Can anyone for see any problems this might arise

I bought Snowie from a breeder who was recommended by a reputable breeder in our area because hers was the sire. I'd done my homework -- so I thought -- and put my name down on the list. The was bitch checked for eyes, hips, elbows. The sire was checked, too. All results were excellent.

What I didn't ask -- and what the breeder of the bitch didn't tell me -- was her bitch has allergies. Snowie has clearly inherited the allergies and his itching is a constant source of pain for us to watch and I'm sure it is awful for him, too. I just heard from the breeder yesterday that her bitch is on a cortisone tablet every other day to control the itchiness. Thankfully she has spayed that bitch. When I told her about Snowie's allergies some years ago, she told me then that her vet said the allergies weren't genetic so she could go ahead and breed. I don't know how the vet assumed that.

As for temperament, you couldn't wish for a better dog than Snowie. And I am pretty sure he inherited this from his mom, because she is the most delightful, friendly dog. But temperament is not the only characteristic to select on. Snowie's allergies have cost us a small fortune in vet bills and keep us awake at night while he scratches and chews. Not to mention how awful we feel for him.

I would be thinking very carefully about breeding with a dog with allergies.

 

I really feel for you @MF , it must be awful for Snowie and for you too . Sam came from health checked parents, but he also has a degree of seasonal allergies , nowhere near as bad as your poor love , but still requiring steroids occasionally . He also suffers from digestive issues , he is castrated but if he were entire , I would never ever allow him to mate, it would be immoral .

 

@kateincornwall Thanks Kate! Thankfully Snowie has some really good days when he's not itchy and then we are all really happy! He isn't castrated but I feel exactly like you, I would never breed him because I would hate to be an accessory to bringing puppies into the world that might inherit not only his allergies, but also his epilepsy and his suffering from heat. Also, I don't think everyone is cut out for caring for dogs that need special help -- for whatever reason: financially, emotionally, just couldn't care -- and then the dog suffers. He is a handsome dog and I suspect his parents were selected based on appearance and therefore the pups would sell well. The breeder of his father has had her dogs win many, many shows -- but I am learning that wins in the show ring are not necessarily aligned to health! Some people have said to me: you should breed him, he's so handsome and he has such a lovely personality. But they don't know what it's like to live with a dog that is so itchy and that might have a seizure.

It would be interesting to see a study done that looks at the health of dogs from registered breeders and from someone who breeds their pet dog. One would like to think registered breeders only breed healthy dogs, but only a proper investigation could tell us either way. It is great to see that someone who is thinking of breeding like @UKDanny92 is asking all these questions. If I were you, @UKDanny92, I'd first make sure I had people signed up and paid the deposit in advance if you do go ahead and breed to ensure that there are indeed homes for the pups, and ensure that the prospective homes are the right homes for your pups.