[~MB~]

I am not talking about a huge production, I am contemplating haveing a litter in 2 years or so. If my dogs prove to be healthy and in good temperment. Spare me the shelter talks, people who want purebreed dogs are not going to shelters to get them.

[nora22000]

It's a pain in the kiester, especially for some of the more finicky breeds.I wouldn't do it again for all the tea in China. It's not for the faint-hearted and best left to experts who do it full time or at least have a farm.

[CINDI T]

Reputable breeders spend hours and hours raising a litter. They spend years before that making sure that their dogs are healthy, genetically and physically, because the puppies will inherit genetically everything that the parents are historically ie you need to know what is behind your dogs because some health issues are carried recessively. Also, does your breed have known problems ie hip dysplasie, PRA, etc? Anything like that should be tested for before breeding.It is a source of great joy and pride when the litter turns out well and the birthing went easily. However, it is also can be a horrendous event when things go wrong - and they can. Puppies die in utero turning the entire litter toxic (just happened this week to a friend of mine), puppies are born with unknown internal problems and you work and work to keep them alive and they die at 4-7 days of age (happened to an acquaintance 2 weeks ago) and the list goes on and on. It pays to be prepared with knowledge of the good and the bad that your breed is known for having.Good luck in making your decision.

[patti p]

I used to breed labs. Its a gamble. But quite worth the effort. I used a beautiful male lab that was quite stocky like a boxer but full blooded lab. I live in Tenn and was sending my labs via airplane to the north east like crazy. The only problem, I found is that the mother I had would try to over protect the pups and sometimes smother one of them. Of course there is always the first shots that you have to give. If you can do this yourself, you can safe a few buck by not having the vet give the shots. You also have to send in to the AKC with each litter letting them know how many pups and of what sex they are. I always kept all of that info for a potential buyer to see all of my previous litters if they asked. The only reason I got out of it is because we lived on a major highway and my female was starting to dig under the fence to get out and wonder. I was afraid she would get ran over. Advice: keep a clean and well maintained place for your dogs and breed with the most beautiful dog you can find. Good luck