Many of us have truly bonded with our dogs and know just how special they are. We might think of how great it would be to have another just like it. But dogs are a combination of their parents, so your puppy will get 50 percent of his genes from the other dog, leaving no guarantee that he will have any of the characteristics that you love.

If you’re breeding your dog because it’s a breed you love, here are some guidelines to consider:

1. Is your dog registered with some official organization? Registration does not indicate the quality of the dog; it only means that your dog is a purebred. Keep in mind that many purebred dogs actually have faults of structure, temperament or health that should not be perpetuated.

2. Has your dog competed and been judged favorably by someone knowledgeable in the breed, confirming your dog’s quality?

3. Do you know the breed standards, and will you breed to a mate who will improve the shortcomings in your dog to produce superior pups?

4. Has your dog been certified free of genetic defects and did it come from parents and grandparents who were certified?

5. Does your dog have a superior temperament to most others of its breed?

6. Are you prepared to meet the costs of veterinary care? An average litter is seven puppies, all of which need veterinary care, food, vaccinations and worming.

7. Are you able to spend two hours every day caring for a litter? Puppies need to be properly socialized, groomed, cleaned and monitored for health problems.

8. Responsible breeders are willing to take back any pup that cannot be kept in the home it was placed in. Are you prepared to take back any puppy, at any age?

If you answered “yes” to all the above questions, then you will be a responsible dog breeder and will enjoy the challenge of bettering the breed of your choice.

If you answered “no” to any of the questions, you should reconsider. Twenty-five percent of dogs entering shelters are purebreds, indicating that there aren’t enough homes available for puppies already born. You’ll be adding to that.

Every puppy you create is your responsibility. Dogs should only be bred to improve the breed.

Please be a responsible pet owner and consider carefully the consequences of breeding.

If your dog is not a purebred, there is really no reason to breed.

Millions of unwanted dogs die in shelters each year. If you want to raise a puppy, please consider adoption instead.

— Brown County Humane Society

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In November and December, SPOT is offering a $5 spay/neuter for the first 50 dogs and first 50 cats.

Call 812-703-0797 for an appointment. Brown County residents only.

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