Hi, I'm June. I used to live in a dark, overcrowded puppy mill. I’m not sure exactly how many litters I had, but I know it was at least two or three—and all before I turned two years old. Those years left me with health problems, emotional scars, and a deep understanding of why breeding dogs is not always the happy process many imagine. So, from my paws to yours, here’s the truth about breeding, why it’s so risky, and why I hope you’ll think twice.
The State of Dog Breeding in India
In India, unregulated dog breeding is a big problem. Dr. Manilal Valliyate, CEO of PETA India, says, "For every puppy bred and sold, a street dog loses their chance at finding a loving home." That’s heartbreaking, especially since so many like me never even had a real chance to just be dogs.
Here’s what the numbers say:
35 million stray dogs are struggling to survive in India (World Health Organization, 2023).
Only 1 in 4 pet dogs actually finds a permanent home (FIAPO Report, 2023).
There’s been a 62% increase in abandoned pets in major cities after the pandemic (Blue Cross India, 2023).
These statistics aren’t just numbers—they’re lives, like mine, affected by careless breeding and overpopulation.
1. Why People Breed Their Dogs
People often have understandable reasons for wanting to breed their dogs:
“My dog has such a lovely temperament; we should preserve their bloodline.”
“Pure-breed puppies can fetch good money.”
“We want our children to experience the miracle of birth.”
“It would be fun to have puppies around.”
I get it—puppies are adorable, and our quirks can make you want to see more of us. But breeding isn’t just cute or fun. It’s serious business that comes with risks, costs, and responsibilities that many people don’t fully understand.
2. Myths About Breeding
Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions about breeding:
Myth 1: “My dog’s puppies will all find loving homes.”
Reality: Sadly, many puppies don’t. Dr. Pradeep Sharma from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute says many purebred puppies are abandoned when families realize they can’t handle the responsibility.
Myth 2: “Breeding is profitable.”
Reality: The costs can be overwhelming. Here’s what you’re likely to spend (based on Delhi Veterinary Association data, 2023):
Expense Category | Approximate Cost (₹) |
Pre-breeding health checks | 15,000 - 25,000 |
Pregnancy care | 30,000 - 50,000 |
Emergency C-section | 25,000 - 45,000 |
Puppy vaccinations | 8,000 - 12,000 per puppy |
The truth? Breeding often costs more than it earns, especially if complications arise.
Myth 3: “It’s natural and safe.”
Reality: Not always. Breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs are especially prone to life-threatening complications during labour. Even strong, healthy dogs can face unexpected issues.
Myth 4: “Purebreds are healthier.”
Reality: Many purebred dogs like me inherit genetic disorders due to limited gene pools—hip dysplasia, heart problems, or breathing difficulties are just a few examples.
Myth 5: “Breeding guarantees perfect pets.”
Reality: Nope! Puppies can inherit health issues, behaviour problems, or temperaments you didn’t expect, even with careful planning.
3. Health Risks for Dogs
Breeding isn’t just hard on the human side of things. It’s dangerous for us dogs, too. According to the Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (2023), here’s what you should know:
Maternal Risks
A 28% chance of complications in first-time moms.
A 35% higher risk of health problems in breeds popular in India.
A significant risk of post-pregnancy depression.
Puppy Health Concerns
1 in 4 puppies from amateur breeding faces genetic issues.
A 40% higher mortality rate in puppies from unplanned breeding.
On top of that, pregnancy and childbirth are physically demanding. Complications like difficult labour, infections, or even life-threatening conditions like eclampsia are terrifyingly common. I don’t remember everything I went through, but I know it left its mark.
4. The Financial Reality
Let’s talk numbers again because breeding isn’t cheap:
Expense Category | Approximate Cost (₹) |
Pre-breeding health checks | 15,000 - 25,000 |
Pregnancy care | 30,000 - 50,000 |
Emergency C-section | 25,000 - 45,000 |
Puppy vaccinations | 8,000 - 12,000 per puppy |
Many breeders underestimate how much this adds up. And when money runs out, guess who pays the price? Dogs like me.
5. Dogs Don’t Mate for Pleasure—Only for Reproduction
Let me tell you a little secret: we dogs don’t mate for pleasure like humans do. It’s all about instincts for us—nature’s way of ensuring the next generation.
Instinctual Breeding: We mate because our bodies tell us to, not because we enjoy it or want to. So, when humans force us to mate, they’re ignoring what’s best for us and treating us like objects instead of companions.
Forced Mating: I’ve heard about some dogs being made to mate even when they’re scared, tired, or not ready. Imagine being forced to do something so personal without anyone caring how you feel. It’s heartbreaking and so unfair.
Lack of Emotional Bonds: And let me clear this up—mating isn’t about love for us. In the wild, dogs might even mate with their own siblings or parents because it’s just about reproduction, not affection or connection.
We’re not humans, and that’s okay. But it’s so important for people to understand us as we are, instead of turning us into tools for their desires.
6. The Emotional Needs of Dogs vs. Humans
Yes, we dogs feel emotions—sometimes more than you think! But our needs are different from yours. What we want most is love, security, and care—not babies.
Dogs Are Social, But Not Like Humans: I love my humans (and J’adore, even if he hogs all the cuddles). But our bonds aren’t about romance—they’re about trust and affection. That’s all we need to feel safe and happy.
Separation Anxiety: I’ve seen mama dogs suffer when their puppies are taken away too soon. They get so anxious, pacing and crying. It’s heartbreaking to watch, but in breeding operations, their feelings are often ignored.
Mothers Are Often Disregarded: Female dogs used for breeding barely get a break. They’re so tired, physically and emotionally, but no one seems to care. It’s all about the next litter, not about giving them the rest and love they deserve.
We’re not just here to produce puppies. We’re here to be loved, cared for, and understood. Isn’t that what every dog dreams of? 🐾
The Reality of Finding Good Homes for Puppies
You know what breaks my heart the most? Seeing puppies, full of hope and life, end up in shelters or even worse—on the streets. Finding good homes isn’t as easy as it seems. Here in India, it's a big challenge for breeders to ensure every puppy has a loving, committed family.
Many puppies don’t make it to forever homes. When breeders can’t find buyers or adopters, the innocent little ones are abandoned—often scared and helpless.
It takes a lot of time and effort to screen homes properly. But even with the best intentions, there’s no guarantee the puppies will find the right match.
Mixed-breed puppies, like some of my friends, have it especially tough. They’re just as loving, but because people often prefer “purebred” dogs, they’re overlooked. It’s unfair and heartbreaking.
Families face economic uncertainties, making long-term pet care a challenge. The costs of raising a dog— food, vaccinations, grooming, and medical care—are steep. When people can’t afford these, puppies are the first to suffer.
This cycle is why we must think twice about bringing more puppies into the world when there are so many who already need homes.
8. Legal Implications in India
I’ve learned that breeding in India isn’t just about raising puppies—it’s a legal responsibility, too. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 has strict requirements:
Requirement | Details |
Licensing | You can’t breed commercially without a license. |
Veterinary Inspections | Regular check-ups are mandatory to ensure health and safety. |
Record-Keeping | Breeders must maintain detailed records of every birth and sale. |
Penalties | Breaking these rules can cost you up to ₹50,000 in fines. |
Skipping these responsibilities isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal. This shows just how much work breeding really is, far beyond just caring for puppies.
9. The Ethical Dilemma
Here’s the hardest part for me to talk about—the ethical side of breeding. You might think it’s innocent, but breeding can lead to a lot of pain and suffering:
Exploitation of Female Dogs: I’ve seen this happen. Female dogs, like me before I was rescued, are often bred repeatedly without rest. This isn’t just physically harmful—it’s emotionally draining. We’re treated like machines, not family members.
Profits Over Welfare: In commercial breeding, money often comes first, and our well-being comes second. Even breeders with good intentions might unknowingly add to the overpopulation crisis.
Dogs like me aren’t here to be used and discarded. We’re here to love and be loved. Isn’t that what every dog deserves?
10. Overpopulation and Homelessness
Breeding might seem like a way to preserve a “special bloodline,” but let’s face it—it’s adding to a crisis. Millions of dogs are already struggling to survive, and shelters are overflowing. Breeding just creates more dogs when so many of us are already waiting for a chance to be loved.
11. Expert Recommendations
I wish more humans would listen to experts like Dr. Rajesh Kumar, President of the Indian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ISAVA). He says there are better ways to spread love and care without breeding. His suggestions?
Adopt a dog from a registered shelter—there are so many waiting for a family!
Foster dogs through trusted organizations to give them a temporary home.
Support local animal welfare initiatives that help stray and abandoned dogs like me.
These choices save lives and help reduce the overwhelming overpopulation issue we face every day.
12. The Responsible Choice
If you’re still considering breeding, ask yourself the following questions:
Can I handle potential medical emergencies, both for the mother and the puppies?
Do I have the time, resources, and emotional capacity to care for both the mother and the puppies throughout the entire process?
Am I prepared to keep all the puppies if suitable homes cannot be found?
Will my decision help solve or contribute to India’s stray dog problem?
Breeding comes with a huge responsibility, and it’s essential to be honest with yourself about whether you can handle the challenges involved. It's crucial to consider the broader impact your decision could have on the pet community.
What About Keeping Your Dog Intact?
If you're not interested in breeding your dog, you don’t necessarily have to opt for spaying or neutering. Keeping your dog intact can have benefits if you properly manage their reproductive cycles. Here’s how:
Action | Benefit |
Preventing accidental breeding | By keeping your dog intact and providing proper supervision, you ensure they aren't exposed to accidental breeding. |
Supervision during heat cycle | Proper supervision during the heat cycle can help prevent unwanted pregnancies. |
If you are not planning to breed your dog, it’s still important to be mindful of their behaviour and interactions with other dogs, particularly during their heat cycle.
To Wrap It Up
Dr. Anand Siva said it perfectly:
"In a country where millions of dogs struggle for survival on the streets, breeding adds to the problem rather than solving it. The most compassionate choice is to adopt and sterilize."
I couldn’t agree more. Let’s focus on giving homes to those who already need them. Every dog deserves a second chance—just like I got mine.
How Can You Trust This Information?
This article is based on guidelines from trusted organizations and contains references wherever applicable from sources such as:
Animal Welfare Board of India Guidelines
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
PETA India’s Pet Care Resources
Blue Cross of India
Note: Statistics and costs mentioned are based on 2023-24 data from various Indian animal welfare organizations and veterinary associations. Consult with a qualified veterinarian for specific advice about your pet.
Learn the risks of dog breeding and why mating your pet may not be the best decision. Understand the health, emotional, and ethical concerns involved, and why adoption and sterilization are more responsible choices.
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