Consider These Drawbacks Before You Decide to Breed Your Dog

If you have a female dog, particularly a thoroughbred, you might be tempted to breed from her. This can come with several fantastic benefits; you get to see your dog become a mother and play with new puppies, and the whole process can be extremely rewarding. However, while many people do enjoy breeding their dogs, there are several drawbacks that owners can sometimes fail to consider.

Before you make your decision to breed your dog, make sure you carefully consider the following points.

Breeding Can Be Expensive

If you've purchased a thoroughbred puppy, you'll know just how expensive they can be. Popular breeds can command well into the $1000-or-more range, so some people think they will make some money from breeding.

Unfortunately, it can be incredibly hard to even break even unless you're breeding professionally. Firstly, you'll need to pay for the services of a stud, and that cost can run high for popular breeds. You'll then need to consider vet bills, both for your dog and their puppies, as well as the food, toys, and other items needed for each pup. This is something to do for love, not for profit.

Breeding Is Time Consuming

Time is another cost that people who have never dealt with a pregnant dog and the subsequent puppies tend to underestimate. As well as additional visits to the vet to check that everything is progressing smoothly, you may have to stay up at night to comfort your dog during labour, and then you'll have to deal with the needs of a litter of puppies for the first few weeks of their lives. Even then, you'll need to schedule visits with potential owners.

Saying Goodbye to Puppies Is Hard

There are very few things as endearing as a new-born puppy. They'll snuggle into your warmth before they've even had a chance to open their eyes, and they can bond with you very quickly. Even if you know you can't keep them, it can be very upsetting to see them go. You need to ask yourself if you'll really be able to cope with this.

Unspayed Bitches Risk Health Issues

Finally, breeding does place a burden on your dog's health. For example, difficult birth can result in problems with the pelvic canal, especially with large-headed breeds. Even while not carrying a litter, dogs that have not been spayed will be at greater risk of certain serious health issues. Ovarian cysts are more likely to occur in dogs that have not been spayed, as are ovarian tumours.

Breeding can be a joy, but it isn't for everybody. If the points above have made you rethink your plans to breed, it's best to have your dog spayed to prevent health complications.


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