Breeding a dog is a significant decision that carries substantial ethical and practical responsibilities. Before embarking on this journey, it’s crucial to understand the multifaceted implications, from the commitment to quality and cost to the potential emotional toll and humane considerations. This guide, adapted from insights by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM, aims to provide a comprehensive overview for prospective dog breeders.
The Realities of Dog Breeding
Quality Over Pedigree
It’s a common misconception that AKC registration guarantees the quality of a dog. In reality, most dogs, even purebreds, are not suitable for breeding. Many possess undetected structural, personality, or health defects that should not be passed on. Responsible breeding requires a commitment to improving the breed, which means breeding only animals that have been thoroughly evaluated and proven free from such defects. Creating a life means accepting the responsibility for that life, regardless of its health or temperament.
The Financial Investment
Contrary to popular belief, breeding dogs correctly is rarely a profitable endeavor. The costs associated with responsible breeding are substantial and must be accounted for before any puppies are born. These expenses include veterinary care, vaccinations, diagnostics for potential problems, quality food, proper facilities, stud fees, and advertising. Unexpected complications, such as emergency C-sections or intensive care for sick puppies, can quickly turn a breakeven litter into a significant financial burden. If the goal is simply to obtain a dog with specific desirable traits, purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder or adopting a rescue dog is often a more cost-effective and ethical choice.
Navigating Sales and Finding Buyers
First-time breeders often face the challenge of establishing a reputation and building trust with potential buyers. Promises of “I want a dog just like yours” can easily dissolve, leaving breeders with the responsibility of caring for unsold puppies for extended periods. Responsible breeders must consider the long-term commitment, including the potential need to care for puppies that may not find homes until they are many months old. Ethical breeders also grapple with the fate of unsold puppies, refusing to send them to pounds or sell them to unscrupulous brokers. Experienced breeders often require cash deposits in advance for a significant portion of a litter to mitigate these risks.
The Emotional Landscape of Birth and Rearing
While the joy of new life can be rewarding, the birthing process can also present unexpected challenges and emotional distress. Whelping can occur at inconvenient times, often requiring immediate veterinary intervention, especially with breeds like the Shih Tzu, where small mothers may struggle to deliver large-headed puppies. Children involved in the process may witness difficult births, see puppies with deformities, or observe the mother experiencing pain. Some mothers may not be naturally maternal, neglecting or even harming their pups. Complications like cleft palates, common in Shih Tzu, can lead to puppies that are unable to nurse, causing distress to both mother and offspring, and may necessitate euthanasia if hand-rearing is not feasible or successful.
Humane Responsibilities and Time Commitment
Addressing Pet Overpopulation
The sobering reality is that millions of unwanted dogs are euthanized in shelters each year, with many more succumbing to neglect, disease, or accidents. A significant portion of these unfortunate animals are purebreds. Breeders bear a profound responsibility for every life they bring into the world. This includes diligently screening potential buyers to ensure puppies go to safe, loving homes. Ethical breeders consider the puppy’s lifelong well-being, refusing sales to those who would subject the animal to a life of neglect, confinement, or abuse. Furthermore, a responsible breeder is prepared to take back a dog if its owners can no longer care for it, preventing it from entering the shelter system.
The Demanding Schedule of Raising a Litter
Raising a litter of puppies is an incredibly time-intensive undertaking, often requiring well over 130 hours of labor per litter. This translates to more than two hours of dedicated care each day, every day. The mother dog requires constant supervision during whelping and for the initial days afterward. Puppies need daily checking, weighing, feeding, and socialization. This commitment often necessitates taking time off work and enduring sleepless nights. As puppies grow, grooming, training, and continuous cleaning of the whelping area add to the workload. In cases of illness or if the mother cannot adequately care for her pups, the time commitment can easily double, particularly if young Shih Tzu puppies require round-the-clock bottle-feeding.
Breeding Males: A Shared Responsibility
Owners of male dogs also share the responsibility of preventing overpopulation and ensuring genetic quality. Breeding should only be considered for dogs of good quality that have been tested for hereditary health problems. If a male has not proven his quality in the show ring, it is unlikely that owners of high-quality females will seek him out for stud services. Responsible male dog owners must screen potential suitors to ensure the female is of good quality and that her owners are knowledgeable and responsible. It’s also important to be aware that a male dog, once bred, may exhibit territorial behaviors, such as marking, which could extend to indoor furnishings.
For those considering breeding their Shih Tzu, the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) offers resources to help evaluate a dog’s quality through their ASTC Breeder Referral Service. Familiarizing yourself with the breed standard is essential, as this document outlines the ideal characteristics that should be the goal of any responsible breeding program.
Ultimately, the decision to breed a dog should be made with a full understanding of the commitment involved, prioritizing the health, well-being, and future of every animal.