Deciding How to Start Breeding

I am quite new at breeding but if any information changes or a correction I will correct it.

Once your decide you want to better the breed then how would you go about starting? First take a few months weeks or years if you have to, to memorize or learn the shih-tzu standard. Yes some breeders do not know the standard and just breed. This isn't the way at all. You breed to make the breed better and more closely to the standard. Once you have memorized or learn part of it keep learning it. Read as many books as you possibly can about shih-tzus or what ever breed you are interested in.

As a breeder its best to focus on one breed. Breeding 3 or 4 different breeds is a No No. You will have to focus your attention on them and their welfare. Breeds like the shih-tzu take great care. Brushing, combing, grooming etc. If you decide to breed more than one then good luck. Breeding more than one is challenging. I wouldn't if you breed 2 different breeds but breeding more than that is way too much. Gives a signal to puppy buyers who accually do research that you may be a puppy mill, very greedy about money, or a animal hoarder. I may self stay far away from breeders who breed 3 plus different type of dogs. 9 Times out of 10 The puppies they sell aren't in very good condition. In rare cases you will find breeders who actually do breed more than one and take care of all of their pups.

Once your decide on a breed now its time for your to find your male and female. If you find a male make sure that male has champions in his bloodline. Registration also matters too. No one wants a dog who isn't registered. Their are so many different types of registration. Most common here are AKC and CKC. AKC is the main one you will need to focus on more. They allow you to enter your dogs in competition. They also have a strict standard on every dog that is registered with them. CKC is very different. They will allow you to register any dog as long as you have proof that dog is what it is. I have even seen half breeds been registard with ckc. CkC also gives you alot of extras such as a ID for your pet, registering your pups isn't costly. Downside is no dog shows. Well their are dog shows but only in limited states and places. Most Dog Clubs will not accept a CKC dog. Which is a huge downside. I chose to do both AKC and CKC. Gives a huge variety.

Once you have gotten your dogs. Quickly go buy DNA tests before you even think of breeding. DNA is to make sure your pup is what it is. Some breeders can be very good lier. Sale your a pup that is mixed or has the wrong father. To make sure you as a owner of the dogs do not get in to any issues. Simply have all your males and females DNA tested.

When buying breeding stock for the first time. Its best to buy them as puppies. This why potty training will be easier along with other issues. You can also choose to buy them at older ages. This is also great since by then you can tell what the pup will look like at its adult age. With puppies you cannot tell what they will look like or how they will develop.

Once you have done all this all that is left is to net work. use twitter and find other breeders. Let them know who you are. Ask them as many questions as you can before breeding. Once your pups are 2 years go then the breeding can begin once you get a OK from your vet

Reasons to Not Breed

I am new to breeding but I have learned a lot these past few years. Breeding can be fun but can have its downsides. Sometimes you get these puppy buyers who are so inspired by you that they want to become a breeder also. Their are even some breeders who shouldn't even call them selves breeders. Their are a lot of reasons people shouldn't breed. I am going to name a few. If your reason for breeding is on this list. Please rethink what your goals are and breeding period. Breeding should only be considered if you want to improve the bloodlines and the breed. Not for pleasure or fun. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't breed.

1 I think my dogs are of great quality and should be bred.
Then no you should not breed. Just because you think your dogs are quality doesn't mean they can be bred. Call your breeder and ask them if the pup you have is of breeding quality. Sometimes a breeder may say yes but please take your dog to your local vet and ask them also. If 1 of them says no. Do not breed them at all. Their is no reason for you to do it and it could cause your dog problems and issues in the long run.

2 I need a hobby to get in to and something to do

 Please do not breed. yes it is a great hobby and it takes time and commitment. If out of no where you decide you don't want to do it anymore then what happens to the dogs? Will you give them to the local shelter and add to the dogs needing homes? If you are looking for a hobby try doing dog shows first. That is a hobby that doesn't require a male and female dog to do. Doing it just because you want something to do isn't a good reason. Its just like saying making a baby or having one sounds like a good hobby. No it is not. Too many pups are born in this world just for you to use it as something to do.

3 I need money and a job. Breeding sounds like a good piece of income to me.
If that is your Best reason. No breeding isn't a big source of income. It takes time and commitment to do. You will have to market, publish ads, feed the dogs a well balanced diet, purchase new breeding stock once your stock isn't breed able, DNA every male and female you have, Register all of your pups, Take all of them to the vet, along with taking them to the emergency room if needed. Sometimes during labor things could happen to make your female have a C-section. This cost oodles of money. Do not think breeding is a source of income. Until you get buyers and become a well known breeder, Income will not happen. Even then as a well known breeder. Your pocket money will go right back in to the dogs.

4 My breeder said my dog isn't breed able, but I am going to do it anyway.
Do it at your own risk. Breeding is like art. Not all dogs can be bred. Not all dogs should be bred. and for that matter not all dogs can breed. Listen to your breeders. They know best. If they tell you the pup is breed able. Double check by taking it to the vets.

As more questions roll in I will put more and new answers. These are some of the questions that i have heard or have been emailed about recently. Some of these have been said from people at the store! Please do your homework. Learn about the breed before doing anything.