TOP TIPS from breeders - Page 3

Have a LOT of disposible income. You're going to need it for the first few years till you figure out what you're doing wrong.

SS

I've got to say that this is a great thread.  I'm often asked why I don't breed and how does someone get started.  This thread actually brought up many points that I never considered.   A big plus is that it gives me more knowledge and more information that I can pass on to folks that are considering breeding.

It, also, reminded me why I have no desire to become a breeder (although I do enjoy following the trials and rewards of several friends that do breed and are actually good at it!).

Melissa

just curious as to what would be your reason to breed.hopefully it is not to improve the breed because there are enough people doing that and we already have enough good dogs out there.lets try to breed some good trainers and handlers instead that would help the breed alot.thanks and good luck with whatever you decide to do.

HEld:  Thats the smartest suggestion yet,,,,,,,,,,,

Inculcate a scientific mindset and reject superstition, "faith" & belief based upon association.

Learn to form your opinion based upon demonstable evidence and repeatable results - rather than word of mouth

Understand that if something can't be tested to determine if it's FALSE- then it can not be held to be true.

("Assertions made without evidence, may be dismissed without evidence"  - Christopher Hitchens)

Be skeptical of the "big wigs" in the dog game.

Be always re-evaluating your beliefs based upon incoming data and distrust anyone who never changes their opinion.

Avoid self denial as much as is humanly possible by always insisting that your opinions aren't merely reflections of wish fulfillment or the desire to self aggrandize.

Be generous to those you deal with with whom you have the upper hand and stand up for your own welfare aggressively when dealing with those who have more 'power' than you.

Try to think and  speak original thoughts.

NEVER jump in and help a crowd attack an individual. (You'll be surprised how often you're presented with this moral dilemma.)

My opinion, of course.

Best current evidence is that 65% of the producing ability comes from the bitch. Make sure you do a lot of research and buy a completely vetted bitch, or if you bred one, make sure you vet her completely and do not breed her before 2-1/2 years old, (best at 3 with breed survey and titles if possible--KK1 or equivalent as judged by a recognized breed expert).  Here are the following tests that should be done and normal range before contemplating breeding:  

1- hip and elbow xrays at 2 years old, reviewed by vet specializing in radiology or OFA or SV participating vet.  Use only super clean elbows (A1 or OFA normal only elbows and A1 or  OFA fair or better hips at 2 years old).                                       2- TLI for ruling out sub-clinical Exocrine Panceatic Deficiency                                                                                                            3-Thyroid screening profile (low thyroid-hypothyroidism- is a big problems in GSDs)                                                                    4- free bleeding assay profile (von Wildebrands, hemophilia and free-bleeding are known problems in the breed)               5- complete blood chemistry profile (30 channel) and EKG for abnormal electrical activity in the heart (abnormal conductance issues), and an experienced  vet to check for aortic arch stenosis                                                                              6- DNA tests for positive identification and for being a carrier of the long coat factor

Then do a screening Xray the hips of every puppy at 8-12 weeks old. TLI test every one for EPI.  Any puppies that ever aspirated milk or had problems vomiting need a barium swallow for mega-esophagus or esophagul echlasia.  Have a very experienced vet listen carefully for even mild aortic arch blood flow sounds (stenosis). Find the best stud you can (breed surveyed) and a proven producer of health, temperament, looks and longevity (not necessarily the biggest winner).     Plan on saving up a lot of mone because many things can go wrong.  Could need a caesarean surgery, might need to learn how to tube feed puppies for 4 weeks or find surrogate dam with milk. Every puppy could become sick and need treatment.  Mother could develop mastitis and "bad milk".  Learn everyth

read everything Tom Horner wrote and your halfway there

its NOT about the benjimans, if it is for you leave now and never come back. a bit harsh i know, theres a big difference between personal satisfaction and personal gain. money is the last thing you should be thinking about if you are seriously thinking about breading!  Talk to people in the industry, do your research, can you handle the hours,the pressure,the heartache and offloading of cash? theres a lot of joy to be had from breading but only if your doing it for the right reasons! this industry dosnt need FARMERS or LIFEWASTERS. love not money makes the world go round.

"love not money makes the world go round."----incubus22

What world do you live in?  I think you and Sir Paul McCartney smoked the same bag!  I wish this were a true statement, but it is not.  Although Paul wrote the catchy tune "All you need is love", right now he is in a battle to save his money, not his love/marraige. 

Why is it that when economies go into a recession, the divorce rate rises? 

Maybe it is the Love of Money that makes the world go round.