Why Breed Your Pet?

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Thank you to those who have responded in a serious and conscientious manner to the question posed and thank you to those who have sent me the nice PMs in support today as well. I love this board!!! Thank you for ignoring those who cannot handle friendly, open discussion and have attempted to ge this thread closed.

This is an honest thread asking an honest question that many are interested in.

I loved Shelbey'smom's response as I think show breeders have a certain place if their hearts are in the right place which MOST probably are.

The hobby breeders have to really love sharing the breed to be able to risk the lives of their pets for little or no profit in my opinion. If it is a business and you are supporting your family, it makes more sense to me.

All of the breeders that I got my yorkies from are doing to make money and zi have always said that I begrudge no one this.

It was my understanding however that there is a widely held view by many on this forum and in the "dog world" overall that breeders who are in it for the money or to make a profit are not reputable and some would even consider them puppymillers. It is part of the definition of a puppymill that they breed dogs for profit.

It is possible that I have misunderstood this perception but I really don't think so. Breeders get criticized over and over for charging what I consider a reasonable price for a yorkie when you consider the risks involved, their time and the hard costs involved in providing exceoptional care of the mother and the puppies.

It is also well known that at the prices most on here would consider fair, there is no way a breeder can make money. In fact, most lose money...so again, why risk the life of a pet? What is the benefit to the breeder who makes little or no money?

[PlatinumYorkies]

There are so many contradictions out there that I am so confused(scratches head) and bewildered. I love this place...But, the direct flip flopping is bringing it down...Either you do or you don't.

[SnowWa]

Some of all breeds have to be bred - or those breeds would die out and become extinct.

The little Yorkie is becoming (even more so) a very popular breed --- a lot of people like this little dog and want one for a pet.

Most of us got our little Yorkies from someone who bred two Yorkies, had a litter, and sold one to us.

I don't even see this as an issue - except that the people who choose to breed Yorkies (be it only one litter or several) should love the breed and care for the health and welfare of the dogs involved and know what they are doing. I have never had a litter of Yorkies, but many of you have mentioned that there are a lot of special concerns and issues involved when it comes to breeding these little dogs.

Also, several of you have mentioned that there really isn't a lot of profit - when you consider all the time and expenses (or potential expenses) involved.

It's probably only the puppy mills and unethical breeders who make any real amount of money --- and, unfortunately, this is usually done at the dog's and puppies' expense.

I appreciate you people who raise healthy litters that rise to the standards of this lovely little breed and whose major concern is the health and welfare of your dogs and their puppies. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have one.

There is nothing wrong with breeding ---but few of us have the time, money, or know-how to undertake this task. Again, I am glad that some of you do.

We don't even have to talk about puppie mills, etc. We all know where we stand there!!!!!!

Carol Jean

*** I have several friends who have raised a wonderful litter of puppies (not Yorkies) and who say they're glad they did, they enjoyed it, and it was an experience......but they would never do it again. It was just a lot more work and expense then they realized it would be.......someone else can do it next time!

[shelbysmom]

Originally Posted by SnowWa

Some of all breeds have to be bred - or those breeds would die out and become extinct.

The little Yorkie is becoming (even more so) a very popular breed --- a lot of people like this little dog and want one for a pet.

Most of us got our little Yorkies from someone who bred two Yorkies, had a litter, and sold one to us.

I don't even see this as an issue - except that the people who choose to breed Yorkies (be it only one litter or several) should love the breed and care for the health and welfare of the dogs involved and know what they are doing. I have never had a litter of Yorkies, but many of you have mentioned that there are a lot of special concerns and issues involved when it comes to breeding these little dogs.

Also, several of you have mentioned that there really isn't a lot of profit - when you consider all the time and expenses (or potential expenses) involved.

It's probably only the puppy mills and unethical breeders who make any real amount of money --- and, unfortunately, this is usually done at the dog's and puppies' expense.

I appreciate you people who raise healthy litters that rise to the standards of this lovely little breed and whose major concern is the health and welfare of your dogs and their puppies. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have one.

There is nothing wrong with breeding ---but few of us have the time, money, or know-how to undertake this task. Again, I am glad that some of you do.

We don't even have to talk about puppie mills, etc. We all know where we stand there!!!!!!

Carol Jean

*** I have several friends who have raised a wonderful litter of puppies (not Yorkies) and who say they're glad they did, they enjoyed it, and it was an experience......but they would never do it again. It was just a lot more work and expense then they realized it would be.......someone else can do it next time!

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

I sure thought more breeders would respond on this since they all know how hard a job breeding yorkies is....... and they do their best to discourage someone's desire to breed until they have done thie research, gotten a mentor and studied the hobby for two years or more. It is not for everyone that is for sure and it is important to discover if you are cut out for it or not..... which several members have done after trying it.

How many threads have we read advising against breeding a beloved pet for fear that you will lose it and the additional heartache of losing a puppy....

I also don't think you can be a breeder and have another job too unless you can afford to hire help to care for puppies who may need to watched and supplemented every two hours or so around the clock. You have to really LOVE the breed and be almost independently weakthy for it to make logical sense unless you make some money.

[Carters Mom]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

I also don't think you can be a breeder and have another job too unless you can afford to hire help to care for puppies who may need to watched and supplemented every two hours or so around the clock.

I really hope this is only your opinion and not an insinuated attack on one of our great contributors here.

[txshopper73]

Originally Posted by Carters Mom

I really hope this is only your opinion and not an insinuated attack on one of our great contributors here.

I was thinking the same thing since everyone knows that not only have I had a recent litter but that I also work. I live 2 blocks from where I work. My boss has given me the liberty of coming home every couple of hours to check on them. I have not had to worry much because of where I keep the pups and Gracie is such a good momma. I have to make her go outside to take potty breaks. She wants to stay right there with her babies so I've been very blessed that she's so good.

I know that they are gaining weight, too...3 ounces since Thursday! If Gracie wasn't a good momma then yes, I'd have to feed them every couple of hours and probably would have to take them to work with me. But like I said, I trust Gracie completely and know that she's taking the very best of care a momma could.

So, there, I took the bait and now I'm through!

[sneri13]

Kimberyly I just wanted to say congratulations on your new babies and glad to see they are all doing well. I can't wait to see pics.

[YorkieShadow]

Originally Posted by chachi

Its just common sense that the breeders have to be making some profit on it or why do it??? I dont think that breeders who make a profit are in it just for the money. The only exception to that is the breeder who puts their tiny yorkie at risk to breed and sell the pups at extreme prices but thats a whole different subject.

I agree, If a breeder didnt make any thing off of it then they would not be breeding.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Originally Posted by Carters Mom

I really hope this is only your opinion and not an insinuated attack on one of our great contributors here.

Only YOU would think such a thing...who wouldn't believe this and really care about the dogs? If the mom dies or refuses to nurse and the pups need 24/7 care, who will do it? New pups need to be watced constantly if with the mommy nursing. Too much can go wrong and those baby can perish quickly. We read about it on here everyday and it breaks my heart becuase it wasn't necessary.

I assumed Kimberly that you had help. I thought I remember you saying your H was home when you weren't.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Originally Posted by YorkieShadow

I agree, If a breeder didnt make any thing off of it then they would not be breeding.

If a breeder were to make any money they would have to sell their pups for the prices that most on here find outrageous. It is what I paid and what i get criticized for paying all the time. If you do a search on here of the threads where breeders were asked their costs...it was $1000 to raise a pup to 12 weeks which is the acceptable age to leave the nest. This amount is without including a dime for their time. If you include their time at minimum wage it comes to about $2000 per pup.

I want my breeder to make the puppies her priority and give them constant love, attention and care from before they are born until they leave for their forever home. If they cannot make enough money raising yorkies and have to work outside of the home and cannot afford or have supplemental help then I do not feel the puppies are getting the care they deserve. Sorry but that is my opinion. Sorry of it hurts felings but I am looking out for what is in the best interests of those babies and their momma, not the breeder.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Out of respect for Yorkiemom1970 and her recent loss of her beloved baby girl, Rio, I have asked that this thread be closed. Although I feel it is an important issue, I think the timing couldn't be worse. Thank you all for your understanding and support on this.

[yorkiemom1970]

my opinion on this is pretty much in aggreance with kim. i worked as a legal assistant for years prior to quitting for good 4 1/2 years ago to be with my yorkies 24/7. i could not handle the thought of being at work and having babies at home. my boss was a very understanding attorney who was a dog lover himself, and although he put up with alot from me ( i even took one of my girls to work with me once, in a law office, lol) he understood completely when i had to resign. he said he knew it was coming sooner or later. i know that some people can't do this, but i am lucky and have my husband who is a wonderful provider and never even sees his own money, lol, i snatch it up to take care of the house hold and the dogs way before he even gets to count it. he's used to it now, poor man. lol. some folks may do fine with a job and raising babies. i was able to do it myself for some time. however, emotionally i could not do it anymore so i made a huge life changing decision and never looked back. the way i look at it now is i work 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts and i dont get weekends off or vacation. its tough. and with everything i'm going through emotionally in my life right at this moment, if i had a job outside the home, i'd surely be fired by the end of the week. so i guess we all do things differently and to the best of our abilities.

[YorkieShadow]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

If a breeder were to make any money they would have to sell their pups for the prices that most on here find outrageous. It is what I paid and what i get criticized for paying all the time. If you do a search on here of the threads where breeders were asked their costs...it was $1000 to raise a pup to 12 weeks which is the acceptable age to leave the nest. This amount is without including a dime for their time. If you include their time at minimum wage it comes to about $2000 per pup.

I want my breeder to make the puppies her priority and give them constant love, attention and care from before they are born until they leave for their forever home. If they cannot make enough money raising yorkies and have to work outside of the home and cannot afford or have supplemental help then I do not feel the puppies are getting the care they deserve. Sorry but that is my opinion. Sorry of it hurts felings but I am looking out for what is in the best interests of those babies and their momma, not the breeder.

KIm we all want these Yorkies to be loved and cared for. I was just saying that yes I do think most breeders do it for money. Some times they lose way more then they had hoped for. and yes they have to pay out some times half of what they bring in, Theres times where every thing can and does go wrong and they dont get near enough then what they had to payout. But then theres other times they may get a good bit. And they never seem to get paid for all their time and hard work they put in to it. But what are you asking? some breed for the money. Some breed to keep the breed going, some breed for show dogs, some breed cause they want a puppy from the one they have.theres many different reasons. Why do you ask?

[yorkiemom1970]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

Out of respect for Yorkie1970 and her recent loss of her beloved baby girl, Rio, I have asked that this thread be closed. Although I feel it is an important issue, I think the timing couldn't be worse. Thank you all for your understanding and support on this.

no kim. do not have your thread closed. i appreciate the gesture, truly. but its no reason to close this thread which i just happened to give my opionion on just now. thank you kim. thank you for thinking of my feelings. it means alot. truly.