Do you have what it takes to be a breeder?
Breeding a single puppy makes you a breeder with a responsibility to what you have bred and to ensure you put out into the world happy healthy dogs with bright futures in front of them.
To be a breeder you need to be knowledgable and practical with plenty of time.
First time breeders should consider using the stud of well established breeder who is prepared to mentor them or getting support from the breeder of their bitch.
Do you have time?
Puppies will require 24 hour care for at least 8 weeks do you have the manpower to ensure a responsible adult can be with them at all times?
Do you have the money? breeding dogs requires a huge amount of initial investment heres a break down of some approximate costing based on a litter of 7 puppies
Health testing your bitch £700
Ovulation testing fees £200
Stud fee £800
Whelping box £400
Veterinary bedding £100
Whelping kit including puppy milk £100
Puppy food till homing £500
Toys £100
Worming £50
vet checks, microchips and vaccines £ 700
A total of around £3060 before any return is taken for puppy sales.
This doesn't include things such a vets bills if things go wrong a C-section is around £2000 out of hours in some areas.
Do your have the patience ?
As a breeder you are dealing with the puppy buying public many buyers are completely uneducated about dog ownership and may be completely unsuitable .
You will need to explain why they are not suitable and advise on breed ownership.
Not all buyers are accepting of them being considered to not be in a position to own a pup and expect the right to purchase , it is not unusual for you to be verbally abused by people you turn away.
Are you able to think practically rather than emotively?
Sadly things don't always go to plan alongside bringing new life comes death.
Bitches dying during or after c-section or following a difficult birth
still born puppies
deformed or ill puppies that are incompatible with life
These are all possibilities when breeding can you cope with the stress and heartache involved.