RCT QUARTERLY 2nd Edition | Page 9

Often we get into breeding by chance. We get a “nice” show puppy who does well in the ring. Full of enthusiasm and energy it is decided that she is good enough to breed and so we begin. The die is cast to become a breeder.

Now I would ask you to think on Kenny Rogers words in his song “The Gambler.”

“the secret to survivin’ is knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep.”

A good bitch will throw CONSISTENCY in a litter. A single “star” in a litter of rather ordinary puppies is not a great start.

Time and time again breeding becomes a HEART decision instead of a HEAD decision. You may love this bitch with all your heart but after one maybe two litters where she has not produced the goods for you then you should “know what to throw away, know what the keep.” (I don’t mean that literally.”

Many good breeders have not had success straight away but with knowledge gained, they are prepared the start again. There is no disgrace in this. It means you have learned so much now you are in a better position to get the “foundation bitch” who will better the Rottweiler family.

To sum up the points of starting your own Rottweiler line remember this…………….

1.Do your homework first, it may take a while so be prepared to wait for the right female.

2.The “foundation bitch” must be typical of the breed. She must be “typey and strong.”

3.If she does not produce consistency in the litter think again.

4.She MUST come from a good whelping line.

And to close with the words of my mate Kenny “Know when to walk away, know when to RUN

Josie Eiffe Voneiffel Rottweilers

31/01/2017