We have a 2 year old papillon that weighs 7 lbs. What are the concerns/dangers in breeding her?

That is much too complex to be covered here. For starters on what you need to learn before selecting breeding stock, see Articles (http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles.html#breeding) If you didn't investigate all that long before you ever bought her, chances are she is not of breeding quality.

We have a much greater need for homes for the dogs we have, than more breeders.

eaglesflyjj You may want to educate yourself on the health aspects of not getting her spayed. There are cancers and life threatening infections that female dogs get that can be prevented with spaying. Talk with your vet.

Eagles, as I was responding, I just lost my entire response to you. Very frustrating. I don't have a lot of time to recreate it now but will try my best.

I am very glad that you chose to come here first and ask questions prior to breeding your dog. It shows that you are a caring and responsible owner. Educating yourself on everything about the breed and the problems that can occur are extremely important and are part of the guidelines that the AKC asks breeders to adhere to. I think you will find this link helpful: American Kennel Club - Responsible Breeding Steps (http://www.akc.org/breeders/resp_breeding/index.cfm) The website also lists the AKC approved breeders of Papillons so look through the site very carefully. There is a lot of information to be found there.

This site: Papillon Information and Pictures, Papillons, Butterfly Dog, Pap, Continental Toy Spaniel (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/papillon.htm) gives you basic info on the health issues, temperament, and what the physical characteristics that are important in guaranteeing a litter that is free from defects. Responsible breeders adhere to the AKC standards of the breed and will not perpetuate the genetic defects that can occur.

Both labman and bushg have brought up some good points and it would be wise to listen to what they are saying.

If you purchased your dog from a pet store or from someone's home, chances are that you do not have dog that is considered good breeding stock. Responsible breeders do not sell their dogs to pet stores or to just anyone. They limit the litters and do a complete check on the person purchasing their dogs. Pet stores receive most of their puppies from puppy mills. The conditions under which these pups are born are horrendous and there isn't any interest from the owners of these mills to ensure that the dogs are quality dogs free from defects. Their sole interest is to make as much money off these dogs as possible. If you bought your pup from someone's home, chances are that either they or the person they bought their dog from, purchased the original breeder dog from a pet store. Genetic issues are a huge reason why we find so many dogs in shelters and rescues. I am sure you don't want one of the puppies from a litter to face that terrible fate. So be very careful and do your due diligence to ensure you are breeding a quality dog.

You should take the time to go to your public library and look through all their books on breeding. You may also want to go to your local Barnes & Noble or Bordersbooks to see what they have on breeding. You don't have to buy the books. You can get a cup of coffee, sit down, and read through them. If you find one that really appeals to you that seems to have all the info you are looking for, then you should make the investment and purchase it.

*WARNING*Not for the easily squemish*
My boyfriend's childhood dog (minature poodle) had a very complicated birth where the last pup the was delivered had to be decapitated to save the mother. She was fixed after that. His parents took her to a responsible breeder and did all the right things, but small dogs carry such large risks when it comes to breeding. I have a chihuahua who is three pounds, I've been offered up to $2,000 to let her be bred with a stud. I have refused as I don't want to lose my baby girl or want her to lost puppies...