The right way to get into breeding?
I have my breed of choice picked out
Attend dog shows, look, listen and talk to breeders
Have a mentor lined up for showing (doesn’t breed)
The breeder that I am considering getting a show ‘potential’ pup from doesn’t live close to me
I am already involved with training my dogs my one dog has her CGC, RN and CD title and my other dog is in training for the same. I steward for Rally/Obedience/Agility trials and am on the board for the training center that I go to.
I would love to try my hand at showing and if the pup does well, maybe get into breeding.
My questions
Should I find a breeder close to me that can mentor me/does long distance mentoring work?
Best way to learn what is involved in breeding?
Is there a book to read on what to look for when you go to find a mate for your dog? Talking about genetics
I am looking for a male/would have to rely on the breeder to help me pick out a good show potential. How does co-ownership work. Heard LOTS of stories on this one.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Good job educating yourself! Now, for your specific questions:
1) Have more than one mentor. Always be willing to listen to anyone who has been reputable in the breed for many years, and weigh thier opinions, then make your own judgements. Try to have at least one mentor near enough that you can frequently go to observe breedings and whelpings. Even then, you never know what to expect. One long time (40 or so years) breeder/judge I know was asking a question on an unusual whelping today on my sheltie list. Always be willing to learn. You will never know it all, and avoid anyone who *thinks* they do.
2.) The best way to learn what is involved is the combination method. Read all you can get your hands on, and observe as many actual breedings as possible and ask many questions. Have as many conversaations as possible with people in your breed via e-mail or phone.
3.) My favorite breeding book is “Successful Dog Breeding” by Chris Walkowicz and Bonnie Wilcox DVM. Also the “Book of the B!tch” is good. Read more than one. There is most likely a breed specific book that is admired above all others by people involved in your breed. Find out what it is, and get it. In shelties, “Sheltie Talk” is pretty much the breed Bible. Also go to seminars on your breed. Contact teh national club’s secretary for a list of when and where they are held.
4.) Co-ownerships only work as well as the people involved. Many breeders will not sell a top quality show potential pup to a newbie without a co-ownership. I understand why. Most conformation people drop out before 5 years are up. There is a top quality show dog lying on a couch, or sold to God knows whom, and the breeder has nothing to show for all the effort that went into breeding and promoting their offspring. But then again, some less-than-reputable breeders use them to trap newbies into contracts that are in no way advantageous to the buyer. They get someone to take on and show a questionable pup, have none of the expenses, and get teh glory if the pup wins. Just beware who you are entering into the co-ownership with, and get EVERY little thing in WRITING. Co-ownership with a worthy breeder is one of the fastest ways to get good quality dogs and earn recognition in the breed.
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