Approximately 6-8 million unwanted dogs, cats, kittens and puppies are euthanized in this country every year because there are not enough homes for them. If you breed your dog, you are a part of this problem, even if you find homes for every one of your puppies. (Overpopulation) Every home that adopts one of your pups is a home that could have taken a homeless dog or puppy instead – one that will end up dead on a shelter euthanasia room floor. In addition, you can avoid many health and behavior problems, such as mammary tumors (in females) and testosterone-generated aggression (in males) if you spay and neuter prior to the onset of puberty.
If you do insist on breeding, be sure you do it responsibly. That means purchasing a good-quality show-prospect puppy from a very reputable breeder, and being willing to spend the time and money to show her and confirm that she is worthy of perpetuating her breed. Then you need to do the research to find a suitable mate for her who will not compound her weaknesses, and pay to have various medical tests done to make sure her hips and eyes are sound. You will also need to pay to have the puppies vet-checked and vaccinated, and you will need to be able to take the time to socialize them well so they will be prepared to adapt to the big wild world when they leave the safety and comfort of their mother’s side.
Finally, even after you have placed your puppies in homes, you are morally responsible for them for their entire lives. If their new owners ever find themselves in a position where they cannot or do not want to keep their dog, you should be willing to take that dog back into your own home. This promise should be a prominent part of your sales contract.
Think about it. If you want to raise puppies, instead of breeding, call your local shelter or rescue group and ask if you can foster a mom with young babies. You will have the satisfaction of saving lives that might otherwise have been ended, as well as knowing that you are not contributing to the tragic problem of pet overpopulation.