Rhona Smallacombe | A Raw and Honest Look at the Realities of Breeding Dogs from a Breeder's Perspective

Many people imagine breeding their beloved dog just once - maybe to keep a puppy, or to give their dog the “experience” of motherhood. It's an idea that often starts with love, but the truth is, dog breeding is a lot more serious and complicated than most people realize. It's not just about cuddly puppies. It's about being prepared - emotionally, financially, and mentally for all that comes with it.

If you're thinking about letting your dog have a litter, or you're just curious about what it really takes to be a responsible breeder, this article is for you. Let's walk through the reality - no sugarcoating, just the truth.

It's Not Just About Puppies

Lots of people say, “We just want one litter.” But breeding isn't as simple as putting two cute dogs together and waiting for puppies to arrive. There’s a whole science behind it—understanding genetics, breed health, and the possible risks to your dog and her babies. It also means thinking beyond the puppies you keep or give away—because every puppy deserves a good life, not just a good start.

Breeding can be hard on your dog. Pregnancy and birth are major events, and sometimes things go wrong. It’s not fair to put her through that unless you're 100% prepared and doing it for the right reasons—reasons that benefit the dogs, not just your heart.

Breeding Isn’t a Hobby - It’s a Serious Responsibility

Some people think of breeding as a hobby, but it’s more like a job—and one with no set hours. Here’s what goes into it:

• Learning about your dog’s breed: You need to know what your breed is supposed to look and act like. That includes health problems that might be passed on.
• Health checks: Both the mom and dad dogs need tests to make sure they don’t pass on diseases. These can cost hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.
• Pregnancy care: You’ll need to feed your dog extra, get her checked by the vet, and be ready to help her through labor.
• Whelping (giving birth): Sometimes, things go smoothly. But sometimes, you need emergency help—like a $1600 - $4,000 C-section in the middle of the night!
• Caring for newborns: Puppies can’t see or hear when they’re born. They need warmth, food, and help going to the bathroom. If mom can’t take care of them, you might have to feed them every 2–3 hours, around the clock. I had one litter where the Mom passed away after an emergency C-section and I had to feed those puppies every 2-3 hours for weeks on end. That was in 2024, and more than a year later, my sleeping habits are still messed up!

Finding the Right People to Learn From

You don’t have to figure this all out alone, but you do have to be willing to ask for help. A mentor is someone who has done this before and is willing to teach you the ropes. They’ve been through it all - the stress, the joy, and everything in between.

Talking to an experienced breeder can help you understand if this is really the right path for you. The best ones don’t sugarcoat it. They’ll tell you the truth, support you through the tough times, and celebrate the wins with you.

It truly is imperative to have an experienced mentor. Regardless of how much you study and learn, she/he will be your sounding board and share tips and tricks to help you as you find your way on this new journey you have chosen to take.

The Emotional Side That No One Talks About

This part often catches people off guard: the emotional toll. Puppies don’t always survive. Some are stillborn. Some get sick. Sometimes the mother doesn’t make it through labor. It’s heartbreaking.

Are you ready to sit up all night sometimes for weeks on end, to help a weak puppy survive? Can you handle losing one, even when you’ve done everything right? Are you okay with seeing your dog in pain or stress?

It’s not just sad - it can be exhausting. Breeders and even vets talk about “compassion fatigue”—that feeling of being emotionally drained from caring so deeply. If you do go forward, make sure you also care for yourself.

Just like a human mom, you will sleep when they sleep, eat just after they nurse/eat, and steal every moment you can to keep up your housework, groceries and personal life…Did I say “personal life”? There are no vacations, and every single planned move will be centred around heat dates, breeding days, whelping schedules and the list goes on.

Why Some People Still Choose to Do It

So why do some people stick with it? Because when it goes well, it’s truly magical. Helping a tiny puppy into the world, hearing its first squeak, watching it grow into a confident, loving dog—it’s amazing. Every tiny puppy I hold, brings tears of awe and love to my eyes, my heart beats a little faster and I am already checking that puppy to make sure everything is looking healthy, and envisioning the stages of life it will go through!

The best breeders don’t do this for money. They do it because they love their dogs and want to see them thrive—not just their own, but the puppies they help bring into the world.

They keep in touch with the new owners. They take back dogs if something doesn’t work out. They care—deeply. And that care is what makes the difference between someone who breeds responsibly and someone who just lets their dog have puppies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering breeding your dog, start by asking yourself the hard questions:

• Am I ready to risk my dog’s health for this?
• Do I have the time and money to care for the puppies—and the mom?
• What will I do if something goes wrong?
• Can I find great homes for every puppy?

(I actually have a questionnaire for that person that is considering becoming a breeder with at least a minimum of 100 basic questions!)

It’s okay to decide breeding isn’t for you. In fact, it’s responsible. But if your heart is truly in it for the right reasons, and you're ready to do the work, it can be one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take.

Either way, thank you for caring enough to learn. Our dogs deserve nothing less.