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On Breeding, Spaying
or Neutering - What is Best For My Dog?
Anne Jones RN, BSNE
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You buy an adorable dog, and all Bichons
are adorable, of course. You know someone else who has an equally
adorable dog of the opposite sex. Oh, goody - you can already see
the puppies they will produce! Let's get them together!
A good idea? Probably not unless you have a complete health
history of at least 3 generations of ancestors - for both the
potential mom (dam) or dad (sire). But why does that matter? If
you have taken the time to research, you will know there are at
least a few health issues in every breed of dogs, some breeds having
more health issues than others. But any health problems must be
taken into consideration and not just those of potential parents but
also at least the grandparents and the great-grandparents as
well. The genes that produce genetic faults (any malformation is a
fault) or disease can be carried forward and can be produced for
several generations.
So what health issues exist in Bichons? If you have read our health
web site, you know that there are several that occur with some
frequency, primarily found in Bichons produced in casual
breedings or by for profit breeders who look for numbers of
puppies (to sell) without concern for their future welfare. Our
booklet Your Bichon Frise also addresses health. As the parent
club, we have the responsibility for educating owners of Bichons and
we do so openly.
Right now we hear from veterinarians that they consider Bichons to
be a pretty healthy breed except for some of these truly unfortunate
ones. We strive to keep it that way. That is one reason you
find so much material on our site that tells you about the illnesses
that may occur in all breeds with a focus on the ones we know to
occur in Bichons. We also want YOU, the owner of a beautiful and
much loved Bichon, to be educated and to understand why we
discourage casual breeding of pets.
Another consideration is whether to spay or neuter. Spaying females
is definitely an advantage - if for no other reason than to avoid
the issue of seasons twice a year which can be messy and attract the
strays in the neighborhood to your doorstep. Moreover a spayed
female is unlikely to develop mammary carcinoma, the most common
cancer in female dogs. Since obesity is sometimes associated with
reduced hormonal activity, attention to weight gain is recommended.
In some of the larger breeds, early neutering of males is found to
contribute to some developmental issues that may not be a problem in
smaller breeds. This is a topic still being researched and we
continue to advise early neutering of male Bichons. Neutered males
are far less likely to mark territory and neutering is important in
any dog that appears to have any tendency to aggression or over
excitability. Neutering, when done, usually occurs in the second
half of the first year. It is always wise to consult with your
veterinarian in making your decision, whether you own a female or a
male. They should have heard of recent research regarding health
advantages
Back to those puppies you thought you wanted to have. The papers
are full of rescues, abandoned pets and shelter animals, often pups
from unplanned breeding. Unless you have an educated understanding
of the breed, are prepared to breed healthy puppies and to provide
the expensive care needed to keep them healthy, leave the breeding
to those who are recognized as "responsible breeders". They have
spent a lot of time learning about desirable characteristics
described in the standard for the breed and to know about health and
structural problems to be avoided, as well as the best methods for
training, socializing and placing any puppies they produce. Enjoy
your beautiful pet and leave the breeding to those who know what
they are doing. That is YOUR contribution to keeping Bichons
healthy and happy.
March 28, 2009
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