The other day, I was chatting with a good friend of mine, let's call her Tara, who also breeds dogs. She was telling me about a conversation she had with a family member. You know the kind, the one who always has opinions on everything. This particular relative had given her “the talk” about how breeding was morally questionable because, of course, “you should adopt, not shop!” The implication, as usual, was that Tara was personally responsible for the decline of civilisation because she chose to breed puppies from her dogs.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good rescue story as much as the next person. As Bulldog breeders we are avid supporters of The Edward Foundation which is a breed specific charity run by pure hearted, selfless volunteers and we are proud to do so. There’s nothing more heart warming than seeing a previously neglected or mistreated dog find a forever home. But here’s the thing. Just like people, dogs come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments, and for some families, a puppy from a breeder can actually be a better fit. Shock, horror!
I mean, try telling a family with small kids that the dog they have just taken in from a rescue, with its largely unknown history and unpredictable behaviour, is a great idea. Sure, many rescue dogs are wonderful, but sometimes they come with baggage, understandably so. Some families need a dog whose personality and background they can understand from day one, especially if they are first time owners.
And if you are a first timer yourself and already panicking about whether breeding is right for you, this is exactly the sort of thing we go through in our Breeder Mentor Sessions. It is a safe place to ask every question under the sun before you even commit to a mating.
Puppies from reputable breeders give those families a chance to start fresh. Breeders spend time matching puppies to families based on temperament, lifestyle and experience. That is not to say rescue dogs cannot be wonderful, because they are, but the fact is, there is room for both in this world.
What Tara’s family member failed to appreciate is how hard it actually is to breed dogs responsibly. There is this misconception that breeders are just rolling in cash, sitting back while puppies fly out the door like it is a sale at Harrods. But the reality is very different. Breeding dogs the right way is not only incredibly time consuming but also eye wateringly expensive. We are talking health tests, vaccinations, whelping kits, feeding the best quality food and more sleepless nights than a new parent of twins.
This is exactly why I run the Puppy Natal Class. If your girl is already mated or you are getting close, this class takes you through the entire journey so you know what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost breeders sleep, money and sadly sometimes puppies.
If done ethically, breeding involves endless vet visits, puppy socialisation and a constant commitment to the wellbeing of the mum and pups.
Let us not forget the emotional toll. Breeding is not just popping out a litter and calling it a day. Breeders often have to make gut wrenching decisions, like saying goodbye to a puppy they have become attached to. And then there is the sacrifice of personal time. Family dinners missed, holidays postponed and weekends given over to puppy training sessions as just an example. Trust me, there is no such thing as a day off when you are a breeder. You are at the beck and call of your dogs whether it is a new litter arriving at 3 a.m. or keeping an eye on an expectant mum who is showing signs of early labour. It is hardly glamorous.
And if reading that makes you think you might need a bit more guidance or reassurance, that is where the Breeder Mentor Sessions come in again. A full session with me - to talk through your girl, your plans and make sure you are set up properly before the big day arrives.
So, next time someone like Tara’s relative feels compelled to throw their opinions about breeding into the mix, maybe they should stop and think about the breeder’s perspective. Breeders are not villains. Ethical breeders put the dogs’ welfare above all else and take great pride in finding the right homes for their pups. There is a reason why so many families return to responsible breeders time and time again. They trust the process and know they are getting a dog that has been well cared for and well bred.
Rescue or breeder. There is no right answer. Both options deserve respect and both have their place. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. A happy, healthy dog in a loving home. So let us stop judging each other and remember that, whether a dog comes from a rescue or a breeder, it is the love and care they receive that truly counts.
And let’s be honest, every dog lover, rescuer or breeder, has more in common than they think. After all, we are all spending our days trying to stop the sofa becoming a chew toy.
Jo x
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