I am certainly not 'picking' on Sharon....as it has so eloquently been written, I think I am a bit past playground bullying tactics.

As a breeder, albeit of only 3 litters in 17 years, I would be very interested to know why Sharon is having 4 litters in 6 months of 'pet-bred' Cockers?   I breed only when I want something new to show, my aim is to breed a generation that is better than the present one I own - so far I think I am part of the way towards doing that.    

Personally, regardless of a breed's size, I can see no reason for breeding from a bitch pre-2 years old, for me I wouldn't even contemplate it before 3 years old.  I can see no reasoning to make me change my mind.   

Hi ChristineW,

I must admit I don't see why Sharon hasn't come on to say more about why she's taken on the huge personal burden of breeding several times over a five year period and I for one would be interested to know how she's managed to keep her sanity :P  Hopefully she will be happy to share her views openly and without being defensive.  

Like you, as a breeder (& I'm *certainly* no expert - I've only had 1 litter in 15 years :rolleyes: ) I'm simply curious.

Regards, Teri ;) 

Pet bred Cockers??   I choose for my dogs to be pets, previous pups have gone on to be show dogs, plus a few have actually gone on to be working dogs!  When I breed, if an exceptional pup comes up, then yes I keep it to continue my lines.  I am a hobby breeder, I give 100% commitment to the health and wellbeing of my bitches and puppies.

You might also be interested to know that the vast majority of puppies bred by show breeders actually are homed in pet homes and are not destined to become show/working dogs.

When choosing to breed a litter the correct way to do things is to a) care for your bitches and not place their health or welfare at risk, b) health test to try and banish hereditary health problem c) choose quality stud dogs who compliment the bitches pedigree d) rear your litters correctly with due care to their welfare, diet, socialisation and living environment and e) find your puppies permanent, loving homes where they will enjoy a good quality of life for their whole life. I do all this and more, pity so many people don't!!!

I have waiting lists for my pups because of the temperament of the dogs I breed, they are raised in my home with my children so leave here very happy healthy pups!

Yes, my first cockers were pets!  But we all have to start somewhere, you've admitted yourself that you are only part way towards breeding a generation that is better than the present one you own...........I have only been breeding 5 years, so I have a long time before I catch up with you! and hopefully in 17 years time I too will be able to say the same.

So please, can we end this!