To not breed my bitch

[FluffyMcnuffy]

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?

Portuguese Water Dog?

Nobody has mentioned the breed so far although I do love Vizlas.

She's a medium-large breed. I'm pretty sure it's not a "mumsnet approved" breed either never seen one mentioned on the boards.

She is not a pitbull/illegal I promise!

YADefinitelyNBU whatsoever. It can cost thousands to breed and have a litter (unexpected emergency c-section etc). I know someone who recently had a litter (she's an excellent breeder, goes to great lengths to find the right parents, she shows her dogs, gets all the relevant health tests etc) her bitch was massive, seriously huge and ended up with an emergency c-section 4 days early, there were 15 puppies and only 6 survived, most of the others had stopped growing a few weeks before the due date. The puppies and the bitch especially were very very sick, it's something short of a miracle that they survived.

ooh they are nice Portugese Water Dogs and they are hypoallergenic.

Chow chow?

Shar Pei?

Weimaraner. I used to own one of those, it was mental.

They're so beautiful ralth, I've always wanted one. Don't have the lifestyle for that kind of dog thoigh.

British bulldog?

French bulldog?

french mastiff?

It was a shame for her really. She came from a rescue and had ciggy burns all over her. Spent thousands on dog psychologists and trainers to try and help her but in the end she escaped from the house, ripped up 7 lambs and got shot by a farmer.

Oooops - already suggested

Johnson type American bulldog?

She's in the utility group and someone has guessed her now .

who is the winner?

LoathsomeDrab for you.

British bulldog?

I find it hard to believe that a " kc expert " would call you selfish for not breeding somehow.

That's why I said "KC expert" in inverted commas , given that said "KC expert" is evidently a twat.

Unless you had an agreement/contract with the breeder when you purchased her, then you are under no obligation to breed her. It's a lot of work, and a huge responsibility. Just enjoy her as your pet.

Ohh, we need pics.

I plan to spay her at around 18 months (my vet said in this breed spaying too early can cause all sorts of problems).

That is sad ralth. At least you tried to help her though.

Oooh op chow chow's are lovely. I'd get her spayed pronto though. People whinny on enough about ME breeding my small, calm natured Jack Russell often enough. It is very annoying (and she is spayed anyway).