The real considerations...
Yesterday, I had one of those moments that made me pause and reflect on the reality of what we do.
I received a text from someone who was considering breeding their dog. They asked if I could tell them whether they should breed their dog. In response, I offered one of our paid-for services: a Breeder Mentor Session.
It’s an hour-long consultation for just £45. Yes, these are SUCH amazing value, but that’s on purpose, as I want people to be able to access our valuable guidance especially when they’re just at the beginning and solid foundations mean everything. These are designed specifically for owners like this - those who are weighing up the decision to breed and want a deep dive into the step-by-steps, ethics, responsibilities, and practicalities involved in the journey.
Their reply? “I don’t want to fork out any money or time at present, I just wanted to have a quick chat so you could tell me my pros and cons.”
Wow.
Here’s the thing: breeding a dog is never something that should be done on a whim or after a “quick chat.”
Yes, we understand that accidents happen, and we’re always here to support those situations.
But a planned breeding? That’s a huge responsibility. One that requires thoughtful consideration, time, and a commitment to learning - to ensure that your girl stays as safe and happy as possible.
The reality is, breeding is life-altering. It’s time-consuming, anxiety-inducing at times, but also rewarding and so bond-building when done right.
And that’s why we’ve developed our Breeder Mentoring services over the years and why we’ve had everyone from complete novices to decades-long breeders come through our doors. After all, none of us ever truly know it all!
With over 400 reviews that speak for themselves, we know that the right support makes all the difference to your puppy making journey.
Whilst I can’t possibly know YOUR pros and cons without sitting down and having an in depth conversation - here are the three ‘general’ biggest pros and cons of breeding (from someone who’s seen it all, the highs, the lows, and everything in between).
1. The joy of new life
Watching puppies take their first breath and open their eyes for the first time is nothing short of magical. When breeding is done properly, it brings an immense sense of pride and love, knowing you helped bring those tiny, beautiful little lives into the world.
2. The bond it builds
You’ll never look at your girl the same way again. The bond between you deepens beyond words when you’ve supported her through pregnancy, labour, and raising her babies.
3. The legacy of doing it right
There’s something special about producing healthy, happy, well-bred puppies that go to loving homes. When you do it for the right reasons, you’re helping preserve good lines, the future of your breed, and giving families the gift of a life companion!
1. The worry and emotional toll
Breeding isn’t for the faint-hearted. And I'll say that again for the people at the back! You’ll have nights where you can’t sleep, moments of panic, and times when things go wrong. The responsibility sits heavy on your shoulders, and it’s not something to take lightly. You need a trusted support system around you.
2. The time and lifestyle shift
Forget lie-ins, days out, or holidays for a while! From pregnancy to weaning, your whole world revolves around mum and pups - feeding, cleaning, checking, and worrying. It’s full-on and relentless at times. But totally magical when you look down, at the most gorgeous bundles of fur, all sleeping like angels.
3. The cost
When done properly, breeding costs more than most people realise. From health testing, stud fees of a healthy male, pregnancy scans to ensure you have the information you need to plan for whelping safely, and the potential of emergency vet care… not to mention quality food, equipment, and microchipping - it all adds up quickly.
So yes, in this instance, we advised that maybe breeding isn’t something they should pursue until they have the time and resources to fully commit to researching the idea so they can be prepared for the journey.
And shock… no response followed, unsurprisingly.
If you’re thinking about breeding, please know that it’s a casual, walk in the park. But if you learn and prepare, get expert support from us so we can teach you how to do things the easy, step by step way, It can be an incredibly beautiful, memorable experience - but only when done with care, knowledge, and the right guidance.
This is exactly why we offer our Breeder Mentor Sessions, and why we believe a “quick pros and cons chat” just won’t cut it. If you'd like to book in, just get in touch.
Take the time. Do it right.
For your dog, for yourself, and for the future paws you’re helping bring into the world.
Jo xx
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where our expertise makes a difference.
