Q-WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT BREEDING MY DOGS?
A-Breeding dogs has become quite a science
in the last few years. With the growing popularity of Dog Shows, and the
increased exposure from T.V., many people get into breeding thinking that
they can produce a dog just like the one they saw on TV, or worse, that
it is a very profitable venture. As breed popularity surges and wans, fly-by-night
breeders try to meet demand by mass-producing puppies. Also, there is a
constant market for pets. Thus, puppy-mill operators are thriving. There
is a huge amount of responsibility undertaken when breeding your dog. It
should not be taken lightly.
Q-I PAYED GOOD MONEY FOR MY DOG,
WHY SHOULDN'T I MAKE SOME OF IT BACK?
A-Unfortunately, breeding healthy dogs
is not profitable, and usually expends quite a chunk of change from your
pocketbook. The only way puppy-mill owners make profits is by compromising
the quality of care that the breeding stock recieves. We've all seen the
horrible pictures of cages stacked upon cages full of dirty, half-starved
dogs and puppies. Many puppies are shipped out when they are just 6 weeks
old, and a (not) surprising large number never make it to their destination
alive. That $800 puppy in the pet store was bought from the puppy mill
for $100. With such a small profit, I can guarantee you the animals do
not get the best care available.
Q-WELL, OUR DOG IS A FAMILY PET.
WE AREN'T A PUPPY MILL!
A-The majority of purebred dogs come from
what's commonly called the "backyard" breeders, namely those who own a
female and want to have a litter so that the kids can see "the miracle
of birth", or maybe to make some spending money, or because they want a
puppy "just like Buffy". Although these dogs recieve much better health
care, most being family pets, the owners do not think to check for inherited
disease or temperment problems. Also, once the puppies have been sold,
the breeders no longer feel responsible for the future health of the pup.
Very few of these 'breeders' would stand behind a puppy they sold if it
came up lame with hip dysplaysia 4 yrs later. And because of their
lack of 'lifelong' committment, many of those cute puppies end up in homes
that are not appropriate, and thus the dog is condemned to a life of living
in a backyard or worse, end up at the local pound. The concientious
breeder screens potential puppy owners to make sure the dog will have a
good home, and they are there for the buyers for the life of the dog.
Q-SO WHAT MAKES "RESPONSIBLE" BREEDERS
SO DIFFERENT?
A-The responsible breeder is a devotee
of the breed. They know the breed inside and out, they are usually active
in some way in dog shows. Their main concern first and formost is the health
of the parents and puppies. They take the steps necessary to ensure that
the parents are free of any hereditary disease and that the pups have the
best chance for a long and healthy life. They do their best to produce
dogs which closely follow the written standard for the breed. They stand
behind their puppies and are always there for the purchasers for the life
of the pup. They put their heart and soul into their dogs. Some of these
people are well-known breeders, some aren't. They produce several litters
a year, or they may go several years between litters. Either way, they
are cautious about what type of home the puppies go to and are willing
to take one back if need be. When choosing a stud for their female, they
find the one who is most compatible physically, mentally, and pedigree-wise.
If they offer a male for stud, they not only make sure he is healthy, but
that he is a good example of the breed and can pass on the desired characteristics.
They also are cautious about the females he is bred to. They too must be
good, healthy representatives of the breed. A good sire owner is as concerned
about the future welfare of the coming pups as the dam owner. Like they
say, it takes two to tango!
Q-WHAT ABOUT WHITE BOXERS?
A-Contrary to what you may have been
led to believe, "white" boxers ARE NOT RARE! They appear in many, if not
most litters, and should not be bred or sold for profit. Ethical breeders
follow a code of conduct which prohibits them from breeding, selling or
registering white puppies. While some breeders do 'cull' their white pups
at birth, this is (thankfully) a shrinking practice as more breeders are
placing these pups in loving homes. In fact, many breeders are more choosy
about homes for the white pups than the colored. Too many consumers are
suckered out of large amounts of money for a "rare" white boxer, which
may suffer from deafness in one or both ears. This is not saying that white
boxers are less desirable. They are everymuch as wonderful as colored boxers,
but due to their color
inheritance, are more prone to deafness
than their colored siblings. And because white is a disqualifying color
in the breed, they should not be bred. But they are capable and welcome
to participate in obedience, agility, and tracking.
Q-WE WANT TO GET A FAMILY PET, WHAT SHOULD
WE DO?
A-A large problem we face today is
an explosion of unwanted dogs and cats. Although animal rights organizations
like to tell you that the majority of unwanted animals are purebred, the
opposite is true. But there ARE thousands of purebred dogs in animal shelters.
If you are looking for a housepet, and are not interested in conformation
showing, then you would probably be very satisfied adopting a pet from
your local shelter. If you are looking for a certain breed, there are breed-specific
rescue organizations set up nation-wide who take in unwanted pets and strays
and find suitable homes for them. These people are the unseen angels in
the dog world. If you are interested in a rescue boxer, there are alot
of wonderful dogs out there waiting for a loving home. Click HERE
to find a rescue organization near you!
Q-I AM INTERESTED IN SHOWING. WHAT
DO I DO NOW?
If you want a well-bred puppy from a breeder,
then be as prepared as you can and do your research before committing to
a puppy. Good quality puppies, even those destined for "pet" homes,
may take some patience and waiting. I suggest you go to local dog
shows, watch the breed you are interested in, and then talk to exhibitors
after the judging is over with. Watch as many shows as you can, and
find the individual dogs who strike your fancy the most. Then look
at their breeding, and start looking for a puppy from similar lines. Patience
is a virtue in the dog-show game, so don't rush into a deal that you may
regret later. It's very important that you start with the absolute
best quality puppy you can find. Don't be lured into thinking that a poor-quality
puppy will improve with age, or that you can "always breed it", and show
the puppies. Starting with a poor specimin will take you much longer
to achieve your goals then to wait and save up for a top-quality puppy.
And remember that a single litter can contain
gorgeous puppies AND horrible puppies. NO breeder can guarantee that a
puppy will be a future champion.
To find a breeder near you, click HERE.
Here is an absolutely wonderful website with
loads of useful information about breeding dogs: http://www.geocities.com/learntobreed/ |