Becoming a breeder

[lisa33]

It took us around 10 years before we went ahead and got a weimarener due to our family commitments and stuff. We love the breed so much.

Hubby and I have a rough 8-10 year plan of selling our house and buying land to build our own. Once we had done this I would love to look into becoming a breeder. I am not one for going into things without much preparation (it took us 10 yrs to get Emmy!) As we have around 8 yrs until we decide to build, I wanted to research breeding as much as possible to see if it was I really want to do.

I would be most grateful if any of you could advise me on how to start researching for this and of your own accounts of breeding (breeders!)

I almost have a good head start as my friend's nan was J.Matuszewska so she has been giving me info on what she used to do but unfortunately her side of the family hasn't got access to all the info that I need and I even found out that my Emmy has the Monroe line in her breeding!!

Anway any info will be gladly received. Thank you

[marjolein]

I think it's important to know what the weak and strong points of your dog are. If you know that, you can start looking for a dog. Then what do you want, proven working abilities or rather a show champion (maybe even both!!). Character is very important too.
Then x-rays. In Holland it's an obligation to x-ray the hips b4 you're even thinking of breeding and I'd strongly advice you to do that as well. Same goes for the dog of course. The average of the UK Weims is 13. So 13 or below is fine.
Then there is an financial issue. Imagine driving miles and miles for the perfect stud, making x-rays, building a whelping box and end up with an emtpy bitch, or even worse, puppies that die or the mum that dies (We've seen that on the other forum unfortunately). Keep that in mind, that these things can happen and make sure that you have at least £2000 available before you even start. Breeding not only costs a lot of money, it also takes up all of your time! That is worth it though, big time!!!
Make sure you have an agreement with the owner of the stud, about money. What if she stays empty for example. What if you only have one puppy, etc. etc. etc.
And if a puppy owner decides to bring back the pup, can you take care of him/her???
I'm sure I forgot loads, but HTH!

[lisa33]

Thanks Marjolein! It's all definately food for thought. I'm not planning to breed the weimy I have now, obviously by the time I plan to start she would be about 10! and anyway she had to spayed. I would expect by this time I would of gained a couple more any way!!!

How do you go about starting a new line? Is that just down to the right selection of the sire and dam?

Money and time are not going to be the issue, (not that I'm rich!) thats why I m planning this for the time that I am. So I can ensure I have enough of both of these.

[groovydreamyfab]

The reason I could not be a breeder is because I would want to keep all of the puppies all of the time!

[lisa33]

Ha Ha!! Yes that would be the hardest thing to do, is part from all those beautiful babies!!

[Wetdog]

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."---Theodore Roosevelt

First, forget all the "someday" plans, start doing the things that you can do right now.
The first thing to do is to sit down and make up a set of written goals including a time schedule of what you would like to accomplish. Then figure out how you will do that. Then get busy and do it.
This will be your road map of where you are going and how you are going to get there. Put everything in writing. Set priorities. Then follow through and do the actions you have outlined according to the schedule you set.
Look at your plan of action everyday--and every single day do at least one thing on your list. Or at least do something toward accomplishing one goal on your list. Keep a journal of your goals and actions and write in it each and every thing that you do to accomplish a goal. You'll need to review your Plan Of Action constantly, adjust schedules, adjust goals and keep yourself on schedule and on coarse, but that is fine. The important thing is to keep everything written down, in front of your eyes, mind and will; and do each thing as it needs to be done.
Go to my website and read the article "How The World Works" in the breeding section, and "Getting Started" article in the training section, then come back here and we'll discuss specific things about goal setting and scheduling.
There is a LOT to do and learn before you breed puppies if you want to do it well. And you can have fun with it along the way.

[lisa33]

Wow!

Thanks alot Wetdog. Will have a good look at your website and get back to you.

Thanks again!

[tasha]

you also now need to consider the docking laws tht are due to come into the uk.. will you dock or won't you.

[Leslie]

groovydreamyfab said:

The reason I could not be a breeder is because I would want to keep all of the puppies all of the time!

I've discovered just how hard that is! Every pup that goes takes a little piece of my heart. I can only bear to part with them knowing they are going to good families that will love them and give them the attention they need.

[tasha]

ha if you've got anything from J.M regarding her breeding and lines I'd love a copy for my research files, picture peds the lot will happily part with some cash for it too :-)