short note

[bojangles]

just a short note to say that we have decided not to breed Moe and Poke.Talked to alot of people,that figured that it was best to let nature take it's course,or not at all.Poke has finished her heat and we are taking her in to get spayed.Thanks to the couple of people that replied to my last post.

[Levi]

I think this is a very good decision.

Both dogs may be excellent, which is why people would like puppies from them. I do understand the sentiment, but I don't agree with breeding for that reason.

To me, breeding should be done for the advancement of the breed, so unless both come from great lines and are healt checked and have certifications for the breeds different *ailments* there wouldn't be much of a reason to go through breeding.

If I recall, too, though they are similar they are different breeds, so the pups wouldn't be more than mixes. Mixed breeds are great, but don't conform to any breed standard.

By having your girl spayed you'll eliminate the risk of pyometra, a silent killer.

Because you love the breed(s) and your friends see what wonderful examples they are, one thing you could consider since you felt capable of housing and raising puppies - is to work on breed rescue and general breed public awareness.

In my immediate area, several people (myself included) are in a continuous battle to make the "pit" breed more acceptable. In the last 14 months we have broken through the 100% euthanasia rule at the local shelter, and some nearby towns have become more relaxed with regulations. Rules are still pretty darn complex when it comes to owning a "pit", but it is somewhat more acceptable, and with great foster homes, immediate vetting and obedience (or puppy socialization) courses, the breed has come a long way in being accepted as part of our society.