First perhaps I should explain the situation - a friend wants to breed a litter from his beagle because 'people always want pedigree dogs'. Despite it being pointed out that quite a few friends/relatives have pedigree dogs that were unwanted rescues, it seems he is still considering it.

His beagle is 1 year old and he complained when they got her at 3 months old that she was messy and naughty. I think he is thinking the money from selling the pups will be more than enough to put up with a litter of pups for 8 weeks.

I've never bred dogs or looked into the costs/problems - although we have fostered litters of pups before and know how messy they are.

Really I just want some help in getting a few figures to give him. He thinks it will be very easy to sell all the pups and that he will make a bit of money.

If he were considering this with any thought of the best for his dog or the pups then I'd be happy to find information to help him out but unfortunately his thinking goes along the lines of 6 pups x £??? = lots of money. I'm quite ashamed to know him.

What tests should he have done on his bitch? how much will they cost?
How much would an average stud fee be?
Cost of KC registration?
How many visits to the vet are necessary during the pregnancy/afterwards?
How common are complications - how much would vets fees be?
If anyone could do list of costs for an average size litter (whatever that is) it would be really helpful.

Also something I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned to him yet, I've not spoke to him about it but I'll make a point of discussing the responsibility of taking back any puppies or adult dogs that have problems in their new homes - does anyone have any experiences of returned dogs that I could mention to him?

Thank you.

If you have a look on the IDLE CHAT board there is a topic by SIERRA about the financial implications of breeding. I'll have a look and sort out a link for you.

Fiona

Found it. The information has been provided by various different breeders and has been compiled by Sierra. The charts aren't specific to any particular breed.

Hope this helps convince your friend he's a fool :D

Fiona

Hope you don't mind Sierra.

Heck, I don't mind, Fiona. The charts are there to point out the misconceptions about 'making money' breeding. And you were about as blunt as I would be. **winking**

Thanks I'll go and have a look at those now!

Everyone tells him he's a fool.

He ask how much my horse was bought for as a colt and how much he's worth now 7 years on. He thought we should sell him and make a great profit. He didn't consider the 7 years of field/stable rent, hay, straw, feed, farriers, vets bills, insurance, equipment, etc.

Anyway I'm determined to prove how stupid he is being - he doesn't have any support on this from his family so hopefully he'll give up on it. *fingers crossed*

I've done a search on genetic problems in beagles and, frankly, am astounded. Give me until tomorrow evening and I'll put an article up on the same website as the chart in regards to 'Breeding, In General,' 'Whelping Problems', 'What To Expect', and Genetic Problems.

Kitty, I put up Let's Talk Breeding for people like your friend who may not understand what they are getting into. Specifically with him in mind, you will find a link there on health problems in beagles. Staggering information. Thanks for the inspiration.

Hi Sierra

Thanks, I'll go and look at that now. He seems to have stopped going on about breeding from her but I know his wife is planning on having her spayed before he changes his mind again.

Thanks for all your help - I'll try and print these off at some point just to have them handy for anyone else who needs to know what they'll be taking on.

Kitty