Breeding Questions and Concerns

[dohertyswissy]

I really need some good input here.

My ex recently told me that he had been in contact with Ranger's breeder regarding getting his own Swissy.  In the course of their conversation, his breeder (who I must say is highly, highly recommended and in great standing in the Swissy world, as well as the dog breeding community as a whole) mentioned whether or not we would be interested in breeding Ranger.

When I first got Ranger, he had mentioned that he would like to see how Ranger turned out and possibly breed him in the future, due to his exceptional pedigree.

However, 3 years later, this is the first time it has ever been brought up again.  Although the breeder is awesome and willing to work with us, since we are no longer together, (by even offering 2 puppies instead of 1 if that is the route we chose, instead of accepting the stud fee as $$) I have my hesitations.

Any insight into the following would really be helpful:

1.)  Will breeding Ranger change his personality?  He has never been dominant or the kind of dog to hump other dogs and I certainly do NOT want that behavior to start now.  If it is possiblility, then I don't have interest in breeding him at all.  I don't want to "loan" my dog to the breeder for a weekend, then get back a completely different temperamented animal.  This is my main concern.

2.)  Ranger has no show titles at all.  I was under the impression that dogs who were bred usually had some titles under their belt.  Am I wrong on this one?

Thanks in advance!

[People Whisperer]

The dog doesn't HAVE to have a title but it sure helps. Experienced breeders usually know what dog to use for a stud. Some dogs tend to make puppies better than they are and some (even with CH title)worse. But you are not going to find out until you breed him or if your breeder is absolutely sure about Ranger.
In addition, you will need to screen his health: hips, elbows, patellas, thyroid, cardiac, etc.

[dohertyswissy]

Okay - I just heard from my vet.  He said that there is a definite possibility that it could cause Ranger to be the "hump" master.  Not necessarily probably, but definitely possibility.

I think that may have sealed the deal for me.

[patrick]

First of all you most certainly can breed an untitled dog as long as he has his health clearances and of course is worthy of breeding.  When a decision is made for breeding a lot of things are taken into consideration- one of your top considerations is bloodlines- if you know your lines and what they produce and have a wonderful specimen that conformational ly complements a bitch a title is NOT mandatory.  And if your breeder is one of the tops in her breed you can bet she is very well versed in lines etc.   Breeding an untitled dog when done from the point of knowledge and experience is by no means unethical.

Second breeding a male dog does NOT make him a humper. If he is well behaved before breeding he will be well behaved after EXCEPT when around females in season.  You know men!  I have absolutely ZERO problems taking my stud dogs out and about in all kinds of social situations with no problems at all.  Even when there are females in season around.  How did you think all these stud dogs are showing while they are breeding?

[FXgirl]

I agree with Patrick. 

Temperament and health trumps a beauty contest in my book.  As long as the Breeder herself competes in shows/carting/etc and is knowledgeable about conformation then it's not a huge issue if the dog hasn't been shown. 

It would be a small gene pool if breeders only used champs.  I've seen some with less than ideal personalities that I wouldn't want a pup from and I've seen family dogs who don't compete in the ring that are just wonderful.