When can our dog have puppies? (and how much will it cost?!)

straws

Our dog is 1 year old and has just started her 2nd season. We want her to have puppies (well, my OH does more than me), but I think she might be a bit young? I'm also a bit concerned about the cost - does anyone know what's involved? We're not looking to make much money from selling them, but I don't want to be out of pocket either.
Sorry if this is the wrong place, but I consider her to be part of the family! Perhaps there should be a pets board?

fabianne

I was told the 3rd season is the best for a 1st litter of pups.I have no idea what the costs would be-although there will be vet's fee's involved for the care of the mother and the pups would need their 1st vaccinations and be checked over.
I am sure EVERYONE "know's what is involved" (chuckle)

beachbeth

Dogs really need to be 2 and over to have puppies. If you breed before this age there is more likelihood that she will need a cesearian (sp?) which is quite costly. It depends on the breed as to how much it will cost and whether the male is a Kennel Club show champion or just a run-of-the-mill dog with no papers.

straws

She is a Patterdale terrier and we have found a pedigree Lakeland to 'do the business'! She has a lovely temperament and is very pretty and we already have several takers for her pups, but I think I will try to persuade OH to wait a bit.

Eels100

B itches shouldn't be mated before they are about 2 years old. A dog of that breed is likely to have a litter of 4-7 puppies (but remember, it's not unknown for a litter to be well into double figures!). The b itch and pups will need to be wormed regularly and you must be financially prepared for cost running into several hundred pounds in the event of birth problems, or concerns regarding the health of the puppies. Do not forget that caesarian sections, while often straightforward, are a major act of surgery and will involve noteworthy risk to the b itch. The owner of the sire will expect either pick of the litter or the value of one pup. Remember, the puppies you are breeding are not pedigree so it may not be easy to find homes for them - I'd recommend you ensure you have homes waiting before the b itch is even lined. These pups will be your responsibility from birth, and you must not only be prepared to devote several weeks of your life to spend 24 hours a day hand-rearing the litter if there is a problem with the b itch, but also to take pups back should there be difficulties at any stage of their lives. Most reputable breeders have a contract with puppy purchasers with a section specifying that pups must be returned to them if the owner cannot keep them for any reason.

Not something I think should be entered into lightly (although far too many people do) so well done for asking first. Next stop is a visit to your vet for specific worming advice and a health check.

jellycat40

eels you are going on a bit. I expect the op has taken many of these considerations to heart already.

She has said she is not in it to make loads of money. She already has a sire lined up so will already Know the cost of this.

I am planning to let my Shih Tzu have pups next year as it is something I have always wanted to do. If I cannot sell the pups (although I am fairly confident that demand outstrips the availability) then I will have to keep them!!! That would be a shame (not).

Louise

hayleyc_2

Have a look on https://www.justonelitter.com before you think about having a litter of puppies. Breeding dogs responsibly is very expensive and you must give life-time support to ensure 'your' puppies have a happy and healthy life forever. Eg taking them back if necessary and working through behavioural problems. There are also all the vets fees, risks of complications and all sorts off added extras like having to take time off work to look after them etc. There are thousands of needy dogs in rescue centres all over the country because irresponsible people have decided to breed from their dog without proper knowledge and to try and make money. You'd be much better off spaying your dog and if you want another dog, go to a rescue rather than breeding.

Why breed or buy when others die?

Regards

Hayley

Visit https://www.dogpages.co.uk for info on uk dog rescue and why breeding should not be entered into lightly.

miemie

Could'nt agree more Eels, just sold our last pedigree labrador pup last week.Also want to point out how time consuming it is, i swear having children is easier, this was our dogs 3rd and final litter she is 7 now and had her first litter aged 3, kept a pup from this litter so in 3 years time will be starting all over again (must be mad).

Please do not breed from your dog yet it really isnt worth the damage you could do to her hips or putting her through a section, wait until she is at least 2, if your still not sure ring your local vets and speak to them there not going to charge you for good advice

fabianne

I have a 9 month old Weimaraner and just know that if she ever had pups,they would be so gorgeous I could not part with any of them and would have to keep the whole litter! (Am a softie!)
So,when the time is right she will be 'done' for this any many other reasons.
Good luck with making your decision xx

WeirdoMagnet

Eels makes some excellent points. I'd also add that anyone wanting to breed their dog should be well aware of the breed standard required, but you are making a conscious decision to produce crossbreeds/mongrels, which surprises and shocks me. :huh: You should also ensure that both parents are tested for any genetic conditions and also ensure that both parents (you only mention the b!tch) are of excellent temperament.

Like Eels mentions, you should be prepared to offer lifetime backup to the dogs you produce, and also homecheck the homes you are selling to, to ensure that they are suitable ie not full time workers, properly fenced gardens, and are fully prepared for a puppy!

There is no scientific reason for a b!tch to have 'just one litter' - in fact spaying/neutering your pet has proven health benefits.

There are over 8,000 unwanted, homeless dogs euthanased each year according to official figures, and we can be pretty sure that there are many more destroyed by unofficial sources, in a less humane manner. There are thousands of dogs in rescue including pedigree dogs (and even Shih Tzu's, jellycat40)! Can you absolutley guarantee that your pups (or even their subsequent progeny) are not going to end up in rescue?

There are many articles all over the web regarding responsible breeding, and I'd urge you to do lots of research before you decide that it's the route to go down.

UKTigerlily

Just my opinion & no offence meant, but why are you/OH wanting to breed from her? I agree there's so many dogs in rescue homes & it'll take alot of time up, you'll have pups running around crapping everywhere!, will need to pay for worming, flea treating, vaccinating them & breeders normally offer insurance for 6 weeks, which is a good idea, you never know if any or all will have accidents/illness. Then like people have said, you need to be there for advice to new owners & to take the pup back at anytime, also what if they get passed on or treated badly? tbh i'm against breeding when there's unwanted dogs, but that is only my opinion. If you do go ahead just make sure you have alot of time & money & can cope if any die, sad but true many do. Good luck whatever you decide though!