Have you ever thought about breeding your dog? Have you
thought how great it would be to have a litter of little ones running around? Do you believe that your dog "needs" to have a litter of pups before being spayed? Do you believe your kids need to see the "miracle of life"? If you have answered 'yes' to any of these questions you need to read this article.
Breeding Background
Humans have been breeding dogs for centuries. We have
created all of today's purebred breeds by systematically selecting and breeding dogs with desired traits. Breeding has a long and rich history and if done correctly by qualified and knowledgeable breeders can create wonderful dogs. Reputable breeders do years of research and tests on all of their breeding stock to ensure genetic deficiencies are not passed along
to the next generation.
Myths about Breeding
Breeding should first and foremost be done to further a
breed. It should NEVER be done to make money. In fact, if done properly most breeders do not make much, if any, at all. With all of the vet bills for proper testing, immunization and heaven forbid an emergency surgery should something go wrong during delivery they may even lose money. If you are thinking about breeding your dog to make a quick buck, think again.
If you are considering breeding because you believe your
children need to experience this miracle for themselves, you should consider what you will tell them if something goes tragically wrong and their beloved pet dies during delivery or the puppies are stillborn. There are many breeds
including the Chihuahua, Boston Terrier and many other breeds that require a c-section to deliver their pups.
If you are considering breeding because you believe your dog needs to have a litter of pups before being spayed you should reconsider. In fact female dogs who are spayed prior to having their first heat have less than a 1% chance of developing mammary cancer. Their risk increases to 8% after one heat and 26% after two heats. Spaying your dog will not only help control overpopulation but could also save her life.
For more information about common myths visit the United States Humane Society:
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/spay_neuter_myths_facts.html
Pet Overpopulation
Did you know that according to the United States Humane Society over 8 million pets enter shelters each year? Of these maybe half find loving homes the other have are euthanized. Approximately 4 million cats and dogs are
euthanized every year which is approximately one every 8 seconds. The only way to help control this overpopulation is to spay and neuter our pets.
You may think that your dog will never contribute to this but the truth is it happens more than you think. If your dog gets loose and finds that female in heat down the street or a male dog finds his way into your yard you could now be looking at a litter of puppies in a couple of months. Finding loving homes for these dogs is now your responsibility and you have no way of guaranteeing that one of your dog's pups will never end up in a shelter. If you do not plan on breeding your dog, please spay or neuter them.
Quick Stats
- Over 6-8 million pets enter shelters every year
- Over 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year (1 every 8 seconds)
- Over 25% of all dogs in shelters are purebreds
- Spaying & Neutering is the only 100% effective way to control the overpopulation
What Can I Do?
- Spay & Neuter your pets
- Help spread the word - http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/
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