My mini dachshund mated with our daughter's mini doxie (this was planned and all puppies are already assigned homes, depending on how many arrive) the dogs were locked for 30 min or more, there has been a change in her eating habits, and her nipples have gotten larger, but she hasn't started to show, according to the mating date she should deliver on march 5 or 6, would I see signs of showing?

You bred your dog and you don't even know the basics? Why did you do this? Let me guess, "I wanted to experience the miracle of birth and also make some money in the process".

Well, it's too late now, it's time for you to consult your vet, ask him everything you will need to know because this could go very bad. The mother could die during the birthing process, chances are that not all the puppies will make it either. You may have to assist in the birth or rush her to the vet if things go horribly wrong.

Too late to consider that these puppies may have genetic defects, that the people that you give them to may be just as irresponsible as you and breed them too. More puppies in an already overcrowded world.

I really don't understand why some people think this is no big deal, because it's a huge deal. Because of your yen to experience this other dogs will die, dogs that might have found a home had you been a responsible pet owner and had your dog spayed.

Good luck.

I have one question and automatically I am an irresponsible pet owner?? C'mon you call yourself an expert? Because I have never had this experience I am wrong? Did you not read anything but what you wanted? This website is a waste, looks loike most of the "experts" just want some sort of forum to rant at pet owners with questions and concerns. I have read books on the subject but I also know not all dogs are the same, so getting more than one opinion is wise NOT irresponsible, so thanks a lot for your "expert" opinion but don't judge me, you don't know me or anything about my very healthy and much loved dog

And that goes for all who agreed with her rant on my question

And why would my dog breed puppies with genetic defects? She is not in anyway related to the male!
Why do I have to be selling these dogs?
These two dogs are wonderful pets and other family members would love to have puppies from them and not take a chance on bad breeding, or health problems from a rescue or shelter

I have one question and automatically I am an irresponsible pet owner???? C'mon you call yourself an expert?? Because I have never had this experience I am wrong?? did you not read anything but what you wanted? this website is a waste, looks loike most of the "experts" just want some sort of forum to rant at pet owners with questions and concerns. I have read books on the subject but I also know not all dogs are the same, so getting more than one opinion is wise NOT irresponsible, so thanks alot for your "expert" opinion but don't judge me, you don't know me or anything about my very healthy and much loved dog

The sad thing is, I do know you, and many others like you. Do you know how many backyard breeders we get coming here every day, people who haven't invested the time, engergy and money that it takes to be a breeder. You thought that you could put two dogs together, wait and then get puppies, you did minimal research otherwise you wouldn't be here asking questions. A responsible pet owner, a legitimate breeder knows everything they need to know before they breed, not after.

Did you get the two dogs genetically tested to make sure that they aren't passing any hereditary defects on to their puppies? Did you have them both checked by a vet to make sure they're healthy? Did you do any of the numerous and expensive tests that a responsible breeder does?

If so, then I apologize, but I doubt that you did, because, once again, had you done any of the things that you are required to do in order to breed your dog then you wouldn't be here asking questions.

This is not a case of "oops, my dog go pregnant", you forced her to, and now she and her puppies and all the other dogs out there will suffer.

Just because you can breed doesn't mean you should. I'm sorry if you can't understand that, and yes, I am mad, because I deal with this issue way too much and it's making me sick.

Go to the SPCA, ask if you can spend one day in the euthanasia room helping to put down all the dogs that had owners that thought it would be coold to breed them. Look into their eyes and tell me that it's okay for you to add more dogs to a growing problem. If you can do that and still think that breeding your dog is okay, then go ahead, I have nothing more to say.

and why would my dog breed puppies with genetic defects?? she is not in anyway related to the male!
why do I have to be selling these dogs?
these two dogs are wonderful pets and other family members would love to have puppies from them and not take a chance on bad breeding, or health problems from a rescue or shelter

You know nothing of genetics. It doesn't matter if they aren't related, they could still pass down defects to their offspring.

Yes, they're wonderful pets, and they should have been allowed to be just that, nothing more.

If family members want puppies there are more than enough out there without you breeding yours. There are breed specific shelters and legitimate breeders out there, finding a puppy isn't a problem, there are way to many out there already.

As for them taking a chance on bad breeding, they are, they're getting a puppy from a backyard breeder who has no idea what she's doing. That's a much greater risk then getting a dog from a rescue shelter or legitimate breeder.

For all others thinking of breeding your dogs, please, read this first.

Dog breeding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_breeding)

Breeding is more than just getting two dogs together, so much more if you are being responsible.

mcmullen, you said you've read books on breeding, so I am wondering why you didn't just flip back to your earmarked page to recall the signs of pregnancy.

I have some questions that I am hoping you can answer. I have asked these in the past to others in situations similar to yours, so don't think that you're being singled out.

1.) where did you get your dogs from? Many responsible breeders have all of their non-professional (in the dog world) adopters sign a contract that requires them to have their dogs fixed. Did you get your dogs from a professional breeder? Or did you go by way of pet shop? Please share this information so that we can help you to understand the situation in the best way possible.

2.) what experience have you had with breeding?

3.) what do you know about breeding and genetics? How did you establish that the dogs you bred are genetically compatible to rule out defects and encourage qualities considered ideal for the breed?

4.) when did you have your dogs genetically tested? What did you get them tested for? At a minimum, both parents should get hips, eyes and thyroid. Would you mind posting the results?

5.) what do you know about properly caring for the pregnant mother? What foods and supplements has she been given since the insemination? What supplements was she given in the period preceding the pregnancy?

4.) in what ways are you prepared to handle an emergency situation during the birthing process?

5.) would you be able to accept the possibility of having the mother dog die during the birth?

6.) are you aware of all potential costs involved in puppy rearing? Are you financially prepared to handle any medical situation that may arise?

7.) what experience do you have with training puppies and dogs, most importantly in relationship to the extraordinarily important changes that take place during the first eight weeks?

8.) will you be requiring the owners to fix their pet-grade dogs through a signed and binding contract, as is the most common practice of professional, reputable breeders?

9.) if the new owners decide to no longer keep the dog for whatever reason and at any time, would you require the owners to return the dogs to you just as ALL professional, reputable breeders do?

10.) what research have you done regarding responsible breeding practices?

11.) have you learned by having a professional, responsible breeder take you under their wing?

12.) what books, if any, have you read on the subject of dog breeding? Where have you gotten the information necessary for the breeding of mini dachshunds in particular?

13.) tell me everything you know about the crisis of backyard breeding.

Just so you are made aware, altenweg is a highly respected part of this community, and she earned her place as such. You needn't doubt that she knows a whole lot more about the complete care of pets and animals than your question has shown you to know. Trust that there are many people here with a great deal of experience with dog care, and every single one of them has the dogs' best interest in mind. Everyone is here to help pet owners in the care of their animals and in making the best, most responsible choices across the board.

Let's take a moment to look at some of the facts pertaining to backyard breeding.

Please read the information shared on this site. I think it will give you a better understanding of the situation and explain why it's significant. Dog-Play: Thinking about breeding your wonderful dog? (http://www.dogplay.com/Breeding/breeding.html)

Now, I know you think that you've found forever homes for these pups, but are you aware that most dogs are actually rehomed at least once in their lifetime? Most of the dogs that are in the pike of the overpopulation problem have come from backyard breeders. I'll bet that none of those home breeding moms and dads ever thought (or even know) that their beloved puppies wound up in shelters, but it's the awful truth of the matter. And, yes, a surprisingly large percentage of those are purebreds.

Back Yard Breeders (http://www.21stcenturycares.org/backyardbreeders.htm)
"Up to 8 million healthy animals are killed in U.S. pounds and shelters every year. The majority of killing could easily be prevented by spaying OR neutering. Euthanasia is the single largest cause of death for dogs in the U.S. Each year 27 million DOGS are born. 8 or more million we classify as "surplus" ARE killed. That's about ¾ million per month. These numbers do not include the millions of dead dogs whose bodies we scrape off the streets, the growing number that are put to sleep at vets' offices or the hundreds of thousands THAT ARE abandoned. "

What is a Backyard Breeder? (http://home.comcast.net/~NoPuppyMillsVA/What_is_a_Backyard_Breeder_/what_is_a_backyard_breeder_.html)
"So, why are back yard breeders a problem? Well, they just breed dogs for the sake of it. They may have a sweet pet they want to try and reproduce or they think that their dogs are quality because they have papers and/or are registered with some registry. They think maybe they can make a few dollars selling pups, etc. They just put out dogs without real consideration for the future of not only the breed but the puppies produced.

Often, BYBs breed dogs with faults. This perpetuates fault and problems in the breed. They do nothing to prove their dogs are of sound temperament and that they are breeding good representatives of the breed, etc. They just breed."

I realize that a lot of this information has come too late, but it's not too late to take every one of the rest of the steps that you CAN control from now on. Please get informed! Do all of the right research. I truly believe you love your dogs. Do right by them, by yourself, set an example for your daughter, and make the right choices from now on.



just one last thing, so please take heed: a negative rating should only be given to information that is factually incorrect or to dangerous or truly bad advice. altenweg's was none of these. to the contrary, everything that she posted is exactly on target with the information and opinions established by the communities of professionals whose main interest lies in the protection of dogs and cats. consider the ASPCA, rescue groups, all animal shelters, and the veterinary community, as they are the ones who stand behind those statements. if you continue to mark posts who are in support of those facts but are simply not telling you what you want to hear, it would be considered abuse of the ratings system, which could lead to a report against you. this is indeed a wonderful site, but we ask for respect all around the table. you are invited to read the rules for more information.

Linny, had to spread the rep but Bravo! Wow! This post should be made into a sticky!

Linny, had to spread the rep but Bravo! Wow! This post should be made into a sticky!

I had to spread the rep, and I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner. Sometimes there are people who will attack another person's reputation, because they will not take the time to do the research, and are ignorant of the knowledge it takes. They get defensive and will take that lack of knowledge out on someone who knows more about the plight of the dogs that have to die everyday, because of their negligence. They don't like to be told they don't know how to "care" for a living creature as "simple" as a dog, because of course it's very simple to just sit there and watch the "miracle of birth" now isn't it? After all, some are only teaching their children to watch this "miracle" right? What they forget to do is inform themselves and their children, that even just that first puppy that came from it's mother, will cause a ripple effect, and they've now allowed hundreds of other puppies to die, just for that one precious moment!

Lets just say for arguments sake that an average litter is five puppies. On the low end of the spectrum of it all, that is five hundred puppies DEAD! Another 5 dogs into the pipeline! But of course this isn't the backyard breeders fault! Their dogs are going to a good family! They aren't going to ask for money? They just love love love dogs! That is why they've just killed 5 hundred to get more that look just like theirs!

I wonder what your dog would say about that if it could talk? I would think that she would beg and plead with you not to kill her friends so she could go through the pain of that "miracle," and then not even get the opportunity to find out if any of her litter were one of those dogs sitting on a cold table at the shelter watching the big needle come at them.

If the OP wants to know why many of us are so passionate and ask questions, it is because we can see that you have no knowledge on the subject of breeding, and therefore shouldn't be doing so. You can come on here and yell and scream at us all you want! Our valued and informed members know what they are talking about, because we've taken the time to do our research and are happy to share it with people who are respectful of our FREE time! However, if you haven't the time to do the research needed to be breeding, we certainly aren't going to share our information with you!

One more thing in regards to your very rude "disagree" with our pet "expert." "She" has a name, and if you want any respect from people in life, you only get respect if you give it. Just some "free" advice to you for future reference. Don't cut off your nose to spite your face.

Starby, had to spread the rep, but wow, very good and thank you. :)

I know that I'm very harsh with the people that come here for advice on breeding, but there is a reason for that, and I really cannot get myself to be sweet with these people.

It's an epidemic, one that is taking over our world. We only see a tiny percentage of it here on AMHD, and still there are so many backyard breeders coming here for advice. Can you imagine how many others are out there?

There really should be a law that you cannot breed your dog unless you have a breeders license.

And here I am being harsh again, but these people belong in jail, in a cage just like that so many dogs live their short lives in because of people who just don't care.

::clunk:: I'm off my soap box.

::clunk:: I'm off my soap box.


LOL... watch your step Alty ;)

I think I hit my head M. It hurts. Can you take a look? Is there a bump?

Darn soap box. ;)

Wow dogs mate and breed in the wild everyday, but when a owner decides to do it its world war 3. Why don't you two lay off her and use your time to actually do something as in going out and rescuing stray puppies or pregnant dogs, instead of waisting your time here responding with the knowlegde you just learned from the internet. There are real animal lovers and the ones who pretend to love. The real ones are out there helping.. then there are you two... on the internet knocking on people. Get a life and go save a animal!

Wow dogs mate and breed in the wild everyday, but when a owner decides to do it its world war 3. Why dont you two lay off her and use your time to actually do something as in going out and rescuing stray puppies or pregnant dogs, instead of waisting your time here responding with the knowlegde you just learned from the internet. There are real animal lovers and the ones who pretend to love. The real ones are out there helping..then there are you two...on the internet knocking on people. Get a life and go save a animal!

First, this is a really old thread. So old in fact that one of the people that posted here, one of the two that you're addressing, died over 3 months ago.

As for the things I know. I didn't learn it on the internet. I learned it working in shelters, rescuing dogs, talking to breeders, attending conferences put on by the humane society.

I have three dogs, 2 are rescues.

I have 4 rabbits, 3 are rescues.

My bird was given to us by a family that didn't want her anymore.

I've volunteered at the humane society in the past, walking dogs, socializing cats, working with the bunnies to make them tame enough to adopt. I also worked in the euthanasia room.

Before you judge you may want to get the facts. The reason that there are so many dogs in the shelters is because of inexperienced backyard breeders like the person that started this thread. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Any questions?

and that goes for all who agreed with her rant on my question



This is everyone but you. Before you breed the dog is when you have the dog checked by the vet and ask about breeding between breeds and issues with her carrying the pups. Also now is when you also take the dog to the vet to be checked to see if they are OK.


When was the last time the dog was at the vet ? Was there any discussion with the vet before the breeding ?