Is my dog breeding quality

The following article was composed by Sherry Anderson

Is Your Dog Breeding Quality?

1.  Is your dog registered?
Remember, though, that AKC or any other registry is   just a registry - it does not mean quality.

2.  Where did you get your dog?
If you're thinking of breeding, it should be from a reputable/ethical breeder who has been in the breed for a number of years and has proven success in their chosen venues generation after generation.

3.  Did you get a 3-5 generation pedigree with your dog?
You need to be aware of your dog's ancestral lineage, and both the benefits and disadvantages of the lines.

4.  Are there at least four titled dogs in the last three generations?
A pedigree that boasts a few 'red' names doesn't mean a thing, and irresponsible breeders often use one or two champions to prove that the pup is 'quality'.

5.  Does your dog have a stable temperament typical of the Labrador Retriever? No Lab who is being considered for breeding should be shy or fearful, nor show any aggression to dog or man.

6.  Does your dog adhere closely to the breed standard?
The aim of breeding is to better the breed, so your dog should follow the blueprint of the ideal Labrador.

7.  Is your dog healthy and certified (OFA, Wind Morgan, Penn Hip, OVC/CERF) free of genetic diseases? Are  his/her parents and grandparents?

If you cannot answer yes to all 7 of these questions, the only responsible thing
to do is get your pet neutered! 

If you can answer yes then you may have a dog of breeding quality.  However, if you are not actively involved in some area of competition with your dog seriously, (conformation, field, etc.) please think very carefully about WHY you want to have a litter.  Our rescues and shelters country wide are overflowing with unwanted Labradors.  They are being euthanized daily!! 

Breeding should be done to IMPROVE THE BREED, as in long term and to better your breeding program, NOT because

• you want her to have a litter or two so the kids can see the miracle of birth,
• you want a puppy just like her', 
• you feel you need to recoup what you have spent on her
• your neighbors and family want one
• to make money selling puppies! 

Please, don't breed for the wrong reasons and never for greed.

And, comments from Leslie Klodt

Are you prepared to watch your pet die during whelping, should something go
wrong?

Are you strong enough to deal with stillbirths, deformities and the myriad
of other things that can go wrong with pups?

Are you financial able to pay for emergency vet care for mom and the entire
litter?

Are you willing to take back every puppy that is ever whelped should a
problem occur in its new home?

Do you know how to do your best to ensure that every pup goes to a
responsible and loving home?

Do you have the ability, desire and financial means to show your pup in the
conformation ring, run her in field tests and compete with her in obedience?
If your dog doesn't have the ability to prove herself in all of these
disciplines, she shouldn't be bred.

Is the annoyance of having a dog in heat going to drive you crazy?
Is there a secure place in your house where you can ensure that she is not
going to be bred by another dog when she's in heat?

Are you prepared to put your pet at higher risk for mammary tumors and
pyometria?

If you are, then do more research.  Ask the breeders questions.  Learn
everything you can.  Consider spaying this pet, and going on in a few years,
when you've sucked up all the knowledge you can, and breeding.

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