[xxmamxx]

I m new to this but i was wondering if anyone could give me advice or if you know of any books the take you through step by step of a bichons pregnancy? My girl is fit and healthy and ready to breed but i want as much info as possible so she is comfortable and at ease as much as she can be if anyone ha sanything they can tell me atall that would be great thankyou

[reeskujo]

First as an experienced breeder I can tell you that you are no were near being prepared or educated enough on breeding to even consider it at the momemt...Breeding is not something you learn from a book or on a forum..You need to have someone who is a reputable and responsible breeder mentor you for a few years before you'll be anywhere close to being ready!

Secondly has your dog had all of the proper genetic testing done to be sure she is free of any genetic issues? How old is your dog? Do you know if your dog meets the breed standard? Has she ever been shown,is she titled...Do you have homes already lined up for the litter? Do you have money put away for an emergency C-section should she have trouble delivering? have you chosen a stud? If so has genetic testing been done on him?.Is your girl AKC registered?

Did you get your dog from a reputable breeder? If so she should have sold to you on a spay/neuter contract!

Breeding is not something that is done to make money..There's very little profit made when it's done responsibly..It's also not done just to make cute puppies...It's done with the hope of bettering the breed according to the standards for that breed...

My suggestion is to reconsider breeding her and get her spayed..There's to many unwanted dogs in shelters as it is...If you insist on breeding her then you need to have her genetic testing done and most importantly find a reputable breeder willing to mentor you!

[cigwyllt]

I have no experience of breeding, all I know I have learned from forums. But if you decide to go ahead please think long and hard about your reasons for breeding and how you would cope should anything go wrong. Have you got sufficient funds to cover an emergency caesarian should it be required? What if she rejects her pups? Have you the space to separate them, the time to raise 3/4/5 puppies by hand, attending to their every need 24 hours a day? How would you feel if your dog dies in whelping? I have heard so many tragic stories from experienced breeders and first timers - a wonderful easy pregnancy and then terrible trauma during or after whelping resulting in the loss of the bitch or the pups or both. The vet bills are horrendous whether the dog survives or not.

Remember she has no choice in any of this. You are her owner and it is your job to protect her and care for her. Please don't say "It's natural" or "She would make a lovely mum." There is no mental choice on her part to breed - it is only instinct. It is instinct that would make her run across the road to chase a cat and you would do all you can to prevent her doing that. Instinct would cause her to run after the first dog she sees when she is in season and you are going to stop her doing that - both "natural behaviours". Please reconsider and have her spayed.