Olie

I chose to not breed because of the knowledge I do have. I honestly don't think breeders (because they have) are in a big "secret" group to understand versus someone that has not.

There are so many variables without delving too far off topic..having a litter of 5 minimizes keeping a good pup versus a litter of 8-10... the sex does not always meet the need for the line, we could go on and on. It's the health of the bitch. You mentioned you had accidental litters right? Did you stop breeding your bitch because of it or see things that you were concerned about that would cause you to not breed her again? These are the things when people are looking for answers that can be very helpful.

You mentioned there better be a good reason for breeding a dog back to back. Can you share what these might be?

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Some breed clubs dictate for members. Other breeders I suppose do what they beleive is right, for whatever their reasons are.

I'll go on record saying I'm not totally against breeding back to back. Some interesting reading is available theorizing that it is more natural and healthier for the bitch (as long as she remains intact) and her readiness is marked by her season.

Regarding rescue. Every want-to-be puppy owner that contacts me is directed to consider rescue. If we take on the responsibility of breeding, it's my opinion that we also take on the protection and betterment of our breed, and one of those responsibilities is working with the breed. Rescue is a great choice.

Breeders are contacted constantly by people searching for pups - newborn and older. If, as breeders, our knee jerk reaction is not to sell/place a pup we bred but rather to educate puppy buyers as much as possible and to also rehab and help rehome poodles needing homes then we serve our breed by making a positive difference.

There's no excuse for a breeder not being involved in their breed.

Tabatha
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PS My apologies for keeping the focus on poodles and not other breeds. No apologies offered for being a poodle snob

Rowan

First, I'm not a breeder. Just thought I'd point that out to avoid any confusion.

I'm not sure how I feel about back-to-back breeding, but I've heard compelling arguments for both sides. It seems like a sound practice if one intends to breed a bitch twice and then retire her for whatever reason, etc. (Especially if a vet is on board and clears the breeding.)

At the risk of sounding like a total snob, I'd be more concerned with a breeder routinely having "accidental breedings." Aside from the perception of recklessness or irresponsibility that arise, from what I know 'breeding' is a carefully orchestrated, well-thought out endeavor. You purposely breed Bitch A to Dog D. So, if Bitch A is knocked up by Dog F instead, that doesn't strike me as a good thing. Maybe it's just me, but when I hear of such things, I can't help but question what else is going on.

I've been fortunate in that I've found some wonderful poodles via rescue. I predict any and all future poodles will come from rescue.

ETA: Am I way off base? Are "accidental breedings" a common occurrence?

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Rowan,

A bit of a side note - but on FaceBook search for Creole Poodle Rescue of Louisiana. Sharla has just created the group and will be posting photos of available rescues.

We are working to get the word out and have plenty of FB FRIENDS who support poodle rescue and will help us keep rescue top of mind with the public. I'm so thrilled with my pups out of a bred by litter, but I'm just as happy helping place a rescued poodle in a great home.

Thanks!

Tabatha
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Rowan

Thanks! I just found and "liked" her page.

Rayah-QualitySPs

Wow peppersb great questions! Thanks arreau for this topic.

1. When breeding a bitch I like an older fully up-to-date health tested bitch to breed. If the bitches first litter is when she is four or five you have more knowledge about her health and her siblings/parents and their health/testing results. I have no problem with the seven years old having a litter but do have a problem with 6 litters by age 7. This sounds like the motive for breeding was purely for profit or show, (not normal showing but the breeder who breeds for more and more puppies to increase his/her prestige by winning).

You also have to think of the difference between toys, minis and standards. Most of the talking seems to be about standards. If I was a toy breeder and only had one or two puppies a litter I would be apt to breed more litters than as a standard breeder.

2. Veterinarians are like lawyers - if you don't like what they say just go to a different one. There are some great vets who put dogs first but then there are the ones who say if you pay I'll play. No matter how good a vet is they must be aware of the bottom line - it is a service industry and ya know - the customer is always right.

3. I do not think a healthy poodle of adequate weight would be in immediate jeopardy at six litters. Breeders should be aware a bitch will give to her puppies from her own body, including muscle mass for protein or calcium from bones if needed. Mother nature protects reproduction of the species by allowing breeding repeatedly but in the wild puppies die and most puppies in a poodle breeding survive.
Look at the breeders history. Does the breeder routinely breed back to back, and/or have six litter out of a six year old bitch?

4. IMO puppy health is not usually affected if the bitch is fed properly and is healthy.

I think number of litters is a better indicator than age of the bitch. My belief is no more than 4 litters out of a standard. That should be the absolute maximum!

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