beddlington terriers

[denak1]

We have a B.T 9 years old, very pampered and very dominant. Have chance to breed, would like a puppy from the litter. This is for us and we would like Alfie to have a playmate. Alfie hates other dogs, very aggresive towards them. We did try to introduce a puppy when he was 1 year old, very stressful experience, puppy went back to owners. What do you think the chances are of him accepting another one now, and if we do go ahead which do we choose...dog or bitch. Please help, we are hoping to introduce Alfie to the bitch tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks denak1

[leelapops]

Well, denak1, it might be that Alfie has matured with age, and that he would now be more inclined to accept a puppy on his territory.
However, it sounds more to me like you have answered your own question really: "...very pampered and dominant" really sounds like he is very aware of his power and position at home, and to be honest I think he would have a hard time stepping down from that. Being older doesn't necessarily mean Alfie will be any more likely to welcome another (younger, livelier, more annoying) dog into the home. He is set in his ways, knows how to get what he wants, and will not enjoy the prospect of being usurped.
It won't be pleasant for the pup you get either, you risk Alfie hurting it, or them really coming to blows.

Maybe they will get on like a house on fire, but the odds are very much stacked against this! If you were to go ahead anyway, maybe he would be more tolerant of a bitch. But why stress him out in his latter years? SOunds to me like he wants to be a lone dog, rather than one of a pair.
Lisa.

[Snappy]

Do not mate this dog!! Why on earth would you even think about reproducing using an aggressive dog? Why do you have the chance to breed? Because someone has a bitch in season and sees ����� rather than another litter of badly bred pups ending up in bad homes and rescue centres! And who in their right mind would allow your dog aggressive dog near a bitch in season, who probably isn't ready to take, it will be mayhem! Absolutely disgraceful

[leelapops]

Snappy, you are so right! I had neglected to pick up on that aspect of the question!
I really support your point; don't mate a dog with negative personality attributes. It just asks for trouble.

[lankeela]

Has your dog and the bitch been tested for Copper Toxicosis? This is a very prevalent disease in Bedlington Terriers, and even if not affected themselves they could be carriers and so produce puppies affected with the condition. People buying puppies would expect them to have been tested if they have done their homework. Also apart from the aggression aspect (which I have to say is very unusual for a Bedli) you would be very lucky to get a novice dog to mate a bitch at nine years. Is the bitch a maiden, and are the owners of the bitch experienced in handling a stud dog - if the bitch does not want to be mated or is not ready she could really hurt your dog, and even if she accepts him she may damage his 'bits' if she is not restrained during a tie and pulls away from him. Have you studied the pedigrees and do the bitches bloodlines match up with your dogs? Do you know how any of the dogs ancestors turned out, and if the bitch has had a litter before how did the pups turn out? I really wonder if you have thought this through, and whether you realise what is involved.

[lankeela]

The stud dog owner must be able to advise novice bitch owners when to bring their bitch for mating as all bitches differ. You should know from just looking whether she is receptive or not - introducing a dog to a bitch who is not ready for mating could lead to the dog being
injured as bitches may be aggressive to males if they are not ready. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs know instinctively what to do with an in season bitch - many need careful tutoring & the owner must know how to do this & how to assist a dog to achieve a successful mating. Some matings can be technically difficult for example if the bitch is reluctant to stand still to be mated. Again, the owner needs to know what to do to achieve a good result without injury or
distress being caused to either.

Once a dog is used at stud, it is not unusual for his personality to alter to some extent. Some have a tendency to mark their territory indoors (lifting legs on furniture etc) and may be likely to wander in search of in season bitches.

Responsibility for Puppies. Once a dog has been used at stud, the owner must be prepared to give advice on rearing puppies to the bitch owner (if a first time breeder) & must also take responsibility for any hereditary defects produced by their dog. They are also morally responsible for helping with the rehoming of any of their dog's offspring should the need arise at any time. This responsibility also means the stud dog owner must ensure that the breeder is reputable (not a puppy farmer for instance!) & that the bitch is old enough to be mated (or not
too old) & has passed all the recommended health tests (annual eye tests for example).

[denak1]

Thankyou all for your responses. I'll bulletpoint a few remarks. We are very responsible dog owners. This we hoped was a way to enhance Alfies life and make him a more dog friendly dog. His nature is a very soft and loving one towards people...he would lick you death...he has never ever barked or been the slightest bit aggressive towards people. He has never harmed another dog...his aggressiveness is in his bark. We are taking full guidance from the professional pedigree breeder, and would only go ahead if everything is right. Alfie himself is a Pedigree. Snappy , your , I have to say, very Aggressive response suggests we are about to unleash a raging ,terrorising dog into the community...that is most certainly not going to happen. As stated it is unusual for the B.T to be aggressive, we would like to soften his nature towards other dogs, and would certainly not want a puppy to have the same trait. We have thought this through and just wanted some other dog owners feeling on the issue. If there is the slightest sign of distress for Alfie or the bitch, it wont happen. Once again thankyou... denak1

[Snappy]

Im sure a your 'pedigree' breeder wouldn't be advising you to go ahead with this if they were worth their salts!
Why not go and rescue ONE puppy instead of bringing a whole litter into the world when there are plenty of knowledgeable breeders already out there.

[Illyria54]

I wouldn't breed from an aggressive dog, be it to other dogs or humans, as you say he has been pampered he probably won't accept another dog at any cost, sorry but not very responsible if you go ahead with this.

[Illyria54]

Have just re-read your post, he was showing aggressive tendencies at 1 year old!! and you have waited until now to try to make him friendlier towards other dogs a little like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted don't you think?

[mattie]

I would also check your pedigree. We have a male cairn terrier puppy, we have an undertaking not to show him (i.e at Crufts) or breed from him.

Breeding should be left up to the breeders IMO.

[lankeela]

Would love to know the outcome - did you get a mating?