- Difficult to know genetic temperaments: Professional dog breeding requires knowledge. It’s not something one should enter into blind. Good and reputable breeders should have a sound understanding of genetics. It’s one’s responsibility to improve a breeding line with each generation. Certainly, there’s the ability to change certain traits and eradicate diseases so the next generation can live a healthier life. However, this requires a deep understanding of the health of the breed and the ability to select an appropriate mate.
- Potential for high risk of deliveries.
- Time investment: Dog breeding can be an all-consuming profession. After all, it’s not just the mating, the feeding and the nurturing. Most professional breeders are active members of breed clubs and dedicated to doing the best they can for the breed. This might mean spending time doing dog agility training, obedience classes and socialising puppies.
- Honesty and standards: If you’re breeding to improve you need to be able to recognise and accept your dog’s flaws. You also need to recognise your breed standard.
- Hard to predict adult size.
- Sharing your home with a litter of pups; okay, so this might sound like fun but it’s true that many dog breeders raise litters in their own home. This can be messy, not to mention noisy!
- Still a strong chance for congenital health issues.
- Cost: Dog breeding has a financial cost attached to it. There are health tests, genetic screenings and veterinary checks, food, bedding and cleaning supplies. There’s also equipment, such as a whelping pen and hot water bottles. Plus, if anything should go wrong, you could face a large veterinary bill.
By Sanjana