The Joy of Breeding Your Own Show Dog
Chapter One
Before You Breed
Breeding dogs is a serious business and should not be undertaken
without a great deal of thought and purpose in mind. It is a combination of art and
science, of common sense and intelligence, to which must be added a modicum of
luck and a tremendous amount of intestinal fortitude.
Breeders have a grave responsibility to the lives they create-living, loving
creatures of bone, blood and muscle, that might never have been born had not a
breeder taken it into his hands to mate a certain dog to a certain bitch. Granted, if
all goes well, it can be a stimulating, rewarding experience, but the many failures
along the way can be devastating and heart-breaking.
How many times have I heard myself say, "I'll never breed another dog!"
But, somehow, with the irrepressible optimism of a dedicated breeder, I begin to
think how lovely a litter might be from that new champion bitch if bred to that
beautiful young male. I manage to pick up the broken pieces and begin again.
Each breeding is more exciting than the last, and the projected pedigree of the
anticipated litter promises exceptional quality.
Breeding dogs is a privilege and not a m ... read full excerpt from The Joy of Breeding Your Own Show Dog ebook