Not for the faint of heart

Behind every well bred pup is a breeder who spent countless hours planning,
raising and loving them. 

Behind every well bred pup is a breeder who spent countless hours of their time talking to and screening potential new homes, that will love the pup as much as they do. 

Behind every well bred pup is a breeder who feeds them the best food, has DNA tested and OFA screened parents, offers a health guarantee and commitment to future support for that pup- regardless of how old they are. 

Behind every well bred pup, there is endless pedigree research-hoping to pinpoint genetic risks that can not be tested for, time and money spent proving a dog(s), and countless hours of effort-to make a breeding happen, training and socializing pups. That time and effort is part of what "makes" a well bred puppy. 

Behind every well bred pup, is the person who held them on their first breath and 

will love each of them forever. 

Behind every well bred pup is years of experience.

~~~

So, why write this? I generally feel no need to share or justify every decision about my dogs, and don't broadcast my every move and private life-especially in terms of blasting social media. There is TMI on the internet as it is. What I am finding is that by keeping a low profile and being very picky about homes and not "marketing" like some, some interpret a more private life as a negative-something is being kept from them. Huh???? 

Starting a conversation with someone more directly is where information is shared.  Nothing to hide, lots to say and here forever to share in the ups and downs of raising a pup, to celebrate successes and work through issues as support, if allowed to be. That is what is behind every well bred pup. 

So why in your right mind would you (I) want to be a breeder? Because maybe you focus on certain training/instincts/traits and feel you have something to offer as an advocate for your chosen breed. There is a continuing of heritage and preservation of genetics and traits, that comes with being a responsible breeder. If you are raising a litter to pick your next prospect like I do, all the love and work is totally worth it. 

The positive side of being a breeder is meeting new people and making other people happy- everyone loves pups and for some who look forward to specific activities/work/sports etc., hopefully one of my pups will be a good fit for them and fulfill their dreams. 

The not as positive side is when it turns out someone is having troubles with a pup, or someone mis-remembers agreed terms, or a pup needs to come back from their chosen home. Things happen and working towards a resolution is part of  life, hopefully avoiding gossip, hurt feelings and unnecessary drama along the way. But, even why you try..no breeder is "perfect" in everyone's eyes. 

Being responsible for your pups is part of being a breeder. A well bred pup is not the one taking up space at a shelter or rescue, unless they were from an irresponsible breeder. This goes for a purebred pup and sport-bred mixes. While I foster and support rescue in other ways too, I also don't feel the need to wear that like a badge. I was raised to always give back. It is the right thing to do, if you love dogs (& cats). 

There are lots of "price of a well bred puppy" posts around-I don't add it up on purpose. MY dogs are pretty much PRICELESS to me, even as I stuff my wallet with receipts for premium food, Vet care, training/trialing, health clearances, etc.  After paying "2" stud fees on one recent litter and spending time over Many months and even boarding at my home, to help prove an outside male who was a bit clueless about it all-the expenses to breed a litter are not always apparent to those outside of a situation. There are standard fees that go with any breeding, raising a litter is not Free. Whatever may be left over from a litter, always goes to the next generation. 

I don't raise multiple litters a year for that reason-it's a lot of work just finding the right fit for a pup and many many hours of screening multiple people to decide on homes. Let alone all the work and time that leads up to a pup going home. I know others do have multiple litters per year, but that is their choice. 

Except for...the puppy millers and Designer pet dog breeders who charge way more than a responsible breeder normally will for a well-bred pup. Often with zero health clearances and pups are raised in awful conditions, or with little care and socialization-they give responsible breeders a bad name. There are also High Volume BC breeders (as per ABCA website) and "sporter collie" millers-some that may do health testing, some may actually work their dogs, but not sure many are any better than the above. 

I have one maybe two litters a year and sometimes skip a year or two or more. My old girls still get training or daily fun and stay, so only so much room at the "inn". I owe that to them as they are never "just a uterus" to me. No one who has not raised a litter (well) can really understand how much effort it takes. 

At the end of the day, I may be totally exhausted but the little faces looking back at me make it all worthwhile. And like earlier this week, taking one of my young dogs into a new competition setting and seeing her not only step up, but shine-my heart bursts knowing I worked hard to get to that point. 

Any questions about my dogs? Just ask.