Telling a friend about breeding

Mac67 · #1 30th September 2003, 02:12 PM

I know the general opinion here about your average Joe deciding to breed his or her "wonderful" doggy. And for the most part I agree with it. What I don't know is how to tell a person I like but don't know too well about the "evils" of irresponsible breeding. I am not a very tactful person and don't want to offend or hurt their feelings, but I do want to make sure they know whats what. Thanks

Kimber & Mac · #2 30th September 2003, 02:17 PM

that's a tough situation, and I don't know how I would handle it. I am sure someone will have more advice. But how about showing them something like this http://www.boxerworld.com/puppy/breeding/

Did that work?

Anyway, show the person that information, as well as some ofyour states stas on euthanasia of pets.

Maybe that will help?
Kimberly

JulieM · #3 30th September 2003, 02:20 PM

I would definitely point them in the direction of some websites or articles about breeding - just as a "thought you might find these helpful" kind of thing. You could also go the "wow, you're brave" route and talk about how you'd never risk your dog's life just to have puppies, or how you just don't have the money to do the health testing, much less the thousands in the bank in case something goes wrong.

diego's heart · #4 30th September 2003, 05:53 PM

Oh Debbie, you're too much

!

kassa · #5 1st October 2003, 03:00 PM

I've got several approaches when this comes up. I lost my foundation bitch in a c-section, so I'm full of useful unpleasant info

1) If they're motivated by the profit motive, explain that they could end up with a c-section vet bill that in my area, anyway, is about $1,000. You get to pay for whatever veterinary care they've provided whether she makes it or not. Then handrearing puppies if the bitch dies or can't feed them. Taking a couple of weeks off work on short notice and working shorter hours or hiring/drafting substitute caretakers isn't possible for most people. (They need to be fed every 3-4 hours -- my litter of 9 took 2 hours to feed. You can do the math!) Basic puppy veterinary care (first shots, etc.) will run you $30-50/puppy. And they eat a lot (and poop a lot eventually) - if you're "lucky" enough to have 10-12 puppies that's a lot of food to buy and poop to scoop... and homes to find.

2) If they're motivated by the "we love our girl and want babies from her" fantasy -- tell them she can die. It's a longshot, but it doesn't matter what the odds are when you're the one the odds hit. I ask people to ask themselves straight out -- "Would I trade this girl here for a handful of puppies, no questions asked?" Because that's the trade I made and even as I bottle fed those babies I would have given them all back in a second to have her back.

If I had done the breeding for $ or sentimental reasons I never would have forgiven myself.

Kathryn Saxon
Daisax Boxers

Vela · #6 1st October 2003, 03:11 PM

I sure am glad there are those of you out there willing to go through the trouble of breeding boxer babies for us to love because I sure never want to go there. Both of mine are fixed and I intend every other one of mine to be fixed as well. You guys put out so much money and heartache when things go wrong I could never deal with that kind of stuff.

Kimber & Mac · #7 1st October 2003, 03:29 PM

You know it is funny. I had had this fantasy of "one day" getting a show boxer, and one day breeding her. well, the more I read about it...the less I think that will ever be something I will do. Those of you who do it, who can handle it, that is wonderful! For me...nah.
Kimberly (and the puppy I almost didn't neuter, before I knew better...Mac)

Kimber & Mac · #8 4th October 2003, 08:24 PM

Yeah, I knew nothing...NOTHING when I got Mac, and Daniel and I went through the whole "should we neuter him, he is so sweet" thing. Then I found boxerworld, and realized I really am glad I neutered Mac, both for his health and for all the puppies out there. But I thought...well, one day I will get a dog I can breed. Now I have read to much even for that. I mean, I have no problem with it, but honestly, I don't want to deal with it. I can't imagine losing a dog I loved. (I know I will one day, but I wouldn't want to risk it for pups

And if I change my mind, it will be a LONG time from now, and after I know a LOT more than I do, and have gotten a TON of advice from breeders!

Very glad I found all you guys!
Kimberly