10/23/2026
I have had this conversation, very recently, with two very seasoned breeders. So when I saw this posted on another page, it spoke to me. As many of you know, I have had occasion to place two dogs in pet homes this year, and one last year, that I had high hopes for, two which I purchased and raised from pups. After thousands of dollars, and several years invested, the decision was made not to breed, as two failed a required test, and the other was not up to the breed standard. This is, in my opinion, the most difficult part. But it’s critical to recognize when a dog is best suited for a breeding program, and when it is not. And, when it’s not, to find it the best forever home ever, which I have been so lucky to do!!
I have been fortunate to have amazing mentors that have helped me through these decisions, and will be forever grateful. As I concentrate on the betterment of the breed, and the puppies we produce, I hope to move my line in a forward direction, and breed with purpose in mind. 🐾❤️
*Copied*
Not every dog should be bred.
Some dogs will make their greatest contribution simply by being someone’s beloved companion.
That should never be considered a lesser outcome.
A dog’s value to its family and its suitability for breeding are separate questions. We can adore a dog, appreciate everything it brings to our lives, and still decide that producing puppies is not the right choice.
Thoughtful breeding begins with looking beyond our affection.
It means considering health, temperament, structure, breed characteristics, and family history. It means understanding what each parent brings to a pairing—and being honest about the weaknesses as well as the strengths.
Health screening provides essential information, but it requires interpretation. Recommended screenings differ by breed, and even a CHIC number confirms that the required testing was completed and publicly disclosed, rather than that every result was normal. The individual results matter.
There is also a broader question: What is the purpose of this particular breeding?
The answer should reach beyond wanting puppies from a dog we love. It should reflect careful consideration of what we hope to preserve, what we hope to improve, and what we can reasonably offer the next generation.
Titles and accomplishments can contribute useful information. So can knowledge of relatives, everyday temperament, and how a dog matures. Each is part of an evaluation that deserves time and perspective.
This matters just as much for puppies destined for family homes. Their families may never enter a show ring or compete for a title, but they will live with the results of those breeding decisions every day.
They deserve that care.
No breeding comes with certainty, and no dog is without faults. Responsible selection means making informed decisions with the information available, acknowledging limitations, and remaining willing to reconsider.
Sometimes the right decision is to move forward. Sometimes it is to choose a different pairing, wait for more information, or leave a dog out of a breeding program altogether.
There is quiet integrity in that restraint.
Preserving a breed depends on the choices we make—including the breedings we decide against.
A dog does not need to produce the next generation to have a meaningful place in this one.
Bred With Purpose
