Should all Pet Quality puppies be altered?

[susansmom]

As long as they're healthy and their puppies are priced and sold as pet quality, I don't see any problem. I know some of dyed in the wool breed enthusiasts (of any breed, not just Yorkies) wouldn't agree. But I wonder if some part of that is that placing a severe limit to breedable dogs props the price of the puppies. Sorry to be so cynical, but it just seems obvious. BTW, my girl is spayed -- my choice and my dime.

[Olivier]

Originally Posted by shelbysmom

I believe it limited registration for pet quality pups but do not believe in breeder doing it before delivery. Some of these dogs are too tiny at 12 or even 16 weeks for the spay surgery.

I keep my puppies until 6 - 7 months just to be sure they will be spayed or neutered . I never have had a person complaining about this fact . Also , they never asked second or third opinions about knowing if they bought a purebred Yorkie .

[StewiesMom]

There are so many loose ends that would need to be tied before I could give my opinion.

1. I'm pretty sure that spay/neuter surgery can happen on a pup of any age/size safely. Don't vets wait til 6 mos because they are waiting to make sure the testicles drop? (and whatever happens w/ females)?
2. I think that pretty much every dog in the entire universe should be altered to stop the epidemic of homeless animals. It's saddening and people keep breeding and breeding.
3. Why does the AKC require that competing show dogs be unaltered? Does it really matter if they have their balls? I don't understand it at all - and it's really weird when the judges grab them.
4. I am totally against monopolies, so I think in the end, I wouldn't want to give show breeders ultimate power to decide who gets dogs and who doesn't. Frankly, lots of them scare me and I don't think they should have the final say.

So I guess I'm conflicted

[shelbysmom]

Originally Posted by Olivier

I keep my puppies until 6 - 7 months just to be sure they will be spayed or neutered . I never have had a person complaining about this fact . Also , they never asked second or third opinions about knowing if they bought a purebred Yorkie .

that's great if you can require that. most of us wouldn't wait 6 months for a puppy and miss so much of the fun time.

[shelbysmom]

Originally Posted by susansmom

As long as they're healthy and their puppies are priced and sold as pet quality, I don't see any problem. I know some of dyed in the wool breed enthusiasts (of any breed, not just Yorkies) wouldn't agree. But I wonder if some part of that is that placing a severe limit to breedable dogs props the price of the puppies. Sorry to be so cynical, but it just seems obvious. BTW, my girl is spayed -- my choice and my dime.

so you don't care if your Yorkie doesn't look like a Yorkie? how about if it doesn't act like a Yorkie?

the point is the breedable standards have to be kept or we get Mutt looking Yorkies for ridiculous prices. Or maybe the cheap prices make it okay? Now, do I sound cynical?

People involved in breeding any dog need to know the breed well enough to stay within the standard AND monitor for health issues. Knowledgeable breeders understand their breed and work to make good dogs.

Backyard pet breeders do not know or care.

[shelbysmom]

Originally Posted by StewiesMom

There are so many loose ends that would need to be tied before I could give my opinion.

1. I'm pretty sure that spay/neuter surgery can happen on a pup of any age/size safely. Don't vets wait til 6 mos because they are waiting to make sure the testicles drop? (and whatever happens w/ females)?
2. I think that pretty much every dog in the entire universe should be altered to stop the epidemic of homeless animals. It's saddening and people keep breeding and breeding.
3. Why does the AKC require that competing show dogs be unaltered? Does it really matter if they have their balls? I don't understand it at all - and it's really weird when the judges grab them.
4. I am totally against monopolies, so I think in the end, I wouldn't want to give show breeders ultimate power to decide who gets dogs and who doesn't. Frankly, lots of them scare me and I don't think they should have the final say.

So I guess I'm conflicted

my opinion.

1) Some puppies are barely 2lbs. at 12 weeks. It is safer to wait until they are older and larger plus you can have extra teeth removed at the same time and eliminate a second surgery.
2)every dog? no more Yorkies? just mixed breed accidents as our pet choice?
3)Dogs cannot be altered b/c the reason for the shows is to continue the high quality standards of the breed. it isn't just a beauty contest. these dogs and especially the champions go on to sire future top quality examples of the breed.
4) I see what you are saying but I don't think "show breeders" have the final say. I think responsible breeders do. A small breeder or a Fancier who isn't even involved in showing can breed some nice standard pups. This should be the goal.