Agreatdog, breeders of Iowa Chow Chow, Shih Tzu and Sheltie puppies for sale.

Should I Spay or Neuter my new Puppy? Breeding just once would be fun.

Many people are torn by this decision. The notion that a puppy should be allowed to enjoy one breeding/mating cycle in order to have a happy life is a total myth.  Having a parent and offspring living together as companions to each other is no different than two unrelated dogs growing up together.

Breeding requires a lot of time, knowledge and patience.  It is a learning experience that is very enjoyable and fulfilling, but never truly learned by just one mating.  One must only breed if you truly know your breed and have a vision of how to improve that breed.  Weak traits on one parent must be the strong traits in the other parent. Genetics, breeding suitability and health concerns must be studied, considered and understood before deciding which dogs to breed together. Lots of time and energy goes into a successful breeding program.

Puppies are all born premature and helpless. Along with the mother, you must monitor and care for the newborns  24 hours/7 days a week for approximately 4 weeks and somewhat less after that for an additional 4 weeks. You must be able ascertain that all pups are getting fed and growing properly, spot the fading puppy and help it in order for it to survive. Human socialization must start at a very young age and is key to excellent quality puppies. During weaning, all the pups are yours to care for and clean up after until homes are found. Can you make that commitment?

Typically there will be more that one puppy born, and unless you plan to keep all of them or are sure you can find forever homes for all of them, they could be the unwanted puppy that ends up in an animal shelter. Consider having your pet spayed or neutered and adopt a second dog for companionship later. 



Spaying and Neutering can be done as early as six months of age.