Since I generally change my mind every five minutes and have a hard time making a decision about what to have for lunch, I'm looking for some feedback.
I am considering doing a test breeding to see what I might get from Elli. Even if there are no conformation-ring superstars in the litter, I'm confident that all will be sound and athletic, and there should be some very good performance prospects.
However, I'm a little worried that, with the economy being what it is, there may not be enough prospective puppy buyers. Also, the puppies would be ready to go to their new homes around the end of November/first of December -- not the world's most ideal time to bring home a new puppy.
Does anyone have any advice/comments/suggestions?
8 years has flown by
5 weeks ago
Is this breeding going to enhance the breed and breed better cardigans with correct structure and type? If not, then you probably know the answer.
ReplyDeleteIn this economy I wouldnt be breeding anything unless its to improve on what I have now.
ReplyDeleteI believe you should go ahead. If you love the dog and want to improve on her and hopefully keep something to move on with. As for puppy people, this year has been a very good one so far for new puppy homes. I know of two litters already sold who are not old enough to go yet. I know of two more possibles who have people waiting, and I get at least one puppy inquiry every week or two. Now this will slow down in the winter months, and nothing is for certain for sure. However, that would not be what stopped me unless I was REALLY strapped.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, who may the daddy be? Will he be brindle, black, red or blue?
IMO, every litter is a "test breeding", so to refer to any breeding as a "test breeding" is IMO misleading, esp to those not in the breeding world who don't understand the chances/dice roles in each litter. We never know what we're going to get, and it's always a crap-shoot, even rebreeding a successful litter, can end up with all pets, and it's even happened in Cardigans!
ReplyDeleteSo it goes back to, do YOU have homes lined up, and do you feel this breeding will give you an improvement? Really, only you, and your mentors can answer that!
No matter your decision, good luck! There's a lot of Cardigan litters out there, IMO more than ever before, and no one seems to be having any trouble placing pups. If anything, I think there's more demand for hardy, stable dogs with the bad economy, than before. People may not be showing/eventing as much in the dog world, but puppy buying hasn't slowed down it seems!