Breeding question
Today she went to he vet for her hearworm check, I give it to the dogs all year long. When the vet asked if I ever considered breeding her I told him about all the other people asking. He said he has some other clients who have collies with great blood lines like hers that he would gladly recommend me to. She is three and has never had a litter but I also have never had her spayed because something in me always thought I would like her to have puppies. Anyway, since I have people who positively want puppies including the vet, i pose the question how are is this to do? Am I crazy for thinking about this. I should have asked the vet but she is a blue merel and I would want blue puppies how do I accomplish that. Lastly how do you think Phoebe will be with puppies running around. |
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| Sounds like you have a ton of research to do before you even consider it. You should have the answers to all your questions before you decide to breed. You should contact your breeder to ask him or her for copies of their dogs health certification results, pedigrees as far back as they can go etc...
You will need to research your own breed, and dogs in general. You will need to learn the dangers of breeding a merle if you don't have complete background information on both the dam and sire (there are hereditary issues relating specifically to collies, and also specifically to merles) And of course, once you know your stuff, you will have to have your dog CERF'd and OFA'd at the very least, along with other recommended health tests. (the vet saying she's in great shape is not enough) |
| Help!!!
What kind of health certification do I need? I pulled Annie's papers and I do have a health certificate, eye certification Is this what I should ask for? I also have her pedigree going back about 10 generations. Where do I begin looking for breeding problems with Blue Merels? Does my vet CERF her? Boy this is a lot of work |
| I echo the above as well as encouraging you to do an estimate of the cost of having a litter of pups. Even if the pups were world-class you could expect to lose a lot of money on the entire process because of vet bills, whelping supplies, etc. Add to this the time you'll be spending before and after birth with the stresses that will come between then and now and there is a lot to consider. Ultimately the decision is in your hands, but there is a lot of research left before it can be made.
Quote: Am I crazy for thinking about this.
Oh - and after seeing 9 OES puppies at 8 weeks running around like mad terrors, you might be a little crazy!   |
| P.S.
Two good sites to go to: http://www.offa.org/ http://www.vmdb.org/history.html Hope they give you some helpful tips. . . |
| Well I just spoke with the breeder what a wonderful lady. She is mailing me all the copies paperwork, heath certificates and certifications for four generations.
I have a eye certificate for Annie and health certificate. I plan on calling the vet tomorrow (yes my vet works on Sunday's) and finding out everything I need to get tested before I do this. Time will be coming close she should go into season in about a month. Remember I don't care if these are show dog quality, as long as they are healthy and have the same temperment as Annie and I know everyone that is asking for puppies would be happy if they turned out that way. These people are very close friends and neighbors. They are not going to show they want calm family dogs. Not meaning to sound bad but no one has asked for a Phoebe pup I think I am the only one crazy about her. The part that is really bothering me is giving up the puppies. I know I don't want another dog if I did I would most likely get another Phoebe but I don't know if I could give away or sell the puppies. I am really bad about that. Every lost animal ends up at my house and usually stays including a snake and lizard the kids brought home. And the cat my daughter brought home that we had to feed every hour for days. Does it break your heart to see the puppies leave? |
| Hi,
I can't speak for puppies as all my pets are spayed and neutered but I have fostered for the SPCA. I'm horrible at it as I tend to adopt all those that come through my home. It's so hard to give them up and I couldn't imagine having them from birth. Dunno how breeders do it truthfully as I would screen everyone ruthlessly and probably in the end wouldn't be able to part with a single pup. Nope, not feasible for me! 
Given an opportunity to have bred a dog I would have had to bypass...I guess in some ways it's a bit difficult as a breeder you have to be able to take the pup back at any time of it's life. Whether they are 3 months or 5 years old , if you are a responsible breeder you are responsible for those pups for the rest of their lives. The people whom have wanted some of your pups may be wonderful people but please make sure they would be wonderful pet owners. There's a difference. If you are not interested in show then you must make them sign a contract that their pet would be spayed and neutered as well. Now lets say in five years one of those couples breaks up and neither can take the dog - as a responsible breeder you would have to take the pup back. Are you prepared to do that for the duration of their lives ? This can be for the next 10-15 years. Would you have room to accomodate any dog that comes back? What if through no fault of your own one of the pups had medical problems - would you then take it back or pay for the medical treatment? Most reputable breeders quarantee their puppies health for the first year. I hope you aren't taking offence to my post as I really want the best for you and just letting you know the obligations which you'll have. I'm not sure what kind of relationship you have with your vet. Do you believe he is honest and looking out for you or does he see the breeding of your dog as more potential business for him. Remember the test for the dame and upkeep of the pups are profitable. Egads! I really hope I have insulted you as that's not my intention but it is something again you have to ask yourself. Sometimes people are so polite they just tell you the good stuff. I hope I'm being polite but want you to go into this knowing all the possible pitfalls of breeding. Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions and even more, don't worry about perhaps leaving someone miffed at your questions (regarding who is getting a puppy) as it shows you care. I was impressed that my breeder subjected me to various interviews and tough questions to show that I would be a good parent to one of her "babies". Those that don't understand why you have to, are probably those that don't take pet ownership seriously. If you've been honest with yourself and feel this is the route you want to go - this place is the best to ask for advice for those whom have done it. Best Wishes Marianne |
| You need to ask yourself WHY? If your freinds/neighbors want a dog they can go down to the nearest pound and get one. Puppies are often available, too. Or they can check the Colllie Rescue sites for dogs that were born, and are still here, and looking for a home.
http://www.collie.net/~ashley/rescue/ There is a HUGE pet over-population problem that you will be contributing to. The bulk of the problems is because people "just have one litter". Remember that for every pet puppy born a live dog's chances of a home is reduced. I did collie rescue for a while, and it is very sad how these beautiful animals end up homeless, and confused, and passed around. Just because a dog is healthy does not mean there are no genetic problems, or that the dog should be bred. Health certificates mean the dog is healthy. It does not mean that is is clear of heriditary prolbems. You need to go to the Collie Club organsiation and find out what the problems are in the collie breed, and then test your dog for them. Yes, puppies are cute, but are you prepared to deal with people who way they want one, then change thier minds? Are you going to spay/neuter the pups before they are placed? If not, how are you going to make sure that they are spayed/neutered so that they do not continue the HUGE problem that cause dogs to be eunthanized every day? If you place a pup how are you goign to ensure that the puppy never ends up in a shelter, or homeless, or in a puppy mill as a breeding machine? It is a HUGE responsibilty having a litter, and doing it properly and responsibly leaves you responsible for the puppies for their whole lives. If you choose to bring them into this world it is up to you to make sure they are happy, healthy and well-cared for all thier lives. Do yourself and the breed and your dog a big favour, and spay her. |
| Hi Again,
I thought many of the members may be interested in finding out more about the "Merle" association with deafness. Here's an interesting site. http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/genetics.htm Marianne and the boys |
| No advise just a comment about how beautiful Phoebe and Annie are, they'r gorgeous! I have never seen a blue eyed collie before, she sure is pretty. |
| None of you have insulted me. I sincerely appreciate all of your comments, information and help. Knowledge is the best way for me to decide without your experience I will never make the correct decision. |
DTrost wrote: None of you have insulted me. I sincerely appreciate all of your comments, information and help. Knowledge is the best way for me to decide without your experience I will never make the correct decision.
If you do continue to consider going ahead with it, find out how large a collie litter normally is. Approach the people who are interested in a puppy and once you have made sure that they are a good home, get a $200 non-refundable deposit, BEFORE she is bred. Once the reality sinks in, you might be surprised by how the number of committed homes suddently reduces. |
| You will be spending alot of money on your female...the OFA test is probably the biggest, they will examine her hips and x-ray them, she will be put to sleep for that. Then it takes weeks for the results to be back.
Just remember the effort and money you will and should spend on your female, should also be spent on the male. The father is 50 % responsible for the outcome. |
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