False pregnancy, does this mean we can't breed?

[KillashandraRee]

Our lovely flat coat had a false pregnancy last time she was in season. We are hoping to breed from her soon and I've been in contact with the breeder who told me if she has another phantom pregnancy that we won't be able to breed from her. I've never heard of this and can't find anything online to suggest this is the case. Does anyone have any experience of this? If it is the case what can I do to avoid another false pregnancy? (May be worth nothing I was pregnant last time). Thank you

I honestly don't think you'll get many positive comments on here re. breeding. There are so many unwanted dogs that it's hard to see a good reason to justify breeding from any dog, however wonderful they are.

I'm involved in rescue but not against limited responsible breeding.

I'm going to be blunt though - it's fairly apparent that if you are clueless enough asking questions here about basic things like this then you should not be considering risking your bitch's life for cash.

If you were truly responsible and hoping to breed her soon, you'd have done an enormous amount of work already to learn about it and all of the attendant risks, including finding yourself an experienced mentor from within your breed.

You need to have a good hard think about why you are doing it and whether you are prepared.

I know nothing about the mechanics of dog breeding, but I am wondering why you want to breed from her?

Agree wholeheartedly with above. Anyone who looks to a parenting forum (even one as rich and diverse as MN) for dog breeding advice isn't clued up enough to enter into breeding.

Hope its made you reconsider.

I'm actually sitting here with two Flatcoats, I'm looking after them in their owner's home while owners on holiday.

Yes, they're a beautiful breed and yes, they're comparative uncommon. Is your bitch's breeder involved with the current campaign to breed out the cancer that kills most of them before the age of ten? If you know nothing of this, I suggest you read up comprehensively before you even contemplate breeding.

Changing the subject - false pregnancies often indicated an unhealthy bitch, back in the day when my mum still bred dogs.

Personally I do too much work pro bono with rescue charities to be a fan of breeding puppies on purpose.

You mean a phantom pregnancy...

You can still breed....

In your breed the minimum you need to test for is;

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/health.aspx?id=2046

I take it she is kc registered, over 2 years of age, sound temperament, not disqualifying faults? That you have checked her lines for health issues..

The stud needs the same tests, also check his history ect

You will mostly likely need to show std testing as well and get the canine herpies vaccines twice after mating.

OP, what did your vet say when you asked them this question?

I am a breeder - and am concerned that your question points towards you having very little knowledge of breeding, and few contacts within the breeding world. MN would never be a port of call for seeking breeding advice tbh. The expertise just isn't here.

If you are intent on breeding, I suggest you obtain a copy of the book of the bitch and learn it. Find an experienced breeder who is willing to be your mentor and read up on the very real risks of breeding. It absolutely puts your bitch at risk every time you do it. Don't for a minute think it doesn't.

Once you've done that, work out how much you think it'll cost you to breed a litter properly - then come back and let me know the figure you've come up with and I'll tell you how much my last litter cost to produce.

Agree with daisy, it's best to get a mentor who's experienced and read/learn as much as possible...

I'm still learning new things all the time and I breed.

daisy you have me intrigued, what's your costs?

Monkeyface - I'll list the ones I remember!

Health tests, ex fuel etc £700ish
Stud fee £600 + 4 120 mile journeys
Ultrasound x 2 £60
Whelping supplies - medical equipment, vet bed, absorbing pads etc, etc £400ish
Emergency Caesarian £1750
Puppy formula £150
Raw chicken mince £100 ish
Puppy food for Mum (5 x meals a day while lactating) and pups £500ish
Calcium supplement & folic acid for Mum £30 ish
Cleaning supplies and disinfectant £100
At least 10 loads of washing a day for 8 weeks - not a clue on cost, but a significant impact on water meter and electricity bills
KC registration for litter + pedigrees £170ish
Puppy packs, food + printing £40
Microchipping £150 ish

I can't cost the hours they take - 24 hour attendance for the first 4 weeks, I snooze on the sofa next to the whelping box. Feeding like crazy from when weaning starts at 3.5/4 weeks and near constant cleaning once they get to 5/6 weeks. Basic manners and training from 4/5 weeks. They are all consuming if done properly.

And I know I'll remember more costs as soon as I hit 'post'!

Thanks, that's kind of what I was expecting.

Just goes to show the HUGE corners that stupid cunts BYBs cut.