Any breeders out there?

[taraann81]

Quote:
Yeah my heart ache was just an unfortunate situation. This was my first time attempting to breed a litter. Mabel was outside and I went to let her in and she couldn't walk. I knew she couldn't have gotten hit by a car as our yard is fenced. I along with a neighbour got her in the car(no easy task she weighted at that time about 130) and I rushed her to the vets. Well without finding the paper work I can't remember the medical name for her condition in laymens terms it s a clot in the spinal cord which tends to only happen to giant breed dogs inbetween 2 and 4 yrs of age and it is a relatively rare condition. They don't know what causes is and it doesn't appear to be genetic in nature. The only cure is IV steroids. So of course I paid the money and she was okay in a few days but there was a chance the steroids could effect the puppies. When the litter was whelped it looked promising until I found that 5 of the 9 puppies had severe cleft pallets. Of the 4 remaining, 2 had hernias. The timing was just unfortunate, if she had it a week earlier or a week later the puppies would have been fine but it just so happened she received the steroids during the few day period that the soft pallets form. The meds had to be given immediately to be effective so I had no choice. It was a learning experience and instead of selling these puppies I gave them to family so I always get to see them. I don't think I would attempt it again.

 

[tharrell]

I'm so sorry to hear that. It must have been heartbreaking. You did the right thing though. Large breeds are hard enough to breed and whelp to begin with. That's the side of breeding puppies that most people never hear of, so I'm glad you shared!

 

[taraann81]

Yeah when ever I hear about people planning to breed dogs to make money I sort of smile. All the responsible breeders I know and from personal experience, I think we are happy to break even. We do it for the love of the breed not for any lucrative pay off! Breeding dogs IS NOT a get rich quick scheme by any means. When you take into account stud fees, vet care and the food bill for the mother and puppies not to mention time and energy put in usually you don't even break even. I did the math once and high quality dog food for my dog food for my dogs cost me 2600 dollars a year when she is not pregnant. Vet care including shots and heart worm preventative is around 1000 a year for the 2 of them(requires 2 pills due to their size). So thats the most basic things and that equals 3600 dollars. Now imagine adding shots for a litter of puppies, and as with our chosen breeds their is a high risk of c section. This doesn't even include emergencies! I know you know this I just think people are not aware of the cost. Or people sell their litter and think wow I "made" this much money! If they started subtracting their expenses I think they would be surprised! But when it goes right and you see those adorable puppies setting off to enrich somebody else's life I guess its worth it

 

[tharrell]

Thank you so much for writing that! People have no idea how much money goes into breeding the RIGHT way. Yes, of course you can cut corners; no/poor vet care, low quality food, no health testing, giving shots yourself, letting your dam handle everything, second rate registries (CKC, APRI, APR, ect If you see the last two, run you are most likely dealing with a puppy miller). In the long run when you go with a breeder like this, you won't end up with healthy puppies, and the buyer pays the price. I sell my show quality puppies anywhere from $1200 and up, and pet quality puppies go on a spay/neuter agreement at about $350-$500. Someone might look at what I brought in for my last litter two show quality pups, one at $1300 one at $1500 and one pet quality pup at $400. Wow, I just made $3200 off my dog!!! Oh I wish. I actually either hide vet bills from my husband completely, or atleast cut the price in half before I tell him what I spent. I buy high quality food, not to mention all the heartworm care, ect. When I work it out, I usually lose anywhere from $3000-$7000 dollars a year, and that is breeding on a very limited basis.

 

[abluechipstock]

dachshund show breeder here! i love my dogs, and as for making money

yeah right i put thousands into my dogs every year with vet care, show entry fees, premium dog food, supplies and time time time! i have 13 dachshunds, i know, too many, all in my house, half of them are retired couch potatos, i only sell to responsible people, very funny about my bloodlines, i took an oath when i started this venture