Breeding Dogs

[thebritt]

I tend to agree with the BC rescue idea. As mentioned, these dogs are highly energetic, and many people don't realize how much exercise they need to be happy and healthy, so the rescue organizations are pretty full up. Not to mention the vet bills!

 

[greyhorsewoman]

since I am in a border collie vacuum

I disagree with this. I live in northeastern PA and there are PLENTY of Border Collies at dogs shows, agility trials, and herding events. The first litter always sell quick enough locally, but after that, you may find you don't have the network to place the puppies. Believe me, there is nothing so overwhelming as a small pack of 3 month old herding breed puppies~~!! We have a major Border Collie breeder up my way (for working/herding), he holds an annual herding trial at his farm every summer.

Also, remember that preliminary tests are necessary, the least of which is an OFA certification & CERF (eye). Females tend to come into season twice annually and should not be bred more than once every other season. In my experience, that is pushing the envelope. Having puppies takes a lot out of a female dog and every other year or more is better. Males KNOW when they are in season and will whine, cry, bark, howl (night and day). I had a male Belgian Sheepdog many years ago that went to spend the duration of the my female's heat cycle at my mother's after he ate half my laundry and torn out my screen door. He went on a hunger strike. When he came home, he ended up twisting his gut and barely survived surgery. Not all males are this distracted, but you have no idea till you raise it.​

 

[redhen]

Well..i think when people go to buy a Border Collie they know what kind of dog they want...
most people know they are hyper and herding dogs that run around alot... its kinda common sense.

EVERY breed has its problems...its the BUYERS responsibility to know what they are buying..IMO..
I say if you want to breed them and be responsible about it, then good luck!

 

[protodon]

@greyhorsewoman

can you tell me of any breeders up there? I have no problem with just getting a male and seeing if I am overwhelmed by just oone BC. ALthough I am not easily overwhelmed and I don't tend to jump into things without much research. Also, I probably failed to mention this but I wanted blue merle BC which are really hard to come by. And yes I know you can't breed blue merle to blue merle and I never would. That being said, I know people still do so I don't want to hear anything about that little nonsense because people will pick up on it right away even though it is not my intention.

 

[horsejody]

With all of the homeles dogs and backyard breeders around, I would think it would be fairly easy to find a Border Collie. They are high energy dogs and need a job. Get one and see if it fits you first. Have you tried www.petfinder.org. There are lots of puppies on there. Even if you have to take a bit of a road trip, it might be worth it.

 

[protodon]

Quote:
Thank you!

With all of the homeles dogs and backyard breeders around, I would think it would be fairly easy to find a Border Collie. They are high energy dogs and need a job. Get one and see if it fits you first. Have you tried www.petfinder.org. There are lots of puppies on there. Even if you have to take a bit of a road trip, it might be worth it.

and also thank you, I have but there are mostly older dogs and mixed breeds. I am looking for a puppy to start from scratch so to speak. And I am totally up for just having one and see how they are and deciding later if I do want to breed. In fact, I don't see how I would be able to get more than one at a time unless I buy two from a litter which isn't the best idea for breeding.​

 

[Cara]

We have a pair of Black Mouth Curs. For the most part the male gets along fine with our other dogs (two spayed females and a neutered male). When the female Cur comes into heat it is a nightmare. He has attacked all three of the other dogs, when I doubt the spayed females have any remote interest in the female in heat. He whines constantly and will not eat for days. She gets very snappy with the other dogs. It's just one big PITA.

 

[redhen]

Yeah..un-fixed dogs ARE a PITA... My male Mastiff is already spraying my couch!..and hes just a year old..

(hes getting fixed in January..)

 

[protodon]

From what I read, It seems pretty common that male dogs stop eating when they are looking to mate or a female dog is in heat. That's very interesting. I wonder if this goes back to wolves. Maybe if they are looking for a mate outside of their pack. They go "hunting" for a mate and do without food for a while.

 

[abluechipstock]

if you're breeding for money, you'll never make any if you take proper care of them, the last two litters i had, one was a c-section and the other female went hypocalcemic, $1200 later, plus ad $400 for the stud fee, $250 to get them vet checked and $100 or so extra in supplies, plus i'm keeping 2 to show so that will cost me 2 grand or more to finish their championships, plus the countless hours of cleaning puppy pens there's no money made, but i breed for my next show dog, not just to produce puppies, i also just don't sell to anyone, i'm very particular on where they go, make sure you measure the pros and cons, good luck on whatever you decide