Why do you breed?? - Page 1

 Why do you really breed dogs?
Is it a hobby? or Is it a way of making a living or an additional income?
If it is a hobby (and usually we pay from our pockets on a hobby) why do you sell the puppy? why not give it to a good home for free? Or at least why don't you sell the puppy for a low price, say 500-800 U.S.D?
What is your aim in breeding, is it to better the breed, if the answer is yes then again why do you sell the puppy and why not sell it at a low price?
Why do you train and title your dogs? Is it a way of marketing your puppies or do you see it as the current fashion or you are only following the rules?
If it is a way of making a living, are you happy with it or its only a profession?
Do you make a good living out of it?
Do you think a hobby breeder is a better one than a a breeder whose job is breeding?
Do you think you are successful? and what is success to you, money or competition accomplishments?
Do you see other breeders are your competitors and you're ready to fight for your market share?

Ibrahim

Good questions Ibrahim.

I breed because I love genetics.  I not only breed dogs but chickens, rabbits and horses.  it is a passion for me.

With the Shepherds I breed for myself.  Always looking for the next show prospect.  The extra pups that I do not keep sell to cover some of the cost that has been invested.  Often a litter costs close to 5000 to produce.  This includes stud fee, vet costs of bitch, vet cost of pups and registration fees.  This 5000 does not cover the day to day costs such as food, buildings, training , show fees etc.  You do it because you love dogs.  Puppy millers make money because they skip all the important steps.

With the chickens and the rabbits i breed to feed my family, i show to improve my stock and sell some kits and chicks.

I do not market my pups very often as they sell quickly.  Am i successful? I have both successes and horrible failures.  Breeding is not for the cheap or faint hearted.  It is much cheaper to purchase a good titled dog.  but i am a sucker for puppy breath..... They always say best way to become a millionaire breeding dogs is to start with 2 million......

 brynjulf,

loving genetics is a good reason, you said you breed for yourself, also good enough, but do you tell the buyers that you are keeping the one that is good for show? or you only tell those who ask? or you don't tell at all?
do you also tell the buyers that in a specific litter there is no good enough puppy to keep?
Is a buyer to know beforehand  that a breeder won't sell a super puppy?
If you think these extra questions are too much, you don't have to answer, just skip.

Thanks, Ibrahim

Good response Brynjulf. I like it. Only very few people make good money out of breeding dogs. Most of them break even. And I have seen only few people trying to improve the dog/breed. And 80% of them are not clear on why they are breeding certain bitch with certain sire. what are they trying to achieve or trying to improve in the breed and why.
Recently some one wanted to buy one of my male puppies for breeding and they said they have 3 females and when they arrived I found out that they know nothing about the breed or breeding.

I personally think that you should show a puppy whom you bred in  your breeding program or if you bought him as a puppy and wanted to show your puppy. Now a days showing is so political. People buy dogs that are rated V ... in BSZS and then they show in their regional shows. What is the point except that you want to get a V1 for him ? The dog is already V rated in German Seiger Show.

So breeding should be only to improve the breed in certain aspects. And then show the improvement by showing the best puppy from the litter. You are right. Only puppy mills make money because they dont feed good food, no vet care, nothing so all the money involved is saved and they still sell the puppies and make the money.

Thanks

(In a George W. Bush voice) "Cause I'm American! It's my right."

A better question might be to ask why do you breed when there are already thousands of homeless German Shepherds in animal shelters and rescues looking to be adopted? Are you so naive to think the problem is the other breeders and not you?

 Don C:  "Cause I'm American! It's my right." Sad but true......unfortunately, too much emphasis on "rights" and not enough often on "responsibility". 

Triodegirl: Right on!

Genetics? One can study genetics in many ways, including books and computer programs etc.

Well now, this is a very touchy subject, fraught with all kinds of mischief for those who might dig into it.

dig...dig....

I breed when I need a dog or when I can make a intresting breeding that I,ve seen real intrest in from others. I want a male from my Axel so I am looking to do a breeding I have several people intrested in the litter that is planned and I will after I pick the male (or males) i,ll be keeping have the others placed in working or good homes. Most will be placed with out charge.

If for some reason there are more then homes available they will live there lives happy and healthy with my wife and I.