• if you do not know what you're doing
• if your intention is not to improve the breed standard
• if your dog is a beloved family pet and not a show dog
• if you want to make money
• if you think breeding is for fun
• if you think your dog is deprived if she is not bred
• if you think you and your children will learn from the experience of birth

Breeding is not a hobby for pet owners, but rather a demanding, complicated vocation that is not to be dabbled with. Many people have thought of breeding as an easy-money opportunity: buy two dogs and let them do the work. The rule of thumb is: if you're making money by breeding dogs, you're doing something wrong!  

Common sense should tell you that it is indeed cruel to bring unwanted or unplanned puppies into an already crowded canine world; only negligent pet owners allow this to happen. There are too many dogs but too few good homes. Many dogs are put to sleep annually, purebred and mixed breeds, pet-, show- and breeding-quality.

The motives of good breeders are clear: avoid the manufacturing and mass-producing of average and below-average dogs; control the overblown canine population; concentrate on the improvement of purebred bloodlines. Unless you can improve the breed, you should not consider breeding your animal.

Acknowledgement: Miniature Pinschers by Evelyn Miller

• Five Good Reasons Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet
• Six Common Excuses for Not Spaying or Neutering Pets
• Spay and Neuter Your Pets! Good for You, Your Pet, and the Community

We know that your pet is very important to you. A companion, a friend, and in a real sense a member of your family. In order to reduce the number of animals being abandoned or put to sleep, you should discuss neutering your pet with your veterinarian. Together you can work as a team to help reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned animals.

Both male and female dogs are mature enough to reproduce between the ages of six to nine months.

Female dogs generally go through an estrus or heat cycle every six months. This is accompanied by a proestrus or bleeding cycle prior to her true heat cycle in which she is very receptive to the advances of male dogs. This heat cycle may last for several days or up to three or four weeks. Often female dogs will experience some personality changes during heat cycles such as becoming short-tempered or anxious.

Surgical neutering of female dogs called ovariohysterectomy, completely eliminates all heat cycles and the accompanying unwanted bleeding cycle, nervousness, and desire to mate. Neutering your female dog will also protect your pet from uterine infections and other diseases as well as difficult or dangerous pregnancies. Studies show that by neutering your female dog before her first heat cycle, you can greatly reduce her chances of developing mammary cancer later in life. The surgery includes the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

Most male dogs are ready and willing to reproduce by the time they are six to 12 months of age. There are able to breed consistently throughout the year or whenever they are exposed to a receptive female. Male dogs are prone to wander in search of romance and find themselves exposed to fighting with another animals or dangers such as cars. Male dogs are sometimes equally anxious to mark their territories.

Surgical neutering of male dogs, called orchiectomy, eliminated any reproductive behavior and reduces urine odor and the desire to spray. Your male dog will continue to have his own unique personality. He will be less likely to roam and enjoy staying at home more. The surgery removes the testicles.

Deciding when is the best time to neuter your pet is a decision you should discuss with your veterinarian.

Acknowledgement: AAHA Website http://www.healthypet.com/Library/prevent-16.html