Considering breeding my Lhasa Apso - advice needed

[*Peaches* 10]

I agree with Speed Demon, get yourselff a book of the bitch, I have one for sale if you want it?

 

Contact your breeder in the first instance, they should be able to advise you on the line, and potential studs to use.

[SpeedDemon 10]

Wish I'd know that peaches. We had our house upside down looking for ours n couldn't find it. Ended up buying another but u can be sure the first one will turn up lol

[*Peaches* 10]

Oh typical!

[Plain Talker 11]

Are there many full lhasa apso's in rescues? Genuine question by the way. I'd be surprised if there were.

 

the short answer is "Yes!"

 

Sadly, most breeds have a rescue society, from common breeds like Staffies and Labradors to less common breeds like Newfoundlands and Pyrenean mountain dogs,.

 

And just as sadly, it's evidence of human cruelty and our don't-care attitudes, that many of these dogs are dumped on the rescues.

[Elizabeth13 10]

I would add to the list of these dogs being in Rescue, that some of these dogs are even ex-breeding dogs no longer wanted.

(Many Tears Rescue is a good example for this, they regularly get ex-breeding stock from a variety of 'desirable' breeds needing new homes)

I personally, for those reasons, do not encourage breeding full stop.

But no one can stop people from doing these things.

 

If it was my dog, I wouldn't risk it. If she's such a nice pet, I would not risk her possibly dying through the birth just for the sake of a litter. To me that's far too great a risk, particularly with you saying she is unusually small.

[ccit 10]

All it takes for poor breeders to succeed is for good ones to stop and in actual fact that is what I see happening. The dogs that end up in rescue are often ill bred by people who do not care what happens to them. Are you saying that reputable breeders should stop breeding and everyone should acquire their pets from such sources? If so, the puppy farmers will no doubt be delighted and churn out all the more.

 

Puppies who are carefully and properly bred in the home and where the breeder vets the new owner are less likely to end up in rescue. They are more likely to be healthy, have sound temperaments and also socialised.

 

The OP asked for advice and in post 5 she stated that she would be buying the relevant book and thinking about the matter carefully. If everyone stopped breeding because the female might die there would be no dogs or people for that matter. The risk is small if due care and attention is given to the bitch. She has a good reason for breeding and as long as she does it properly then good luck to her.

Edited September 6, 2013 by ccit

[*Peaches* 10]

Well said CCIT!!

[Elizabeth13 10]

 

The OP asked for advice, not censure.

 

Nothing I have said is 'censure'.

Yes, the OP has asked for advice, and mine is I would not personally do it. I'd prefer my pet alive, and not take the risk. That's my choice, just like the OP's choice will be theirs - whatever that may be.

No need to try and cause an argument here, ccit. I won't be joining in. Breeding a pet is just not something that interests me, it is quite that simple.

I don't think I have ever insulted or scoffed anyone by breeding a pet dog, but I do acknowledge the high amount of homeless dogs of various ages and breeds.

 

And I don't think you can compare someone choosing to breed their dog with people reproducing - for one, the choice to breed is with the owner, whereas the choice to reproduce is one or both of the parents. Like most things, with animals we seem to be taking the role of God and make the choice for them. You could say it's selfish, perhaps, as you cannot really ask the dog for it's opinion on whether it wants a litter or not (and that's not a criticism either, by the way). Just like when we choose to put a dog to sleep, it's a moral question and responsibility that is not black or white, but many shades.

Edited September 6, 2013 by Elizabeth13

[*Peaches* 10]

Put it this way, at least she's bothered to ask the questions, and considering it, not just done it and thought about it afterwards

[Elizabeth13 10]

Put it this way, at least she's bothered to ask the questions, and considering it, not just done it and thought about it afterwards

 

I don't think anyone has chastised her for asking?

From what I could see, everyone has answered cleanly and objectively.

[ccit 10]

Yes, you are quite right - I did think earlier that the word 'censure' was not appropriate so I have removed it. I understand you opinion on this. However, if everyone took your stance, where would our guide, assistance, sniffer dogs and the like come from? How would people acquire a pet dog as a companion?

 

Reproduction is perfectly natural and BTW not all female human beings who get pregnant actually choose to do so. Ethically breeding healthy puppies and seeing them go off to be well loved pets is an extremely satisfying job. People will often contact the breeder years later when their much loved pet has died, not only to let them know but to acquire another.

 

The OP was considering breeding her little Lhasa because she is so delighted with her that she wants to reproduce that in her puppy. She has determined that her bitch is healthy and has a good temperament. As long as she goes about it in the proper manner then all should be well. It is better for a prospective owners to purchase a puppy from someone like this than from a pet shop or other dubious source.

Edited September 6, 2013 by ccit