Rebanne

I don't have a problem with providing pups for pet homes, not at all. But most breeders only have a couple of dogs to breed from. In your example above @tdierikx what happens to those 16 bitches after they have had their 3 litters? Sure some may be rehomed as adults but with limited room what happens to the ones that aren't moved on quickly. And the breeder would most likely keep replacement pups so how many dogs do they actually end up keeping at any one time? The 4 stud dogs could be kept if they were unrelated to each other and used over the other dogs daughters but even they would need to be moved on in the end. Yeah I think that's puppy farming, the dogs are seen like livestock not as pets. Then you have the backyard breeder, the real one, people like me that have pets first, show and breeding dogs second. I have a 3 dog permit. I have a litter and keep a pup to run on. End of breeding until someone dies as my dogs stay with me for life. If I had a more popular breed, one that has plenty of enquiries, I might breed another litter for "orders" but as I love my dogs and breeding is risky I doubt I would risk them too often. Just wouldn't interest me. I'd actually be more likely to breed my unwanted breed to help keep the breed going then breed a popular one, my reasoning being there are usually plenty of other people keeping the popular breed going.

Before the internet dog breeders used to advertise in the Saturday papers. My breed of interest way back then was the GSD and the club had notices in both the Age and the Sun. I know at one stage clubs were advertising on Gumtree but I think Gumtree stopped them. I seem to recall that DogsVic also advertised with their previous names. Even local obedience clubs used to advertise in local papers. I got into Greyhounds via a friend who was researching for a new dog. Can't quite recall if it was via the internet or not but she was able to research breeds that interested her and spoke to several breeders and actually visited a couple (not Greys). She would be considered very much general public and all previous dogs had been un papered and several from pounds. So the info has always been there. Yes you have to be interested enough to research but that is true of most things in life. Have you never heard of the big Dogs Day Out? Never seen the ads for that or the Pet Expo where many breed clubs had stalls?

People don't want Poodles, they want oodles. They want the mutts they have been brain washed into believing are way superior than any well bred pure bred.

You answered your own question. If I was a breeder of poodles etc, the breeds used to make those crossbred mutts, I'd be desexing young and breeding less. No reputable breeder wants any dog of theirs to become a puppy farm. And have you ever heard any of those mutt owners talking about their dogs? No way they want an actual poodle. Oh no they want the mutt. No pure breed for them except for the mutt they have been told is better and stupidly believe is purebred anyway.

Not all breeds are popular. No use breeding pups when there are no homes for them.

Thanks for the update!

I must admit I just assumed the bitch would be desexed before leaving. No arguments from me re being desexed unless being kept for breeding.

I'd do bloods and start on the antibiotics but would hold off anything else. Bloods will show if there is anything "off" and the AB's could fix it. But go to your regular vet for these things. ER vets can be very expensive.

4:1 is not bad if it was 12:1 I would be more concerned. Also hip problems can also be influenced by rearing practices. Dysplasia is not purely inherited or genetic. I think 4 grand for a pup is outlandish!

Now is the right time. Large breed dog who is old and has had problems with mobility for 6 years. Eating is not always a sign they are happy. Dogs live in the here and now, they don't think oh tomorrow might be better, all they know is now and they rely on us to make decisions that is in their best interest. It is a very hard decision to make but at all times the welfare of the dog must take priority. It will hurt you unbelievably but it will hurt more if you let your dog suffer. Dog people have a saying, better too early then too late. You have been lucky to get a large breed to 13 and he has been lucky to have you taking care of his needs so well. You have loved each other greatly, that is obvious, but it's time to left him go.

https://www.dogstardaily.com/ I send this link to my puppy buyers

When I had German Shepherds I only had bitches and I never had a moments worry with them. Over many years I had several different pairings. I think the oldest was around 7 or 8 when I introduced the next pup. Only ever had two GSD's at a time but also had a smaller crossbred bitch for many years so 3 bitches together. The main problem with bitches is, from what I have seen and read, is if they do decide to take a dislike to one another then it's for life.

I would be asking your vet some very serious questions re the health issues Kane had and the chances a full sibling ( I am assuming ) will present with the same. Not so much the bowel obstruction but the skin problems. When would the next litter be?

They are Hungarian Vizsla's https://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/community/hungarian-vizsla.asp

Love is love Nikki. Don't be ashamed. You have been robbed of years with Kane. It isn't fair. Anytime I have lost a pet sooner then expected the grief has always seemed to have a bit more of a bite. Have a doona day or two or three or whatever you need. Take care of yourself. Eat well. Cry hard. You will learn to live with the pain and it will ease, but it all takes time.

I am so so sorry. Kane was lucky to have you as his Mum. Flying with the angels now.

Albury has a good obedience club. https://www.facebook.com/Albury-Border-Kennel-Club-Inc-262785393804640/ There is a search/track club in Wodonga, https://www.facebook.com/Wodonga-Track-and-Search-Trial-608720519297957/

Humping could also be a stress release.

Vet could give her an injection of female hormone possibly. I had a female cat who was quite nasty and she had a couple of shots some years apart. I also know of a colt who was way too colty and had a shot. He was a thoroughbred yearling to go to the sales so not for gelding. Both of these were many years ago. I'm sure there are other ways to manage it.

Normal to be nervous. Just stick to questions re the pup and the health tests. Don't ask about the bitch cause, in the end, it's nothing to do with you. And I mean that in the nicest possible way as it reads a bit harsh.

couple of links to read https://dogsvictoria.org.au/members/knowledge-centre/the-law-and-you.html http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/domestic-animal-businesses/breeding-and-rearing-businesses/code-of-practice-for-the-operation-of-breeding-and-rearing-businesses

I would be wary of a blue staffy that has two blue parents. The health problems that have been posted here are numerous. Of course there may be nothing wrong with your pup but it is a gamble but so are most things I'd be looking at a state clubs site and see what health tests are recommended for the breed and then check that the parents of the litter have had such tests and their results. I would also expect to get copies of these when you pick up the pup. I've never done puppy packs so I wouldn't hold that against any breeder but I also never took deposits. Make sure you get a receipt and a full description of which pup is yours and also what happens if either party change their mind or pup is no longer suitable for sale. I think the full price is reasonable. As for future breeding then I suggest you show your dog and see if it meets the standard of the breed and get all health tests done. You and hubby will need to be members of DogsSA and pup needs full rego papers. Also be prepared to lose your bitch ( if that's what you are getting ) during whelping etc. It's not always plain sailing. Keep in mind that there are a multitude of staffies and crosses and while you might do the right thing will your potential puppy buyers? Lots for you to think about. Good luck.

Sh!t happens. Pups are often lost, either still born or in the early days after being born. I've had one put down at birth and one at 7 days due to health problems, different litters. Depending on the breed I'd be wanting to see original health testing certificates ( parents and sometimes the pups i.e hearing tests, I think hearing tests for breeds like cattledogs and dalmations are done at 6 weeks of age) and expect to get a copy when I picked up the pup. I'm a little bit more concerned that the bitch has had her 5th litter, hope they are not going to breed her anymore.

I would be taking him to the vet now and take a poo sample as well to check for worms. Your talking about another 2 - 3 weeks before he sees a vet yet you are concerned enough to seek advice here. Was he also desexed or do you have a contract for later desexing? Just curious, it wouldn't have any bearing on his weight now unless he had a hard time of it.

ANKC don't really deal with day to day issues, they are not set up that way. I'd be going back to Dogs QLD and asking for clarification and an actual contact person and email/phone number if they try and send you back to the ANKC.