Hi Shell,
I would like to have you hear my input as well.
As a champion and lover of this breed I feel very strongly about which dogs should be bred and which dogs should not. Unfortunatley, puppies are cute and emotion seems to be the ruling facotr when most owners make the decision to breed these dogs.
Here are what I BELIEVE should be the general guidleines when making the choice to breed your dog:
1. BOTH parents should be totally proven and wihtout any questions - PURE BRED ROTTWEILER
2. BOTH parents should be proven as having as few faults as possible. The only way to prove this is to show your dog and place in those shows.
3. YOU must be willing to interview and screen EACH AND EVERY APPLICANT. Then - should something go wrong you MUST be willing to take this dog back and find it another good home. Do you really have the resources to do this properly. Any breeder worth their salt willrequire a CONTRACT. Generally speaking, very few IF ANY of these pups from any given litter will be allowed to breed - it's in the contract.
4. YOU must be breeding for the RIGHT REASON. THE ONLY REASON IS TO IMPROVE the quality of this breed. That means that breeding must be done between dogs that have as few faults as possible and are temperament tested, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.
I know that you are saying you want to breed because of your love for dogs but ask yourself this question - is it really that or do I just want a bunch of cute teddy bear puppies for the status symbol of it all.
if you truly love dogs - you will adhere to the rules that QUALITY breeders adhere to. And if you want to learn more - and you should - attend a couple of AKC shows in your area, read everything you can get your hands on and surround yourself with people who support sound breeding pratices. It is the right thing to do.
I understand Donna's frustrations - those of us who champion for this breed are very firm with regard to breeding. And unsound breeding practices havebeen the major cause of untold amount of damage to many breeds.
If you need an example just take a really good look at what has happened to the AMerican Pit Bull Terrier. They are now being banned in countless areas and the truth be told - this is one of the most fantastic breeds that you could ever be lucky enough to own!
Now - I know this is long but take our advice. Forget about breeding your dog unless you have AKC or UKC papers from both parents. And also, both of those parents should have competed successfully in shows. Any bitch must be over 2 years old.
So take all of that energy of yours and take your very good dog and do something really special with her. Get her Therapy certificates, get her CGC, get her certified to do search and rescue - visit Hospice - visit nursing homes. Just go out and be A GREAT AMBASSADOR for this breed.
I am sure your dog is a GREAT pet - I have one just like her - please enjoy her for what she is and leave the breeding to the PROS.
Maybe Donna and I sound a bit harsh but it is our love for this breed that drives these very strong beliefs in the right way to help this breed succeed so that many generations beyond ours can enjoy them!
We hope you will make the right choice!