Breeding--how often?
 I want to know how often the female sheepdogs should be bred? I have conflicting information. Most say absolutely no more than 1 time per year. Then, I have heard 2 times per year. The latest is: 1 time 1 year--then 2 times next year (alternating). Does anyone have information on this? Thanks! |
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| I am not a breeder.
You seem to know that most dogs can have two litters or more a year. I do not think you will have very many buyers if you breed too often. You will saturate your market. Also I wonder if you know how much work is involved. I had a lab who was bred one time. That was all I needed to know she would have to get fixed. A responsible breeder will make sure not to deplete the bitch by over-breeding her. Some bitches can recuperate a lot faster than others. Until the bitch is 3 or 4 she is still changing herself, so other problems may arise. By breeding once a year you can notice what is going on with her health. Breeding once a year also allows for those times you are left with puppies unsold. You can train them and sell them as trained before thinking about another litter. If you do not allow the puppies to leave until after 8 weeks, preferably 12 weeks you will allow the pups to be socialized by not only you, but by the mother. It will make it easier for your buyers to potty train and train the dogs later. Do a lot of research. There is so much about breeding any animal, that you should make sure you know as much as possible first. OES make cute puppies, but many people have no idea how to dicipline themselves or their dogs. These people will make troublesome buyers who may even dump a 6 month old puppie back over your fence when you are not there. Oh, the troubles I have seen! Keep up the research. Good Luck. |
| Thanks so much for the response. I am not a breeder--I think maybe I misled you. I am in the process of buying a puppy and--as you said--I am doing lots of research and checking out the breeders that I have talked to. I want to be sure they are responsible breeders and that I get the healthiest puppy possible! I did not want to do any business with a breeder that was "wearing their dogs out!" Thanks again! |
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