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Breeding the best little dogs in the world!
As I'm sure everyone has heard by now, this world has far too many strays and homeless animals. The fact is, if you don't plan to breed, and breed responsibly, your pet should be spayed or neutered. It's especially hard for men to neuter their dogs for some reason. In actuality, it is not a cruel surgery at all! It has more benefits than anything.
What's The Best Age To Have It Done?
Most Veterinarians, including the one I work for, recommend having it done at 6 months old.
In females, a lot of people think that they should allow their dog to have at least one litter. They think it calms them down and is beneficial. This is NOT TRUE. That is not the right reason to be breeding. Breeding should be done in an effort to improve the breed.
The truth is that by spaying your dog before her first heat you are preventing progesterone from being released throughout the body. This reduces the possibility of mammary cancers/tumors. Also, it eliminates potential problems like mastitis(a painful infection in the mammary glands that can cause them to rupture and tear), pyometras(infected uterus, which is expensive to cure and potentially fatal). It also prevents any unwanted and unexpected pregnancies and related complications such as c-sections.
Bitches go into heat anytime after 6 months old, the average age is around 10 months. They will have a heat every 6 months after that, lasting anywhere from 3-4 weeks in duration. Dealing with doggy diapers is a hassle! You have to keep her vulva clean between changing her pads, it can get pretty messy. It's not worth it if you don't plan to breed.
In males, people think that they'll lose their "guard dog" instincts and protectiveness. This is not true. Neutering a male dog can prevent unwanted behaviors from starting. It makes them less likely to wander and escape, male dogs can detect females in heat up to 3 miles away! Many times you can prevent them from "marking their territory" obsessively, and often times they'll always squat and pee like a female. It makes males less aggressive and in some cases more trainable.
If you want your male dog to get all of his full male attributes, like a big square head and bulk you'll need to wait longer than 6 months to neuter. They usually aren't done growing until they are 2 years old. Special precautions must be made so that he doesn't tie with a female when you aren't around!
IF YOU PLAN TO BREED:
You always want to better the breed. Try to find dogs that compliment each other. Be aware of inbreeding and always check bloodlines carefully! Breeding dogs should be kept in excellent physical condition and not allowed to become out of shape and overweight.
A good breeder is one that is aware of:
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OFA hip and knee testing. Pre-Liminary testing can be done at a younger age, but aren't official until the dog is over 2 yrs. old.
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The importance of a clean, sanitary environment.
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Not breeding a bitch until she has had at least 2 heats, and allowing at least one heat between breedings.
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Eye certification tests
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Hearing Certification Testing
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DNA testing
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Juvenile Cataract Testing
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Finding credible, safe "forever" homes for the puppies.
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The importance of socialization, for breeding stock and puppies.
