Our family has a 2 year old yellow lab, she has come into heat every six months like they are suppost to. Well she should have been in heat bye now, has anyone ever heard of a dog not comming into heat or missing a heat?

Unless your dog is a top specimen for its standard it should not be bred. There are enough poor dogs in shelters and rescues, and there are 10 million dogs killed in shelters each year. do you want to contribute to that?

we have people that want the puppies. And we plan on selling them to families that we know and who really want them

So what, send them to the person you got the dog from. If you produce bad puppies with alot of health problems, are you going to take the puppies back and refund their money? What if you dog dies during delivery, then how will you feel. Go to a shelter, or lab rescue. Spay her and love her as a pet, not a money maker.

If you dog has missed a heat, it could be normal, it could also be a sign of a serious infection call pyrametris(sp?). It is a slient killer.

I so agree with A Day to Remembers comment! Take your dog to the vet, have her checked out and then get her spayed!

well thank you for your advice but its our decision and we will do as we please. If i would have known that people are so ignorant and rude about people breeding dogs I would have never posted and questions about it. I have 2 female dogs a lab and a sheltie and if I myself feel like breeding either one of them I shall do as a please. Thanks for your ignorant and rude comments..

Thank you for contributing to the 4 million animals that will be killed in shelters this year in part because of irresponsible breeding.

Please ask you local shelter if you can witness D-day some time. If it's a gassing shelter you'll never be the same.

Ignorant? Part of what makes up the word ignorant is the word ignore. Someone who chooses to ignore the facts and ignore their sense of better judgment is considered ignorant. The people you have called ignorant have been anything but ignorant in their decision to breed or not breed their dogs. The have not ignored the possibility of risk involved with breeding their dog. They have not ignored the fact their are indeed dogs in shelters who probably are no better off in terms of health and temperment than the unhealth tested and poor temperment puppies they could be producing. Why produce dogs and puppies that provide no more predictability in temperment and especially with health than a shelter dog? Yes it is your right but we ask you not to be ignorant to all the things that need weighed out before making this decision. It should not be taken lightly. Dog breeding taken lightly, results in more dogs in shelters.

To answer your question, some females just take longer, even if they have come in on schedule in the past. Change in enviroment can cause them to change cycle, even things you don't realize. I am sure she will come in eventually. Don't get in a rush. Since you are waiting for her to come in heat, have you selected an appropriate stud yet? Do you plan to have a brucellosis test done on her and require it of any potential studs? What about OFA hips/elbows? Labs are so bad about dysplaysia. What steps have you taken to prepare for a litter?

Yes, it is quite common for a heat schedule to change as your dogs changes and matures. Around 2 years is when most people begin breeding, if they have decided to do so.

"well thank you for your advice but its our decision and we will do as we please."

Yeah, this sounds exactly like the type of breeder I would want to buy from...one who will breed their dog because they CAN! I don't think so. If you know of people who want to buy puppies, do as everyone has suggested and have those people visit the shelters and adopt a poor puppy that needs a good, loving home.

However, as already mentioned, it is essential to have proper health screenings, not only of the mother but the potential stud needs testing as well. Then you must be prepared for her pregnancy, whelping and caring for the puppies once they arrive and continued care until they are old enough to go to their new homes at 8-10 weeks. Are you prepared to offer written health guarantees? What about applications for prospective parents? Will you sell to families with young children in their homes? (You may want to read some other posts about that decision.) These are only some of the things to consider when you talk of breeding and from your post, it seems you are only going to do it because you can do as you please with your dog!

So, do the right thing and help control the pet population; have your pet spayed and Bob Barker will thank you for it!

Best of luck!

"If i would have known that people are so ignorant and rude about people breeding dogs I would have never posted and questions about it"

Because obviously we are the ignorant ones-since you came here not knowing anything and left the same way.

I completely understand the issues with breeding, it's a very touchy subject but ultimately it is the owners decision to breed or not. It doesn't automatically mean that she's a bad breeder or anything though. I think that's what she meant by people being ignorant. Answering a question is one thing but snapping at someone for asking a question is infact ignorant. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not trying to attack anyone for adding their opinions.
I don't know what it's like anywhere else but here in my city, it's very hard to find "puppies" in the shelters. In a way I'm glad but in another sense it's hard for people that do want puppies. Before I got my dog, I looked in the shelters for a pup and there were none. I wanted a puppy because I was expecting my third child and had two other small children that I wanted the dog to be ok with. I wanted to train the pup right from the start to be ok with the kids. So I guess what i'm saying from this is that as long as the person breeding has loving homes for the pups and knows that they are being cared for then she's not doing anything wrong. Me personally, I wouldn't breed unless it's for a good reason but, she doesn't seem to be the kind of person that's only looking to make money off them.

Warning...LONG post, but it's only half of what I'm thinking in response to this thread and the countless others like it.

Truth be told.. anyone with an intact dog or bitch can breed them, once they have reached sexual maturity. There are no "breeding police". There is no way another can physically or legally stop you from doing so. As the OP has stated, it is, in fact, her decision.

However, the fact of the matter is, there is a "right way" and a "wrong way" to actually enter into a breeding program. The right way involves having breeding "stock" that is not only sound (in all ways), but is an example of what is best in the breed and has been appropriately tested for known genetic issues of that breed as well as general health issues pertinent to all breeds. They should have an experienced breeder with high standards as their mentor.

Despite a few "boos" from others, I am not all that dead set on showing being the measure of a dog's worthiness. There are, in fact, many cases where the actual desirable traits of a breed have been bred out for a prettier, more impressive or whatever dog. In short, one that is more aesthetically pleasing to the general population as well as the show judges. I agree that any "working" breed is far better served by being a prime example of what that breed was intended for. Just my opinion, but there you have it.

Having said all that (and I'm sure it will ruffle a few feathers) I would also like to point out a few realities to anyone who chooses to breed their dog without taking their time and doing it properly. Putting aside the common sense approach that others have tried to pass along such as the fact that there are countless of thousands of pups & dogs in the shelters and in rescue (including breed specific) that face death at the hands of humans daily through no fault of their own... here are a few facts for the would be, "I have a dog/bitch with a great temperament/beautiful markings/world's smartest dog (fill in the blanks) I want to breed. I only want one litter and have friends lined up to take the pups." Or, "I want my children to experience the miracle of birth".. or any one of the other reasons given.

Friends change their minds. They decide the time is not right or didn't want to wait or their financial situation has changed. In short, you can count on losing many, if not most of those promised homes.

Untested bitch and dog can equal STD. Not a pleasant experience and one which can cost not only the entire litter, but the health and/or life of the bitch. DPV (Human Pamploma Virus for canines), Brucellosis (Humans can contract this disease though the symptoms are much more akin to a flu in humans)and Canine herpes virus.

Breeding a bitch who has reached sexual maturity, but not physical maturity can put too much stress on her developing body. Sort of like a 12 year old human getting pregnant. It's not only going to take a physical toll, will also (in most cases) effect their physiological wellbeing. She can do it, but it's really not the wisest of situations.

Be prepared for LARGE unexpected expenses. You don't just throw 2 dogs together, let nature take it's course and hope for the best. Mother nature can be a cruel individual when she chooses. Having a young bitch can mean she may have difficulty whelping. Can you say emergency C section? Not cheap, by any means. Provided the whelping goes smoothly, you will have the expenses of proper vet care for the bitch as well as the pups, once they arrive.

Having a young, inexperienced, spoiled bitch can mean a mother that has no clue and/or desire to care for her pups. Be prepared to stay awake 24/7 or hope you have someone who will help you out, so you can feed the pups, constantly moderate their body temps (as they can not), stimulate elimination and the myriad of other duties the mom generally takes care of. Then there is the additional expense of formula, bottles, etc....

Be prepared to lose pups. Even the best breeders out there lose a pup from time to time. It's a very sad & heartbreaking thing to watch a pup die, despite your best efforts. Anyone who breeds so their children can witness the miracle of birth also faces teaching them about the heartbreak of death at the same time.

Additional expenses are to be expected for proper "housing" for the pups. It's amazing what they can find to get into at a very young age.

Don't forget to add in the expense of proper nutrition for the bitch. She's going to require more than just the usual kibble. She will also require follow up vet care along with the pups.

Most pups benefit from "social" lessons learned at the side of their mom. If you intend to send the pups to their new homes with the "basics", be prepared to keep them until they are a minimum of 8 weeks. Depending on the litter size, that can be a lot of extra kibble and I can't begin to tell you how many more times you'll be playing poop pick up. On the plus side, you'll get tons more exercise keeping everyone and everything clean and healthy!

Don't forget the expenses of the shots, worming, health certificates for all the pups. Can't sell one of them legally without them.

All in all, the only thing it physically takes to breed your dog is a mate. The decisions are all yours. Just take a moment to consider all of the above (and far more than I've listed). Are your plans to breed what's "right" for you or what's right for your pet?

***Edited By: pyrmom on 7/5/2009 8:46:55 AM***
Reason: *

WOW pyrmom! Great read and information!

TY. I guess I was pretty long winded, but still didn't say half of what I wanted to. Guess it's a case of "flip a coin", if someone is going to toss a couple of dogs together and wait for pups to give away or sell. It could turn out ok. It could cost the litter and the bitch their lives. It could also cost the stud his life if an STD is involved. Then there are cases of having serious injury during the breeding...just not something folks should enter into without all the facts. If they go through with it and have a tragic outcome, at least they were forewarned and chose to go ahead anyway.

Excellent post Pyrmom! I guess it varies by local, but in TX yellow Labs are more than abundant. I could find 10 ads in the classified right now, even a few w/ "chanpion bloodlines" and "parents that hunt". If you go ahead w/ breeding your female, be prepared to have a hard time placing the pups. I seriously doubt that you have enough friends who can provide 10 or more loving forever homes for these puppies. (Labs can and do have large litters!) In this economy people are dumping their dogs, not rushing out to buy a new puppy. Of course there's the fact that Labs are very prone to Hip Dysplasia and temperment problems are more and more common in the breed. These are both b/c of breeders who have a nice purebred or registered dogs and want to make a few extra bucks.

Great post Pyrmom. I'm trying to keep this shorter, I swear, lol. I don't think that taking the responsibility of bringing lives into the world and the affect that it may have on those lives and someone else that loves them seriously ignorant.
It's pretty well known how all those friends and family whom wanted a pup disapear when it's time. Try writing up a deposit form and seeing how many of those 'guaranteed' homes are willing to give you a deposit. Let's say a few of them do. Let's say no health testing is done or the genes of the pairing bring something to the front. Consider having to watch someone you know and love having to go through the heartbreak and the expense of a problem and the strain that will happen with the relationship since YOU were their breeder. No breeder with experience is confident that every puppy will be 100% healthy and there will be no problems, even with health certs. up the yin yang. We can only do the best we can to prevent it from happening, it doesn't mean it doesn't and it is far more likely without all the knowledge and health testing and very careful breedings (genetics and practices).
The majority of dogs in the shelters and rescues are not from 'mills', not from Breeder's (as opposed to other terms I prefer the saying that there are Breeder's and there are those that breed their dogs), but the nice people down the street that bred their dog because they're great, the miracle of birth, to make some money ect.
I think most of us are just asking you to be sure you are taking it seriously enough and consider ALL that's involved.
As far as not coming into heat when expected? It can be normal or can indicate a thyroid/metabolic/endochrine problem.
Here's some links to get started on research. Please be sure to do the virtual breeding one and two.

http://www.geocities.com/virtualbreeding/
http://www.learntobreed.com/
http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/breeding/breeder2.html
http://www.wildheirlabradorrescue.org/readingroom/what-is-a-back-yard-breeder.php
http://www.thelabradorclub.com/

WOW! What a post...
It was great information though.
I guess my biggest problem with threads like this is the fact that so many people are so quick to judge without even letting the person explain. I have had a similar experience when I was questioning breeding. Some were so quick to judge me and one even went as far as calling me a backyard breeder. I was shocked. They wouldn't even give me time to explain anything. I was going to be working with a top breeder in my city and learning the ropes. It was never for profit. I have a Purebred Mini Pinscher that is red in color and very rare where I live. Now I'm not saying that that's a good enough reason to breed but with all the work and research I was doing to make sure that I do it right was still not good enough for anyone.
Anyway, that's my opinion. I just thought it would be nice to share my experience.
FYI for anyone that would be concerned after this...
I have chosen not to breed her. I'm sure that'll make a lot people happy considering I'm now branded as a shameless backyard breeder.
Which is really funny, I've never bred a dog before. Hmmm....

Nikki, I much prefer to try to educate realistically and perhaps help folks figure out what it is they are getting themselves and their beloved pet into. I feel that if we jump in with an attack, we lose the chance to educate.

I would love to see a stop to the breeding of pups that end up in shelters and rescue. I would love to see an end to the puppymills and uneducated BYB. I would love to see an end to careless breeding on all levels. I just feel that the only way that will change is through educating folks and having those educated folks help create public sentiment and laws that will help put an end to it once and for all. Bottom line is that is is the pets who pay the very heavy cost of all of this. Just my own personal opinion.

I totally agree. It's shameful what these poor animals go through. I was just simply saying that it's better (like you said) to educate people rather than attack them. The other issue is, how do people think that these reputable breeders became reputable? By asking questions and getting answers. I don't think any of them just came into it knowing everything. That's how people learn.
I didn't decide not to breed because of some of the comments of others. I chose not to breed because I personally felt that breeding wasn't the right thing for me or my dog. She's my pet and I want to keep it that way. I'm also very selfish.
Where I live, she is very rare and I didn't want to share her or any of her future pups with anyone so basically what was the point in breeding her. I knew that I couldn't afford to keep them or would my sanity be ok to keep all the pups. I have 3 kids and 2 dogs, that's enough chaos for me. LOL
I do understand the arguement 100% though.

Touching on another subject here. Rottluvr commented on how labs are prone to hip dysplasia, well so are German Shepherds. My dog is prone to it to but that doesn't mean that I'm not going to get him. Every dog is prone to something somewhere along the lines but we can't just ignore them because if we did, good luck EVER getting dog. There are no perfect dogs. Or cats or other pets for that matter. To anyone who owns a pet, to them, they are perfect but they could still get sick or have some major health issue. We love them anyway though. Same thing with kids, we don't just ignore a child that needs a loving home because that child may come with health risks. We take care of them and love them anyway. We give them the life that they may not get where they are. But we still have plenty of starving and abandonned children out there too. As we do dogs or cats.

It's a problem no matter how we look at it. We just have to do the best we can to make sure that it stops.

The long post that pyrmom posted could not have been better.

"The other issue is, how do people think that these reputable breeders became reputable? By asking questions and getting answers."

People became reputable by asking questions, yes, however...I did at least 2 years of research on my own. I went to the library, dog shows, ordered magazines, books, used the internet (when I finally got it) but regardless, I did a ton of research on the dogs I chose to breed. When I had my first litter, I had read and learned so much by that time, I felt as if I had went thru 1000 pregnancies and whelping with my girl!

I agree with pyrmom 110%...Mother Nature can be cruel at times. I would not have known what to watch for when my bitch was whelping had I not learned all of that beforehand. No one knows every single question to ask. However, constant reading, learning and proper research are worth their weight in gold when it comes to responsible breeding.