I was looking around on here, I guess I just wanted to see what some people have had issues with while breeding their dogs and such, I have a master's in Zoology and have studied genetics and animal anatomy and physiology extensively in college so I believe myself to be well-educated in my dog's inner-workings and reproductive abilities. I have also talked to breeders in the area of a variety of breeds and springer spaniels (my breed of interest) and have had my dog evaluated by a few of them before even thinking of having him tested to be used as a stud dog (which he was later tested and determined by my vet to be fit for breeding) and more importantly, was determined by myself to have a temperment and body type that I will be okay with reproducing. I found this forum as there does not seem to be many online discussing the breeding of dogs and I get most of my information from books and magazines and decided to try the internet as well, but I was very disappointed when I read the responses by a few of the people on these forums. From what I have read in books and magazines, no one ever claims to be an expert at dog breeding, even those that write the books after a lifetime of experience would still claim that they have something to learn, and while I find that some people may be a bit naive who post comments on here, they are sometimes treated as fools. I was quite disheartened, by some, definately not all, of the comments made on this forum, as all that I have met in the dog community have been understanding and compassionate and I hope that others reading this forum do not get the wrong idea of dog breeders as a whole.

There are some people here who seem to think of themselves as experts, and for you, I hope that you remember one thing: you were naive to all of this once too. You needed assistance to learn basic things that are sometimes skimmed over in all of the books or that you forget in the midst of all the excitement, and hopefully at that time, someone helped you, they weren't critical or judgemental, they looked at you with compassion and understanding and patience that allowed you to move forward with dog breeding and probably saved some dogs in the process.

[chevy & karen]

Originally Posted by field springer

I was looking around on here, I guess I just wanted to see what some people have had issues with while breeding their dogs and such, I have a master's in Zoology and have studied genetics and animal anatomy and physiology extensively in college so I believe myself to be well-educated in my dog's inner-workings and reproductive abilities. I have also talked to breeders in the area of a variety of breeds and springer spaniels (my breed of interest) and have had my dog evaluated by a few of them before even thinking of having him tested to be used as a stud dog (which he was later tested and determined by my vet to be fit for breeding) and more importantly, was determined by myself to have a temperment and body type that I will be okay with reproducing. I found this forum as there does not seem to be many online discussing the breeding of dogs and I get most of my information from books and magazines and decided to try the internet as well, but I was very disappointed when I read the responses by a few of the people on these forums. From what I have read in books and magazines, no one ever claims to be an expert at dog breeding, even those that write the books after a lifetime of experience would still claim that they have something to learn, and while I find that some people may be a bit naive who post comments on here, they are sometimes treated as fools. I was quite disheartened, by some, definately not all, of the comments made on this forum, as all that I have met in the dog community have been understanding and compassionate and I hope that others reading this forum do not get the wrong idea of dog breeders as a whole.
Which post's are you referring to? Your post kind of pisses me off and I'll tell you why. Of all my dog's and there have been many. Mostly all rescue's and throw away's (2 of them pure bred spaniel's) I have only had the chance to have one puppy.
Now let me tell you about that puppy and the nit wit that I got that puppy from.

His name is chevy and he is a cocker. His tail was not docked, but hacked off and all but gouged out, then they vaccinated him.. The only thing I and quite a few professional's can come up with is, chevy was so traumatized by the hacking and gouging of his tail that when the vaccine's hit his body it hurt his brain. Some people call it vaccine damaged, some call it spaniel rage and some call it canine autism.. There is no help in the allopath community for a pup like chevy, they can't recognize it and if they do they refuse to admit to it, they are usually PTS... I have been to many allopath's before I found one that would take us as a patient. Take the information you can use from a post or reply and use it, but don't write something like this if the poster only has the best interest of the dog in mind. They are living, breathing, feeling soul's just like you. Only difference is they have no voice, someone need's to speak for them and if it may sound harsh at time's over look it, these people care about the animal's. And keep in mind Thing's don't alway's come across the way it is meant to in text.. What may sound critical to you may be a desperate plea for that person they are replying to, to listen so there are no more chevy's or worse, and so that maybe someday those of us that rescue won't have to look into the sad eye's of another throw away.

There are some people here who seem to think of themselves as experts, and for you, I hope that you remember one thing: you were naive to all of this once too. You needed assistance to learn basic things that are sometimes skimmed over in all of the books or that you forget in the midst of all the excitement, and hopefully at that time, someone helped you, they weren't critical or judgemental, they looked at you with compassion and understanding and patience that allowed you to move forward with dog breeding and probably saved some dogs in the process.

No. I am not a Homeopath. I am only a student of Homeopathy.

There are some people here who seem to think of themselves as experts, and for you, I hope that you remember one thing: you were naive to all of this once too. You needed assistance to learn basic things that are sometimes skimmed over in all of the books or that you forget in the midst of all the excitement, and hopefully at that time, someone helped you, they weren't critical or judgemental, they looked at you with compassion and understanding and patience that allowed you to move forward with dog breeding and probably saved some dogs in the process.[/QUOTE]

There are some people who post on this forum, and others on the internet, who quite frankly don't deserve to be spoken to politely.
There was one person wanting to breed their brother and sister pet dogs, who had not been neutered (first offence), and the male had cataracts in one eye at two years old and one undescended testicle.
How does one get the point across to such people politely?
I understand the anger of breeders who are terrified on a daily basis by the ignorance and irresponsibility of people wanting to breed their pet dog (incomprehensible), and thus only supplying the animal rescues with even more tragic unwanted babies to destroy.
That is before we even get around to discussing 'breeders' who do it for the most ignoble of reasons, with no regard for the future of the pups (or kittens or whatever) they breed, or the 'farmers', who do it for profit.
Every breeders NUMBER ONE priority should be that the puppies they breed will have a secure future, and a loving home, because unless that is assured, no puppies should be bred, regardless of how fabulous the parents are.
"Learn first for 9 days, then breed for 1." That is the best advice for any prospective breeder. Know your breed, and then breed to improve it, that is the only possible reason to do it in the first place.

Originally Posted by field springer

There are some people here who seem to think of themselves as experts, and for you, I hope that you remember one thing: you were naive to all of this once too. You needed assistance to learn basic things that are sometimes skimmed over in all of the books or that you forget in the midst of all the excitement, and hopefully at that time, someone helped you, they weren't critical or judgemental, they looked at you with compassion and understanding and patience that allowed you to move forward with dog breeding and probably saved some dogs in the process.

While I don't consider myself an expert on breeding, I've had a lot of experience, both personally, and in conjunction with my job.

Was I naive in the beginning? Most certainly. Were the breeders I contacted for mentoring and information critical or judgmental? Most definitely. Did I deserve it? Again, most definitely. But did I go off half cocked and do things my way, or did I take their criticism to heart, and start looking at the process of breeding in a new light? You bet I opened my eyes, and started learning what I needed to know.

The breeder who agreed to mentor me did not treat me with compassion, understanding or patience. She put me through the wringer! She questioned my motives, she hauled me on the carpet when I suggested doing something dumb. And she taught me A LOT! And in the end, she told me she was hard on me because a lot of people think they want to breed, but not many are willing to do the necessary work. Being hard was her way to determine if I really meant business, and was willing to do what was necessary. And, IMO, she was completely justified in grilling me the way she did, and telling me I was a dumb azz when I was being a dumb azz.

Those of us who give tough responses do so for a variety of reasons. We're passionate about dogs, and the breeding of dogs. We believe dog breeding should only be undertaken by those who have done their homework, and who have the best interest of the breed at heart.

We do not believe in breeding mixed breeds "Because they're cute. Because I can make some money. Because I want my dog to have one litter before I have her spayed."

We don't believe dogs should be bred when they're too young. We believe that anyone considering breeding their dog should avail themselves of all the health testing available. And that does not mean a check-up by their vet. It means knowing what disorders exist in your breed, and testing for any that apply. OFA certification, CERF testing, BAER testing, to name a few.

We believe that anyone who considers breeding should investigate the history of their dog's parents and siblings. Did any of them develop epilepsy, diabetes, Cushing's Disease, Hypothyroidism? Were any of the dog's ancestors diagnosed with liver shunts, heart issues, kidney issues that could be considered genetic in nature?

We believe that anyone who decides to breed their dog should be made aware of all the things that can happen. Bitches can die giving birth. C-sections are not rare, but they are expensive. Puppies can fade and die, despite our best efforts. Parvo can wipe out an entire litter in just a few days. People can, and do call you a few weeks after getting their pup, and tell you the pup has a genetic health issue, and ask what you intend to do about it.

We believe that bringing a litter of puppies into the world is a grave responsibility, and should not be undertaken lightly. We believe that the breeder should be willing to assume responsibility for those pups, from birth to death, which means they're willing to take back a dog if the buyer finds that can no longer keep the dog. Even if it's 15 years old.

We believe that anyone who breeds their dog should do it right, or don't do it at all. And we don't believe in sugar coating the truth. It's a hard pill to swallow, but if you can't swallow it, maybe you shouldn't breed.

Very well said Vetgroomer!

Let me also add a few things. First off, I have yet to see ANYBODY on here claim to be an expert. I have however seen experienced breeders give their honest opinions and somethimes this is not easy or even nice to hear. But look at it this way... when I read a post by somebody who's 6 month old bitch with no clearances (for obvious reasons... to young being the first of many)won't stand for the stud dog I want to scream! I would hope if you have the training and experience you say you have you will see that this is WRONG! If somebody is coming here to ask advise and their actions could potentially KILL their dog, I feel we as pet owners, groomers, breeders, vets, etc. should do our best to discourage them!

I spent over 10 years researching before I EVER bred a litter and while I am no where near an expert I do have more experience then some and am happy to pass along my experiences and what I have found.

I am guessing if your springer has been "found fit for breeding" it means he is a champion (bench and/or field) or at least pointed/titled, is over 2 years old, has cleared OFA hips, elbows and heart as well as current CERF, Brucelosis and BAER tests and that you are only going to breed to a bitch who meets the same criteria.

I can't tell you how many times I get calls of emails from people who want to use my BIS male as a stud dog. When I ask about clearances I often get the reply... "huh? Well she has all her shots and the vet says she is healthy" I tell them no clearances no breeding! I am always happy to help people get started and have many times given people the names of good vets to get OFA and CERF tests done and let me share a few cases with you:

One of the "healthy, my vet says she is great to breed" bitches ended up with SEVERE CRIPPLING hip dysplasia... she had never limped a day in her life and until the OFA/PennHip was done they had no idea. Imagine if they had bred her!

My second case is a 4 year old bitch who had never been bred. lovely girl had been to the vet every year for a full exam, shots, etc. When I sent them to my cardiologist for an OFA heart clearance the vet found she had a horrible heart defect that the vets had missed for 4 years!

Just a vet visit is NOT enough!

And not only is a simple vet visit not enough, sometimes even when you've done all the testing that is available, disaster can strike.

I bred my smooth Dachshund bitch, Rondy, at two and a half years of age, after having all the necessary tests done. Picked a stud who had all the testing done, and had compatible blood lines and type. She whelped 5 healthy pups, 4 of whom were sold, and I kept the only male as a show prospect.

At three and a half, Rondy started exhibiting some strange behaviors. Even my vets were stumped when I described what she was doing. She'd be walking across the room, stop in mid stride with her right paw raised in the air. She'd stand that way for about a minute, then take three steps and vomit. After vomiting, she acted completely normal, and went about her business as usual.

We finally figured it out when she did that while at the vet's office. Anyone care to guess what the problem was?

Rondy had hereditary epilepsy. She was having focal seizures. Fortunately they were infrequent and never progressed to grand mal seizures. I had her spayed immediately, and I contacted all the people who'd bought her puppies, telling them there was a problem. And paid to have the one bitch puppy I'd sold as a show/breeding prospect spayed, too.

Epilepsy is not something you can test for. You don't know about it until it happens. Unfortunately, her son, Teddy, developed a different variety of seizure disorder, at age 3. Narcolepsy. I had him neutered. And he did develop grand mal seizures at a later age.

I also contacted the breeder I'd bought Rondy from, and informed her about the problem. Her comment? "Epilepsy does not exist in my line." What a load of bull! It came from somewhere. She didn't "catch it" from some other dog.

You gotta do your research, folks. And even then, it's still risky. Some breeders lie.

Yes, some breeders lie, and some do not believe that even genetics 101 is necessary to become a breeder. Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done to force people to study or research.
IMO, and I am frequently on my soap box about this in my country, (South Africa), presentation of health certification should be a pre-requisite for qualifying for show entries or field trial entries, just as registration and positive identification are. I think that would solve some of the problems, and one at a time works for me.
I wonder how many show and field winners are bred because they are winners, yet do not have the best history on closer examination as far as health or temperament is concerned?

Originally Posted by jabberwocky

I wonder how many show and field winners are bred because they are winners, yet do not have the best history on closer examination as far as health or temperament is concerned?

Unfortunately, it happens way to often. Ever hear of popular sire syndrome? One single individual dog can wreak havoc on a breed.

One of the most notable instances is called Impressive syndrome. Impressive was a Quarter Horse stallion that was outstanding. Everyone wanted to breed to him. But, unbeknownst to anyone, Impressive had a genetic mutation. It didn't effect him. It didn't effect his offspring. But a few generations down the line, when the recessive genes started getting paired up, it became apparent to everyone.

And, unfortunately, that's the sort of thing that can't really be tested for, and it's almost impossible to avoid. By the time anyone knows it exists, it's too late.

Originally Posted by vetgroomer

Unfortunately, it happens way to often. Ever hear of popular sire syndrome? One single individual dog can wreak havoc on a breed.

One of the most notable instances is called Impressive syndrome. Impressive was a Quarter Horse stallion that was outstanding. Everyone wanted to breed to him. But, unbeknownst to anyone, Impressive had a genetic mutation. It didn't effect him. It didn't effect his offspring. But a few generations down the line, when the recessive genes started getting paired up, it became apparent to everyone.

And, unfortunately, that's the sort of thing that can't really be tested for, and it's almost impossible to avoid. By the time anyone knows it exists, it's too late.

That's very interesting, I had not heard of him, but then I am not in the horse world at all. I would be interested to hear about the consequent situation for breeders, and what they did.
Although you haven't said what the recessive was, it doesn't sound dissimilar to the PRA/Prcd situation that many of us dog breeders faced here 6 or 7 years ago. Prior to that time genetic testing for the disease had not been available here, only the opthalmic tests.
I know of many breeders who discovered, once they tested their breeding dogs, [and let me assure you that to test a dog from fresh blood drawn here and rushed to the USA by courier is very expensive] that, in some instances, 90% of their breeding stock were either carriers or affected by the recessive. It was devastating, particularly to some of the breeders who did not have a large base of breeding dogs. It is very hard to pinpoint now where the recessives came from, but obviously not all of the existing breeding dogs could be completely scrapped from the breeding programs, because that would only create other problems with making the gene pool so much smaller, besides bankrupting a good number of breeders. The good breeders are just making informed decisions about which dogs to mate. What makes this of particular interest to me is the virtual certainty that there must be a number of other recessives, not yet discovered, that will in the fullness of time create the same situation for breeders in the future, and possibly the way we deal with this situation now, and the level of success we achieve, could point the way for them when they face their own hard decisions. Thanks for the posting.

[Lara's mom]

Bless you for your straight talk! Don't stop!!! I don't know what it is with these people who know absolute I LOVE DOGS!I LOVE DOGS!I LOVE DOGS!I LOVE DOGS! about breeding who think it is somehow their right to bring yet more unwanted puppies into the world. Like many of the posters here, every one of my dogs & cats except for Lara have been somebody else's throwaways. What is it about the fact that there are already way more dogs than there are homes for them that these people fail to understand? How can these people be so selfish and dense?

[Yogi]

we can tone it down a little. As one who is a breeder and for the record probably have more rescues than anyone on this site (12), breeding properly is and should not be deemed a crime or an act of a "dense" person. For the record I am actually fairly intelligent....lol
You may want to research as you will find not all dogs are bred just to be bred. many breeders breed specifically for a working breed who's majority of clientele are people who use the breed for working purposes. In most cases mine are pre-sold on those rare occasions that a customer has backed out there is usually someone else in line or I keep the dog. If you are directing your post to those who do not take time to breed responsibly than I can understand your point.

[Lara's mom]

What part of, "there are way more dogs already than there are homes for" do you not understand? Why are you determined to add to the pet overpopulation problem?

[Yogi]

what part of breeding specific working dogs do you not understand. Nearly all rescues are due to breeding just to breed. These are not specifically bred dogs for purpose of working but as pets. Is it so difficult for you to comprehend that people actually still need specific working dogs that are prearranged through breeders? These dogs cannot be found in rescues. I cannot believe that you have failed to consider all aspects instead of generalizing that breeding still has a purpose other than the narrow minded view you are expressing. I do not breed pet dogs. Mine are nearly always a and prearranged breeding due to prior sales. As stated, the ones that are not sold I keep. In addition, what part of rescue do you not understand. If you are so intent on this attitude why do you not go out and rescue as many as I have? Talk is easy, but at least I take responsibility with action not with words. Go out to you local humane society and adopted several dogs, at least then you are actually contributing to the solution instead of being one of the million who stand around barking at everyone and preaching about rescuing but then fail to actual doing anything about it. For the record, adopting one or two is still not doing anything. Back up your preaching and adopt several. I did and still take on more. In the future be careful who you start barking at, I was rescuing dogs in the early 60's before rescues and people like you were even around. These days I find it amusing that so many can do all this complaining but only after all the press then they come out of the woodwork and jump on the proverbial band wagon, but where were people like you before all the press and attention, thats right...you were no where to be found. Its easy being in those cheap seats where you do not put out anything but hot air. The dogs I have rescued come to me with physical as well as emotional issues. I have spent nearly $3000.00 per year on caring for these dogs and you sit on you proverbial and think you have the right to preach to me. Grow up and take a look around you, not all are enemies. Even in the dust, there are things you do not see clearly and to assume the worse without knowing the facts is why so many get tired of hearing from people like you. So lets repeats in short, yes I breed occasionally for a select clientele, and YES I RESCUE ALSO and have before you were probably born.

Originally Posted by jabberwocky

That's very interesting, I had not heard of him, but then I am not in the horse world at all. I would be interested to hear about the consequent situation for breeders, and what they did.
Although you haven't said what the recessive was, it doesn't sound dissimilar to the PRA/Prcd situation that many of us dog breeders faced here 6 or 7 years ago. Prior to that time genetic testing for the disease had not been available here, only the opthalmic tests.

What makes this of particular interest to me is the virtual certainty that there must be a number of other recessives, not yet discovered, that will in the fullness of time create the same situation for breeders in the future, and possibly the way we deal with this situation now, and the level of success we achieve, could point the way for them when they face their own hard decisions. Thanks for the posting.

OK, the disorder that Impressive carried, due to a spontaneous mutation, is called Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, or HYPP. It's a painful and often lethal disorder. It is not known to exist in any other lineage.

Impressive didn't just affect Quarter Horses, though. There were many Paint, Palomino, and Appaloosa mares covered by him, as at that time it wasn't uncommon to cross breed Quarter Horses with these breeds.

Not a lot was done when the disorder was first identified, other than finding medical ways to manage the disease. Eventually the faulty gene was identified, and a test was developed to identify carriers.

That's when the AQHA stepped up, and took action. They require genetic testing, and homozygous individuals are not eligible for registration. The Paint and Appaloosa registries followed suit, and the Palomino registry took it one step further; both homozygous and heterozygous animals are ineligible for registration.

Of course, in some dog breeds, the gene pool is small, and there aren't enough animals to do something like that. With a disorder as prevalent as PRA or hip dysplasia, if you eliminate every carrier there just wouldn't be enough breeding animals left.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by vetgroomer

OK, the disorder that Impressive carried, due to a spontaneous mutation, is called Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, or HYPP. It's a painful and often lethal disorder. It is not known to exist in any other lineage.

Impressive didn't just affect Quarter Horses, though. There were many Paint, Palomino, and Appaloosa mares covered by him, as at that time it wasn't uncommon to cross breed Quarter Horses with these breeds.

Not a lot was done when the disorder was first identified, other than finding medical ways to manage the disease. Eventually the faulty gene was identified, and a test was developed to identify carriers.

That's when the AQHA stepped up, and took action. They require genetic testing, and homozygous individuals are not eligible for registration. The Paint and Appaloosa registries followed suit, and the Palomino registry took it one step further; both homozygous and heterozygous animals are ineligible for registration.

Of course, in some dog breeds, the gene pool is small, and there aren't enough animals to do something like that. With a disorder as prevalent as PRA or hip dysplasia, if you eliminate every carrier there just wouldn't be enough breeding animals left.

isn't HYPP linked to a lack of potassium or is it a lack of protein production that causes the actual problem once the gene has been identified. I know HYPP can be found in humans, but is it the same as animals horses or dogs?

Originally Posted by Yogi

isn't HYPP linked to a lack of potassium or is it a lack of protein production that causes the actual problem once the gene has been identified. I know HYPP can be found in humans, but is it the same as animals horses or dogs?

It's not lack of potassium. There's an abnormally high (hyper) level of potassium during an attack. The rest of the time potassium levels are normal.

The gene causes an inability to properly regulate sodium channels in the muscles. When the imbalance becomes too great, potassium leaks from muscles into the blood stream, causing hyperkalemia. Because the hyperkalemia is sporadic, it's called periodic. And when potassium levels in the muscles become too low, the muscles are not able to function normally, won't support the animals weight, and the horse is unable to stand. So we get paralysis.

Technically, HYPP isn't a disease. It's a syndrome; a collection of specific symptoms. Whether the syndrome's cause and mode of action in human HYPP is the same or not, I do not know.

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

What part of, "there are way more dogs already than there are homes for" do you not understand? Why are you determined to add to the pet overpopulation problem?

Is it really necessary to be so RUDE?
I sincerely empathise with the people who have to deal with the daily heartache of working in animal rescue, but education and legislation is the solution to the problem of unqualified and unregistered breeding, not abuse or elimination of responsible, experienced and registered breeders.
I get the vision sometimes of what the world would be like if these animal welfare fanatics had their way, the few remaining dogs and cats [and probably horses] left in the world would be those ill-bred ones that slipped through the net of their fanaticism, no breeders of repute left to bring the joy to people that pets bring.
I breed Labradors, the dog used as therapy dog to terminally ill people including children, aid to the physically disabled, including deaf, blind, para and quadraplegic persons, security at airports and harbours where they are used to sniff out drugs, explosives and live contraband, sea rescue, missing persons, and that is before we even mention the love and stress release they provide to just a regular family, or the retrieving they do for sporting hunters.
I can't imagine my world without them, and know many people who feel just as I do, not just about Labradors, but about whichever breed of dog, cat or horse is their specific passion.
Tunnel vision and fanaticism is a very dangerous thing to foster, in any area of life, balance and moderation is the key.

[Lara's mom]

I apologise. It was not my intent to be rude. I just feel terribly sorry for all the wonderful dogs who are sitting in shelters because people have bred dogs without giving any thought to what will happen to them once they are no longer adorable little puppies anymore and the reality of what a big responsibility it is to properly care for a dog sets in. My comment was directed to these breeders, not the responsible ones. I'm truly sorry if I offended anyone.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I apologise. It was not my intent to be rude. I just feel terribly sorry for all the wonderful dogs who are sitting in shelters because people have bred dogs without giving any thought to what will happen to them once they are no longer adorable little puppies anymore and the reality of what a big responsibility it is to properly care for a dog sets in. My comment was directed to these breeders, not the responsible ones. I'm truly sorry if I offended anyone.

apology accepted. Many here including myself are naturally very protective and concerned about the number of dogs being bred each year for no other reason but to line someones pockets. Many never realize the number of pups that are bred in order to find that one that can be shown overlooking those breeders and their fancy kennels that cost and arm and leg to operate. I have see these for years. They will have 50 to 75 dogs and all in search of a dog that is perfect enough to show but everyone forgets about the others and the cost to them. I many times associate the term BYB with these people as well as they are in a sense mass producing under the cover of being reputable breeders because they have finished dogs so this justifies asking more money for their pups but for the pups it took first to get to the finished dog, well they seem to just go by the wayside. The majority of my rescues literally are the seniors, the special needs etc. I rarely take in pups or young dogs as they have a better chance at finding a home. On those occasions where someone brings one to me, I have been fortunate to find a home quickly enough. Unfortunately most rescue organizations have one serious fault...the fosters. They lack knowledge of the breed and unfortunately cannot sort their heart from their mind. Granted, their hearts are in the right place but they find that no one seems better suited to care for the dog then they are so no one is good enough. I have seen the same dogs in the same rescue for over a year. This is why I left the organization and proceeded to do it on my own. I took in one 2 years ago that was fostered out by a well known organization. The woman fostering had just adopted a dog from them and when she went to pick it up they pushed her into fostering another. He was according to them, house trained and did not bite. The first day he was marking all over the house and by the fifth day nip her 2 year old son. She called and e-mailed for 3 weeks with no reply for them to come take the dog back. She finally got ahold of me and I took him in. When I got to her home I was shocked. He had a mass cell tumor on his left hind leg that was the size of a tennis ball. The dog weighed but 8lbs. This organization had no business putting this dog out for adoption without medical attention. I paid $500.00 out of my pocket to have the mass cell removed knowing that it could come back again at anytime. I find far too much politics involved with rescues and less concern for the animal. Though from the outside they appear to be great programs. I do not expect anyone to take on what I have and do understand yours as well as others concerns about breeding. Trust me, I feel the same way.

I understand what Field Springer is trying to say and I think that if everyone went into dog breeding knowing everything, there would be no purpose for this forum or for other breeders to mentor anyone.
I also understand what others are saying. For sure there are bad breeders. For sure there are people who will breed with no regard for the dogs or the puppies or their futures. However, there are ways to say things, with couth and understanding. To be stand-offish with new breeders is actually accomplishing the opposite. People will shy away from the answers if they are getting grilled and go do things their own way, or have to guess, which in my opinion is worse than asking a question. There are also those that will ignore advice because it isn't what they want to hear. Everyone is certainly guilty of that at some point in their lives. But that is the chance you take when you offer advice and everyone is going to react differently.
It does get tiring when someone already has a pregnant bitch and comes in to ask a question to always hear from the same people, 'Is the dog registered? Is the dog tested? Has the dog been proven in his breed by showing, etc. etc, etc..?'. I can read a post and already guess who is going to say what and then the poster's original question gets lost in the politics of breeding/not breeding, spaying/neutering, genetic testing, etc. and not surprisingly the poster leaves because it is not constructive to them to be grilled when the deed is already done. I have been reading and have had questions before but have not posted because I can already predict the outcome. It won't be productive either, so I don't bother. But this time I felt the need to say something.

Some points to consider: MOST people when looking for a puppy are not interested in having a purebred, pedigreed dog. They want a pet. Not everyone can pay the sometimes outrageous prices for quality, genetically tested, proven show-ring dogs. I do believe in genetic testing, if your breed is known for specific issues. But not everyone can pay the prices for a puppy with genetically tested parents or for a show quality dog. It is the same in the horse world; some people want a grade pony that will last 30 years, or they want a warmblood that will last 17 years to show with or breed to. It is all in the market. Most breeders don't breed dogs for the show ring, (and in fact keep the show quality ones for themselves) they breed for pets as that is the biggest market. That does not make people with healthy, sound, non-registered dogs backyard breeders. It means they have researched the market. As long as it is done with vet care, the dog has no genetic or health issues and the puppies are placed in lifelong, caring homes, then I believe that is a responsible breeder. It impresses me when I see that people have really learned about breeding seriously before they try it. I try to help other new breeders without grilling them. Then they decide if it is for them or not. It boils down to personal choice and no amount of grilling or belittling is going to stop people from breeding anything. It just means that now they are going into it blindfolded because people were so busy passing judgment and sitting on their high horse looking down at newbies that they did not offer constructive advice.
I know if someone asked how old dogs need to be bred and they were in front of me, I would not react by yelling at them. (yes, tons of !!!!! means you're yelling). Notice that when people act that way, the poster disappears? Wonder why?

Just some food for thought.

And yes, I am a 'backyard breeder' of healthy, loving, genetically sound, wonderful chihuahuas who will never set foot in the show ring, but their owners do not care as long as they are healthy and happy. They are not a sporting breed and in fact do not have a real useful purpose except maybe agility (which is not a sport you normally see chi's in) a trick dog, movie dog or a lap companion.
When I started breeding I went into it with knowledge of the breed, breeding consequences, c-sections and lots of market research. I have no trouble selling my little guys and have awesome references with not one puppy ever coming back to me for any reason. Fancy that, and I have not done the 100 things a top breeder expects other breeders to do before breeding. It can be done the right way, without it being YOUR way.