Is it really a "shame"...sensible comments needed for peace of mind! (Long - sorry!)

[AliBean]

My DP bought us a fabulous, beautiful pedigree springer spaniel nearly two years ago. She has full papers and really is an excellent representation of the breed. She has a delightful temperament, is friendly, good with children, guests, other dogs and is extremely biddable and willing to please.
Many people have commented that it would be good to breed her.
I have to admit that I did like the idea of breeding and that I would enjoy the experience but recently our vet told me that she should have her first litter by the time she is 3 years old. Her birthdate is 31.12 and she is due a season in May and again in December. However I am 16 weeks PG myself so puppies in August would be ridiculous and the idea of a litter this time next year with a 6 month old baby in tow seems silly too.
I read through some threads on here and also did some research on the KC website and frankly the cost, time factor and possible risk to my girl (pfd!) have made my mind up for me. No puppies from this bitch.
My DP thinks it is a terrible shame considering what a great dog she is and that it was something we had planned to do. He promises to take the lions share of puppycare...but I am not convinced!

Am I being a party pooper? Is it a shame not to breed from a excellent dog?

Also - hoping you all don't come back and tell me to get her in pup - will being spayed change her personality? Or will she take it in her stride?

TIA

There are already enough puppies who need homes. Get her spayed.

No, not a shame at all. Am sure your bitch is lovely but you are safeguarding her health if you spay her, and there are plenty of quality Springer pups out there for people who want them.

Spaying her will be quite a big thing for her physically but once she has recovered her personality shouldn't change.

Stick to your guns!

i -personally think the idea of people paying outragous prices for pedigree anything is ridiculous.

if people want a dog - go to your local NCDL and stop perpetuating this business which has very dodgy people involved sometimes.

as for your immediate problem - you dh is full of shit.

like ababy isn't hard enough - you need to have dog shit and piss everywhere?

I agree with Lawks - unless you really want puppies and are prepared to take the time and energy to bring them up properly I wouldn't breed from her.

ooo, you're in the same position I was Ali, except mines a cocker.
I'm ashamed to say, she still hasn't had a litter and she's not been spayed yet and she's 5 now
It's one of those things that would be lovely, but will take up a load of time and effort, especially as you are pregnant.
I would get her spayed, or suggest to your dh that if he wants puppies, the lion share is not good enough, he has to do it all

WHY WHY WHY??? There are sooooo many unwanted dogs already! I never understand why people even consider breeding as a side 'hobby'. You have no experience in breeding! Your dog will be absolutely fine being spayed--she is not a human, she's not going to get upset about not being a mother!

Be happy that you have such a wonderful dog to share your life with. Spaying her reduces her risk of reproductive cancers and will probably extend her life. All the dogs I've ever had (male and female) were spayed or neutered, and none were bothered in the slightest.

You are being sensible in refusing to breed her, your DP is being an idiot.

Right, thanks everyone. I knew I was right to make the decision not to breed.

Will book her in to be spayed asap.

Thanks.

Friends's springer had puppies in December - not planned so are a wonderful mix! We now have one of the pups.
It was really hard work for them. First few weeks seemed alright as mum did most of the work, but by week seven there were 8 puppies tearing around and mum ignored them!

I'd tell your dh no way. How is he going to do everything for 8 weeks?

Friends's dog ended up with emergency c-section in the middle of night - huge bill and lots of worry that mum wouldn't survive. Steer clear.

I know you've made your mind up - but just wanted to add my bit. You're absolutely right not to breed, we bred last year from our lab, but before we even started I had lined up 4 homes, so when she had 7 I only had 3 to find homes for. That was hard enough! They are hard work, and definitely not a good idea when you have a baby or are pregnant.

I know someone who has bred from their dog, they want to keep one, but still have 7 to find homes for. Puppies are 6 weeks old, and still homeless....

Please have her speyed. I think your DH is thinking with his wallet, well if she has to have a ceasarian, which is a possibility you are going to have to sell those pups for quite a sum. Unless you are an established breeder you wont be able to charge a premium anyway. Most reputable breeders have waiting lists for their puppies.

Do not breed her under any circumstances. There are enough unwanted animals out there, and being a pedigreed, good natured animal is not reason enough to breed a dog.

Breeding will also prove to be far more expensive than spaying. Spaying should not change her personality. None of the dogs we've owned have ever had a problem with the procedure.

My friend has a labrador with a second litter of 8 puppies. They are beautiful, as is their mum. But they are very hard work. They are in the boot room of the house at present - it is a farm - and will move to a shed when bigger. Currently there are squeaks, smells everywhere, and there was a lot of mess at the labour. With a human baby thrown in - I wouldn't!

Don't do it. You only have to spend a few minutes on this board to see how many people give up their dogs once they realise it's hard work. There are so many dogs out there already with no homes.

lol at custardo- and totally agree
say it like it is