LET US BE YOUR BREEDING MENTOR!

Looking for a breeder to assist you with the certifications, testing, natural mating, whelping process, and finding good homes for the puppies. We would love to help. And before posting on FB or other social media platforms, please read below as to what you might get instead:

About once per week, a kind-hearted dog lover will upload a photo of their adorable and cherished pet to an online community and declare their intention to breed the animal, but confess they lack the knowledge regarding how to do so. They receive criticism from other breeders or "adopt, don't shop" proponents within minutes, telling them to give up on their goal of breeding their canine and using abbreviations like DNA, OFA, and AI without providing any context. These comments are well-intentioned - the majority of reputable breeders and animal advocates detest nothing more than reading posts on social media about sick dogs sold by bad breeding practices and so-called "backyard breeders." They want people to know that  breeding is much more complicated and costly than most people think.

Nevertheless, every breeder started somewhere, and as a member of the SPCA Board and a supporter of the organization, I've come to understand that if breeders stigmatize or discourage anyone else who has an interest in breeding, we are essentially ensuring that the very thing we are trying to stop will occur—namely, that individuals will proceed without the knowledge and tools they require. Because of this, I advise anyone thinking about breeding their canine to find a knowledgeable breeding mentor.

I'm delighted to spend my time and efforts helping those interested in breeding or attempting to launch a program involving Cavaliers. Others interested in learning more about these breeds are not my rivals; I view them as allies in the mission to advance these breeds and ensure healthy bloodlines. When I first began breeding, I had two mentors, and I feel I have to return their kindness by being helpful to others.

If you want to breed your dog, kindly consider hiring a breeding mentor to guide you. Before contacting a prospective mentor, be ready to respond to the following inquiries:

• Are you legally permitted to breed this animal? Please confirm that you own a "fully registered" female or male. No respectable breeder will help you break the terms of another breeder's contract.
• Is your canine registered with the AKC? Please be aware that most breeders will only work with registered animals. If you are interested in hybrid breeding, please refer to a related blog on LierChonPoo.com. 
• Has your canine gone through a minimum of two heat cycles? Reputable breeders won't help you breed an immature dog that can't yet pass the necessary health tests.
• Are your veterinary documents up to date? Has your dog's doctor judged him or her healthy enough and a good candidate for breeding?
• Does your canine meet breed requirements? You can discover breed standards on the AKC website if you're unsure. Breed standards differ greatly from "show quality"; many respectable breeders prefer to breed for health and temperament rather than perfect coloring. 

Before attempting to breed your dog, you should try to correct any issues that the answers to any of these queries indicate. It's time to look for a mentor if you can say "yes" to each of these queries. Look for these things when choosing a mentor:

• A reputable breeder who complies with all the requirements for responsible breeding.
• A  breeder who specializes in the breed you love (or a closely similar breed).
• A breeder who has a dog you'd be interested in using, either male or female. Breeders are giving you their time, so you should consider using their stud or offering your dog as a stud in return.
• The internet, flight nannies, and artificial insemination have made easier finding a mentor who lives far away simpler than ever. Often, breeders are more eager to guide those who won't be selling puppies in their area.

Invest some time in the following (if your dog is too immature) to learn more about breeding:

• After your canine reaches one year old, learn more about the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and begin your testing.
• Track the heat cycles of your female canine.
• Once your male canine has reached the age of one year, have the semen tested for breeding soundness.
• Read articles about breed-specific testing on this and other websites.
• Get your dog's Genetics tested. We advise using Embark for complete DNA samples.

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Breeding your dog can be an exciting and enjoyable adventure, but it is also a significant duty and should only be undertaken after careful consideration and advice. On these pages, you can find out more about breeding:

AKC Breeding Mentor Article
How to Choose a Mentor

Please contact us at [email protected] if we can assist you in your breeding goals.

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