Content Summary : THE FACTS: It is extremely important to learn the facts and possible consequences in advance if you are contemplating breeding your dog. In today's overcrowded world, we - the wardens of our domestic pets - must make responsible decisions for them and for ourselves. Please review the following points carefully. QUALITY: AKC or CKC registration is NOT an indication of quality. Most dogs, even purebred, should not be bred. Many dogs, though wonderful pets, have defects of structure, personality or health that should not be perpetuated. Breeding animals should be proven free of these defects BEFORE starting on a reproductive career. Breeding should only be done with the goal of IMPROVEMENT - an honest attempt to create puppies better than the sound, wonderful parents they come from. Ignorance is NO excuse! Once you have created a life, you can't take it back - even if it's blind, crippled or a canine psychopath! COST: Dog breeding is NOT a money making proposition, if done correctly. Health care and shots, diagnosis of problems and advance genetic testing to determine quality and breedability, extra food, proper facilities, stud fees, advertising, etc. are all costly and must be paid BEFORE you sell any pups. An unexpected Caesarean or emergency intensive care for a sick pup, or even a litter of sick pups as often happens with parvo, will make a break-even litter become a BIG liability. SALES: First-time breeders have no reputation and no referrals to help them find buyers. Previous promises of "I want a dog just like yours" evaporate. Consider the time and expense of caring for pups that may not sell until 4 months, 8 months, or longer ... what WOULD you do? Send them to the pound? Dump them in the country? Sell them cheap to a dog broker who may resell them to research labs or other unsavory buyers? Veteran breeders with a good reputation often don't even think about breeding unless they have people waiting for the puppies, with cash deposits in advance for an average-sized litter.