04/18/2026
✨The Good and the Bad of Breeding✨
For over eight years, I have dedicated myself to Little House Pups and the ethics of breeding healthy dachshunds. Many people only see the positive aspects of breeding, such as the joy of happy, healthy puppies, endless puppy snuggles, and their adorable faces. However, breeding is not as straightforward as it may seem.
What does breeding truly ask of us? It involves knowing the breed standard, being able to evaluate and identify suitable breeding candidates, understanding the genetics that contribute to a healthy dog, and knowing how to pair those genes to produce healthy offspring. It also requires proper veterinary care, socializing puppies to ensure they thrive when they leave our home, early neurological stimulation to provide a solid foundation for their development, and round-the-clock care and supervision for litters until they are at least two weeks old. Additionally, we conduct health checks before the puppies leave our care, administer vaccinations and deworming on a safe schedule, and establish a daily routine to provide normalcy for the puppies when they go home.
However, breeding also involves constant cleaning, as the laundry never stops, and walls, pens, bedding, and floors must be sanitized to maintain a safe and clean environment for our puppies. Puppies have a low defense system, and their immune system is developing until they are 22 weeks old, making them susceptible to various health issues making it extremely important for us to keep their environments cleanly.
Before a litter is even conceived/planned, hours are spent reviewing the pedigrees of our parent dogs. Before adding a new dog to our home, I carefully evaluate their structure, personality, lineage, and overall health along with their parents. This rigorous evaluation process also applies to puppies we keep, and I am often even more selective with our own lines.
So, what happens if a puppy does not meet our standards? We find the best pet home possible and try again at a later date. However, my responsibility goes beyond producing cute puppies; I am committed to upholding breed standards and improving our lines with each new addition. Sometimes, this means investing six to eight months in a puppy only to start over because it is my responsibility to do what is best for our breed, even if it delays our plans.
Many people think breeding is just fun and games, but that is not the case. Even with proper planning and care, unexpected challenges can come up. Recently, I experienced this firsthand, with four vet trips in just three weeks, including an emergency visit. Our sweet dam, Charlotte, had a healthy pregnancy overall, but one puppy was too large to be delivered naturally. This unexpected complication highlights the importance of being prepared and knowledgeable about breeding.
As a responsible breeder, it is extremely important to be aware of the potential risks and complications that can come up during breeding and whelping. This includes knowing signs of distress, panic, or pain in our dogs, as well as being prepared to take action in emergency situations. Not knowing what to expect or how to respond can put the lives of our dogs and puppies at risk.
Recently, we experienced another unexpected challenge when one of our puppies was born prematurely. This meant providing round-the-clock care and feedings, putting our lives on hold to ensure this sweet miracle survived. While this can be a challenge, it is also a reminder that breeding is not just about producing puppies, but about being committed to their care and well-being.
Breeding is not an easy task; it is not a way to make quick money or a hobby to be taken lightly. It is a demanding and often times can be a financially burdensome job that requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for improving the breed. It is not a 9-to-5 job with paid time off, vacations, or a regular sleep schedule. However, for those of us who are committed to breeding, it is a labor of love that brings immense joy and a sense of pride for the work we do to better our breed.
I recommend everyone to respect the hard work and dedication that responsible breeders put into their job. Be thankful that there are still breeders who prioritize ethics and the well-being of their dogs, and who work tirelessly to preserve breeds and provide healthy puppies to deserving families.
Thank you to the families who trust us to raise these special little beings. 🩷
Author: Little House Pups/Cheyenne Ingalls
