Before making a decision to breed your PON there are
some vital considerations that owners need to
contemplate. Breeding your PON is not an inexpensive
or easy option and requires considerable research.
As recent studies have reported, serious health
considerations with regard to genetics need to be
discussed with your vet and experienced PON breeders
before making your final decision.
What do you really know about PONS ?
Dog breeds have their own unique issues when it
comes to breeding and you need to be informed of
issues within the PON community. Have you researched
the lines of prospective studs ? You may need to
ignore politics and cope with negative reactions if
you conduct your research in an objective manner.
Which stud will you use for your foundation lines ?
You need to prove that your female has been health
tested before considering breeding. Health tests
vary from country to country, but basic hip and eye
testing is found in all countries. Some require
temperament and thyroid testing to complete
comprehensive health testing. Once you have
presented proof of health testing, you need to
request the same from your proposed stud male. Using
champion males carries considerable prestige, but
basic testing should always be necessary.
Are you willing to risk the health of your PON ?
There is always the possibility that the female can
be injured during breeding, or may develop
life-threatening conditions during the pregnancy.
Some bitches can die during delivery if they are
left unsupervised and there are complications. Have
your family vet undergo a complete battery of health
testing before risking your PON.
Your PON will require regular trips to the vet or
even help with birthing or whelping the puppies.
Veterinary bills may range from the cost of a
check-up to several thousands of dollars depending
on individual health issues.
If there are health issues with the puppies, the
breeder is normally responsible unless there have
been alternative arrangements made prior to the
birth of the puppies. Be aware that these can be
minor or they can be extremely costly.
The dame may require more and higher quality food
and supplements throughout her pregnancy and the
puppies will also require vet visits and high
quality food. Vaccinations and vet visits are
critical and add to additional costs.
Establishing a foundation line of healthy and breed
standard puppies is extremely beneficial for both
individual breeder and the entire breed. Locating
good puppy homes for the puppies is a
responsibility and requires considerable
preparation. Good breeders cannot wait until puppies
are on the ground and must find ways of networking
with responsible dog lovers who have indicated an
interest in PONS.
.
Most responsible breeders do not live off dog
breeding and have other sources of income. Those who
depend on breeding as a significant source of
income, need to be avoided for obvious reasons.
Please be aware that puppy prices do not cover the
expenses of raising dogs. Carefully consider your
motives for breeding before deciding if this is the
correct option for your PON. It may be wise to
discuss breeding options with the health committee
of your national breed club as well as consulting
your vet for health testing. Good luck and
please keep us updated.
