My mom is trying to decide if it's a bad time right now to breed her tiny toy poodle. We are located in Nebraska City, Nebraska. She doesn't want to breed and have unwanted puppies due to the economy if no one can afford it right now. She's wanting to sell them for around $500 each. What is your experience? Are they still selling well? Do you have to reduce your prices? Should she wait until next year? Please share your experiences/advice. Thanks!!

First off there are a few OTHER questions to ask.

How old is her dog?
Does she have her OFA and CERF certificates?
Is she a champion or titled in performance events?
Is your mother a member of the breed's parent club?
Can she afford all the vet care for mom and puppies as well as the c-section many toy breeds need?
Is she prepaired to loose her dog for a litter of puppies? (bitches can die giving birth)

Does she have homes already lined up with deposits given? (I would not even THINK about breeding unless I already had confirmed homes for the puppies)

Hope this helps you out... I would recommend she take a look at a shelter and also visit poodle rescue to see how many dogs are homeless before she breeds another litter. Many people have had to give up their dogs due to the economy and this has filled shelters and rescues to the roof tops!

Another question. Why does she want to breed her bitch? If the answer isn't "Because she's an outstanding example of the Poodle breed, with excellent conformation, has excellent type, and a sound temperament." she shouldn't ever breed her. And that has nothing to do with the economy.

And, just as an FYI, no one who breeds puppies correctly makes any money from their efforts. They usually end up in the hole. But if you aren't going to do it right, please don't do it.