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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not breed my bitch

118 replies

FluffyMcnuffy · 26/10/2014 19:47

I have a 6 month old bitch who is a truly lovely dog, however I feel like I'm being put under a lot of pressure to breed her (by people interested in pups, family and breed "in the know" people).

She was the only bitch in a litter of four (also one bitch in previous litter of four - mum only had two litters) and so people are keen for the "line" from the mother (winning show dog) to continue. I've been told by breed experts that she's a really good example of the breed, and crucially she does have a "squashed face" in a breed that at the moment is typically being bred to be more braceycephalic.

She is a relatively rare breed (and in this particular breed, dogs of a "good standard" are very rare. She also is really well tempered (so far) in a breed that has a reputation for being aggressive; she's a great pet for me.

If I were to breed from her then I already have a double figures waiting list for pups and even if someone were to be unable to take/keep one for whatever reason I would be able to give it a home.

But the selfish part of me doesn't want to breed her, she's my dog and I don't want to put her through unecessary pain. Am I being selfish?

OP posts:
FluffyMcnuffy · 26/10/2014 19:48

Sorry she doesn't have the squashed face which means she's less likely to develop breathing problems.

OP posts:
ILovePud · 26/10/2014 19:52

Err how is it being selfish not to breed her? You're thinking of your dog's wellbeing. Anyone who is putting you under pressure to breed her is a twat YADNBU.

KnackeredMuchly · 26/10/2014 19:54

I wouldn't breed from her.

FluffyMcnuffy · 26/10/2014 19:55

Apparently it was selfish of me to buy a "show quality" bitch that I dont intend to breed and she should have gone to someone who will "make the most of her". This was said by a KC "expert" Hmm.

OP posts:
Shlep · 26/10/2014 19:55

I'm a breeder- of border collies. Puppies are hard work. They are demanding, very, very demanding- like having a child (not newborn/baby hard, I mean, but very hard work all the same) and expensive. Unless I was absolutely certain I wanted and could do all of that- it's getting up every hour, often less, for weeks, all through the night, and let's not start on the hell that is weaning- I wouldn't breed, imo. It isn't selfish at all to not want to breed.

TripTrapTripTrapOverTheBridge · 26/10/2014 19:56

No, you are doing the right thing by NOT breeding her.

rastamam · 26/10/2014 19:59

you are completely right not to breed from her :)

Shlep · 26/10/2014 20:00

My pups are show quality. The person who will 'make the most' of them is the person who can give them the happiest, healthiest life. Not the person who breeds them for the sake of it.

FluffyMcnuffy · 26/10/2014 20:01

I've worked at a breeders before so I do have experience in the mechanics of it all, that doesn't worry me, but it's more the fact I don't want to put my dog through pain/risk from health complications.

Unfortunately the breed are woefully short of quality breeding bitches as its one of those breeds that tends to be crossed to make those awful "designer dogs", and the litters they produce are always small.

OP posts:
IamFitzChivalry · 26/10/2014 20:02

Yanbu to not breed from her
Yabu to not tell us what breed of dog she is?Grin

raltheraffe · 26/10/2014 20:02

I would love to hear what breed the dog is.

I rescue and foster dogs, most are mutts rather than pure breeds.

I did once have a Dobermann whose granddad won best of breed at Crufts. I was tempted to breed, but just could not bring myself to do it when rescues are full and 60 dogs get pts every day in the UK because rescues are full.

I would also warn you that it is not easy money. It is if you just get a bitch to shell out pups, but if you do it ethically, getting all the correct veterinary screening tests and treatment for pups there is very little money in it.

FluffyMcnuffy · 26/10/2014 20:03

Wine for anyone who guesses the breed Grin.

OP posts:
Sallygoroundthemoon · 26/10/2014 20:05

King Charles Spaniel? Hope so - my favourites :)

LoathsomeDrab · 26/10/2014 20:06

If she's an excellent, heathy example of a breed that isn't terribly common then I can understand why people within the breed would be keen for her to be bred from.

However unless you bought her under a breeding contract then you're under no obligation whatsoever, she's your dog and it's entirely up to you whether you breed from her or not.

raltheraffe · 26/10/2014 20:06

Pug, Hungarian vizla (some can be a bit brachycephalic), Rottweiler

am I close?

Alisvolatpropiis · 26/10/2014 20:06

YANBU.

Is she a Hungarian Vizla?

WannaBe · 26/10/2014 20:06

Book her in and get her spayed, that will shut down the discussion once and for all.

Pooka · 26/10/2014 20:06

Maltese?

Alisvolatpropiis · 26/10/2014 20:06

Dammit ralth Grin

raltheraffe · 26/10/2014 20:07

King Charles Spaniels are lovely and are one of the best breeds around young kids.

Boxer

pluCaChange · 26/10/2014 20:07

They've probably been watching "Rio" (rare blue parrot brought to Brazil to breed with only other blue parrot IN THE WORLD Hmm).

Would they shag the last man (or woman) left in the world? Wink

raltheraffe · 26/10/2014 20:08

French Bulldog

flanjabelle · 26/10/2014 20:09

Rare you say? Tibetan mastiff?

crazypuglady · 26/10/2014 20:09

I have a male of a breed that sounds suspiciously like your dog. A lot of very poorly bred examples around but very few good ones. I have had so much flak for having him neutered. I have had many people enquire about using him as a stud for their bitched but he is my dog, my pet. I don't want to be responsible for a bitch coming to stay with us in an attempt to mate. I also don't want to deal with what happens if the mating doesn't work.

There's nothing wrong with having a pedigree dog as a pet.

raltheraffe · 26/10/2014 20:09

Come on give us a clue? What size dog is it? What group is it?

I am loving this quiz...