked well for me.
Then I go litter by litter...how well did the bitch do, size of litter, ease of whelping...sometimes I breed twice in a row and at other times I skip..some are bred 2 times others 6...just depends on the bitch.
I have never had a female get upset over pups leaving...I do think that can happen with a pet and not those living in groups...my girls were happy to see them weaned and playing with other adults..they were good mothers, but never looked for puppies that left...when I kept one of the their pups they treated them well and it was a family.
Breeders make all kinds of contract agreements when they place a female for breeding...do whatever works for both parties involved...make sure it is in writing.
Lastly, I am not infavor of breeding your beloved pet...my girls are my pets, but for a breeder it is a bit different...I know there are risks and I take them..but some pet owners need medication, therapy when it all goes wrong and they lose puppies or the bitch...known several who couldn't work for a few days... |
I agree and it is very hard to lose a puppy especially when you tube fed it and kept it alive for a couple week and it still dies. I didnt need therapy but it was my first litter and I lost a tiny one that weighed 2 oz when it was born. I honestly think the momma jumped on it and hurt it when she was getting in the the welping box but I will never know for sure. I can tell you I was devastated and I couldnt get it out of my mind. I cried for days and blamed myself but now I know that some puppies arent meant to be. Doesnt mean I wont be devastated again but if you are going to be a breeder than that is one of the things you have to live with. Second is having to let me go after you have raised and loved with so much for 12 weeks or so. I dont know if I will ever be strong enough that I dont bawl like a fool when I have to let them go. I want to keep them all.
