When is too many? - Page 2

Three more questions you need to ask yourself, IkenEnzo, before you obtain a GSD bitch and start breeding: 

1. Are your dogs breeding quality in comparison to the breed standard, as determined by  neutral experts (i.e., conformation judges, working trial judges) in the matter?

2. Have the dogs been checked, tested and found to be clear of all health issues that can presently be evaluated (hips/elbows/heart/thyroid/spine/degenerative myelopathy/pancreatic function/eyes)?

3. Are you prepared and able to keep any--or all--of the pups produced by your annual litters if you aren't able to find appropriate *permanent* homes for them, and are you prepared and able to take back a pup from your litters at any time (even when it's ten years old), for any reason?

IMO, if you can't answer "yes" to all three of these, then you really shouldn't even consider starting to breed dogs. Take a look at the number of perfectly nice German Shepherds that are in need of homes on Petfinder.com--there are already far too many of them, and a large percentage will see their lives end either in a no-kill refuge with very limited human interaction, or at the end of a syringe full of euthanasia solution.  I'm of a mind that there are too many people breeding dogs already.

Thank you for all of the good advice!

One piece of advice before breeding...Breed for a certain purpose and goal...Meaning breeding for Show...or some sorta Work...like Police Work...Schutzhund (sport)...SAR...etc...

Also be sure you're able to KEEP the puppies that you don't sell or place...So be careful and not get overwhelmed...

~Bob~

Hello Alyssa,  Are all your dogs male, and are all 'entire'?  I would suggest you think very carefully, because having a female in Season and even just one entire male would not really be fair (once a year) - the boy would be a little frustrated.  More than one male (and could create competition and unrest between them).  Also, although I am not a Breeder, I have the impression that it is not ideal for the bitch every year to breed, surely this would deplete her.

Things to carefully consider, before changing the dynamics of your current happy family/pack.


Kind Regards,
Vixen

My older male is altered. My young male is not.

SSDD.

  
     I know there are a lot of dogs who need homes, dogs that are in shelter and who are in bad situations. I am taking important steps to insure that my dogs are breeding quality and free of genetic disease, or any disease for that matter. Of Course I will be sure they go to homes that can care for them properly,and make sure the new owners understand what they are getting into when they bring a new pup into there home. I do not plan on becoming a huge breeding facility or anything. I am doing it simply because I love the breed of dog. My dogs do have excellent breeding quality, I am familiar with both of the parents linage and quality. I am a vet tech and my animals are very healthy, and will insure the health of every pup. there are a lot of small , hobby breeders that breed because they love the breed of dog they own. I love training GSD's and we have a very busy outdoors lifestyle and the dogs go along with us (beach,boat,hiking,camping) so they are exercised daily.  I just wanted advice on like housing the dogs, I have a huge yard, and the are exercised daily on the beach or at training classes. I just put up a huge outdoor dog pen, it has a covered A frame top, very nice quality. And I do have kennels that can be placed in our home. Right now all of our dogs get along wonderfully. Thank you for all of the advice, it was very helpful! Have a wonderful day!

Alyssa

 "well on the bright side 3 gsds should take care of the bengal cat problem. LOL GSDS are like Lays potatoe chips you can't have just one!" LOL my thoughts exactly. I have 3 GSDs (2 males, 1 female).

Considering all the advice you've already had, I'd suggest you stud out your male if he's of good enough quality. This way you don't upset the balance in your own home.

I am now having to rehome my longdog because she is causing major problems with one of my males and female GSD.

Also, please remember that a dog that has been neutered isn't necessarily going to leave an in-season bitch alone. Both my bitches, when in season, have been "mated" for want of a better term by my oldest male who is nearly 4 years old and who was neutered at 7 months old. Of course there will be no pups but it won't necessarily stop the competition between 2 males. fortunately, my younger male is either gay or just doesn't have a clue what he's supposed to do. So no problems between the 2 boys if one of the girls is in season.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thank you.  :)