Breeding should be left to responsible breeders who have an organized breeding plan and knowledge about canine genetics. They breed dogs to preserve and/or improve a breed and avoid health and temperament problems. Responsible breeders have contracts that specify if for any reason a new owner can not keep a dog, it must be returned to the breeder rather than taken to a shelter. Dogs not bred by responsible breeders are much more likely to end up in a shelter.
​Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) can have health and behavioral benefits. For females, the benefits of spaying include lowering the risk for uterine cancer and mammary tumors, no more messy heat cycles, and eliminating the chance of accidental breedings that result in unwanted puppies. With male dogs, neutering can decrease aggression and the tendency for the male dog who has females on his mind to want to get loose and wander. If it is done early enough, neutering helps do away with with scent marking, the tendency for the dog to lift his leg and leave his “signature” on your furniture. Neutering male dogs also reduces the risk for testicular cancer and prostate disease. Your veterinarian can help you make decisions about the right time to spay/neuter your dog.