04/09/2026
I want to talk about retired breeding dogs. This subject seems to get people really upset and everytime I post one I get at least one comment telling me what a cold hearted (insert name for female dog here) I am and how could I just use them to make all of this money (another misconception) then just throw them away. This couldn't be farther from the truth. After losing a mom this is the hardest part of this job by far. I'm still crying over them and missing them long after they are happily settled in and enjoying their new families. The look they give me when I leave them haunts me forever in spite of all the pictures and stories I get from their new parents. But here's the truth. If breeders always kept every dog they have after they retire one of two things would happen. All breeders would be new, inexperienced, and not have the lines it takes years to perfect. We would have to stop breeding after a few years OR we would have so many dogs that none would ever have that special one on one attention, they would just be one of very many. Rehoming after retirement is meant to be an act of kindness for the dog. I miss every single one of them but it makes my heart happy to see them with their own families. Because adults already have their own personalities and needs, I careful screen and strategically match up people and pup. I also do a 3 month trial just to make sure they are a perfect fit where they can either pick a different dog if available (depending on the issue, of course) or they are refunded. They also, like puppies, can come back to me at any point in their lives if their situation changes. They are loved and well cared for through their brief couple of years of breeding of which most mom's enjoy their puppies, if they don't, they're retired. Then they get to move onto their next chapter and get really spoiled! This is a great option for alot of people, especially older people that just don't want to deal with the work of a puppy! The important thing to remember when considering an adult dog to join your family is that they already have a personality and fit will ALWAYS come before color or coat. Also the rule of 3s. It takes 3 days to decompress and stop just sitting and waiting to go home. 3 weeks to start to learn a new routine and feel like this may be where they're staying and 3 months to START to see their true personality. I have had a dog returned after a day or two. Good for them for recognizing it's not the right option but also I talk for a long time about the rule of 3s and those people should have seen that they weren't ready to give a dog a true chance before taking them home. However there is always a right family for them and when they find that right person it's beautiful!
NOTE: These pictures are all ones that have been sent to me of dogs that have been happily adopted by their new families! These ARE NOT available!!! Another such post will be forthcoming!
