Question 18

Spay and neuter puppies vs. breeding?

Breeding is best left to professionals. The focus of breeding is to preserve the "standards" of a breed and to work to eliminate genetically linked weaknesses to the extent possible. This obviously requires an in depth knowledge and understanding of the breed, as well as a thorough familiarity with the medical issues involved with that breed.

"Backyard breeders" lack the requisite know-how and are usually motivated by any of several factors: Concerns that a) a female dog will not be "complete" or "fulfilled" unless she has a litter; b) the idea that "it will be good for the kids" to experience the process; c) the desire to replicate a much loved pet; d) a money making endeavor.

The truth is, a) a female does NOT need a litter to be fulfilled, in fact the health risks can be significant; b) Want to see the process? Buy the kids a video; c) each pet is an individual, with experiences and a personal history that cannot be replicated; d) pregnancy and birth is an expensive proposition, even for the family dog. Veterinary bills, supplies, specialty items, all mount up, not to mention time, anxiety and sleepless nights. And that's when things go smoothly.

And we haven't even talked about the health risks that increase over time for females (breast and ovarian cancer, endometritus, pyometra) and males (prostate and testicular disease) that are not spayed or neutered. Or the fact that 70% of the dogs found dead each year on our nation's roads and highways are intact males. My advice: If you're not working to maintain and improve a purebred line, then "fix" those pups right away.