Been thinking about Breeding

[PawNclaws]

I don't know how many of you know, but I had a thought of breeding some time in the future. But I've been doing some thinking and I really think I am not going to follow through.... So instead of breeding, I'm going to take my knowledge and use it for education and rescue. I am going to tear down my site(except for my Labrador Info site) and add more information.. This isn't easy for me but I love labs to much to add to the problem, no matter how good I try to be as a breeder a puppy of mine would kill more homeless labs. I don't think I could live with that, knowing 10 or more labs never know love. I planed that my next Lab will, instead of coming from a breeder, come from a shelter or rescue.... Ofcourse Beau is still going to be shown in Conformation, Obedience and Hunt tests with hopes of titling him. After all ,he was "Show Quality", I should atleast give him his day to try right !
Anyway I just had to let that out, like I said this is not easy for me.. This was my dream but I have found that 10 dogs dying because of me, is not worth it... I know other ways to help the breed..

[Cassiepeia]

That's a very mature decision and I know it was a hard one. But in case sometime in the future you start to think about breeding again. Remember that the dogs of the world need responsible reputable breeders because without them backyard breeders and puppymill will reign supreme and there will be nothing but badly bred dogs with horrible temperaments and lots of health problems flooding the world.
So being a reputable breeder (which I know is exactly what you'll be) is actually a good thing for your breed.

Cass.

[Rivsky]

I completely agree with Cass. While there are so many homeless dogs out there the dog world still does need reputable breeders - so maybe sometime in the future after you've done your stint helping dogs in need you'll feel more comfortable breeding.

[britishbandit]

I agree Paws. But whatever you do end up doing, I'm sure you'll be a great help to the breed. Plus, you are still sooo young, you don't need to me making a final decision on that, you have so much time! No rush.

[bigdoglover]

I agree with everyone....a very responsible decision on your part, and it shows that should you ever decide to breed, you will make smart choices.....kudos to you!!!

[PawNclaws]

Thanks you guys. Well I don't know, maybe in the f ar future but I really can't say...But I have been thinking that since my mom has the expr. and want's to get involved with Labs, I think I may just go in with her and be a helper. She really wants to show again(this coming spring will be her first show in 5 -1/2 years) and she misses every thing she did with her Chows and wants to do them again with her labbies.. So I'll turn my attention toward her and help her out, I could always become a handler for her too. And maybe help my baby sister, who is 6yrs, with Jrs. when she gets of age.. She has a growing love for dogs and has shown interest in dog shows.. In doing that instead of being "the breeder", I could focus on fostering and Rescue work.. I really do appreciate you all for the support , it's very helpful.. Thanks !

[KennelMom]

You are putting a lot of thought into it, which shows a tremendous amount of maturity and sense of responsibility. As Cassiepeia put it, the world needs good breeders.

I think part of what makes a breeder reputable, is that they do rescue. If you don't rescue, don't breed!

[PawNclaws]

I agree 100% ! I think I'll "grow up" a bit . along the way be involved with rescue and fostering . I'm sure breeding will always be with me , so it will come up. I've wanted to compete with my dogs and become a successful breeder since I was a child. With what breed, I didn't know. Now I know what breed, Labs, but I see so many in shelters and rescues ; it just makes me so sad

[mom2cocoa]

As someone who works in the rescue world, I'm thrilled to hear about your decision!!