I have never set out to breed for money, just as well really as I havent made any,

but I did get two cracking dogs out of my last litter, just as I will get a cracking pup out of any litter I have in future,
I breed when I want a pup to keep.

I dont think ANY sports home would dump them in rescue,Ive known some people Rehome Younger dogs to a non working home, But never one of the precious Oldies
Puppy farmers of course DO dump their ex stock in rescue, living in wales the "home!" of Puppy farmers we see alot of it. But thats why they are puppy Farmers & why we hate them!!!!
I have seen alot of failed sheepdogs in rescue,ones that wouldnt work. Obvisley Some better farmers do sell on etc, some just keep them chained up, or locked in a shed. Its disgusting they arent a old Tractor

Just had a look at Many Tears
Only Two Ex workers at the moment, usually lots more though, Again alot of "farms" down here, so lots of collies.

I don't have any immediate proof, but I think you're being niaive if you don't think any sports people would dump their unwanted dogs in rescue given the chance. There is good and bad in all 'types' of owners.

In fact its not always easy to get a dog into rescue and rehoming direct is often the simplest option anyway.

Round our way you rarely get a failed worker in rescue but I don't think this is necessarily a good thing....I took Tip in because when the farmer couldn't find a home for him (he had been trying to give him away for 4 months), a rescue centre wasn't considered...the next was going to be pts.

Yes a dog lover does not have to breed from their dog either for money or just because they like the look of their own dog and think it would be "nice" or "good for her" to have a litter. Personally I am content with the companionship a dog can offer - I have no burning desire, either for money or any other reason to breed puppies on a regular basis. I have had one planned litter of puppies from my current bitch and this was done in collaboration with her very knowledgeable "professional" breeder who had over 40 years experience of working, showing, breeding and judging this one breed worldwide. My dog's breeder considered her to be a good example of the breed and said she had come to regret me taking her as an 8 week puppy, so she asked if I would have a litter from her if she helped me. I would not have done it without her help and knowledge. No money ever changed hands and she chose the sire from her own stud dogs. This was to help keep the diversity of her own line going. Homes were pre-arrranged for most of the pups and she was carefully matched to a dual-purpose dog who had a proven track record in the working and showing world. From my own experience the 10 pups were cherished and I spent a lot of time worrying about them and my bitch. They were hard work and took over my dining room and conservatory whilst they were growing. They were intensively socialised in a home environment and I did my best to ensure their future. However, as a so called "dog lover" rather than a "breeder", I was left with niggling doubts and concerns, as I could not influence their future. It was not possibe to keep tracks on them all, although I still have regular e-mail contacts with some of the owners. Two went to Sweden and some to working homes, others to companion homes. The important lesson learnt for me was that I sadly underestimated the attachment and the responsibility that I felt for those pups and it was rather like parting with my own children when they went. The cost of rearing the litter, vet bill and the purchase price of the pups were incidental elements of the process and were shared between us.

I would be interested to know what experiences others have had with their pups.

If there are no breeders, eventually there are no dogs to be your companions.

That is true, but my real point was that it is quite a responsibility to breed from your dog and should not be undertaken without serious thought for the pups, their future welfare and the bitch. Money should be an incidental factor not the prime motivator. There is nothing better than a well bred and well reared pup, born into a knowledgeable and caring environment and able to live a healthy "doggy" life, as naturally as is possible and free from extreme debilitating characteristics which have been bred for. This benefits all.

ah I see you have met my dogs then im a breeder and proud of it, every day im proud of the dogs I have produced

seriously though, what you say is right, I always say to people unless you can afford to loose £1000 or more, dont breed your bitch.

as i said its not something i would do, but she thinks this is best for her dogs and im not going to tell her right or wrong, its her opnion at the end of the day, no one can fault her, shes doing what she thinks is right. i dont like how you say used for years of breeding, she doesnt use them for years or breeding, and most of the dogs that she does let go (she has only done it with a few) go to a family member, so she still sees them and would have them back in a shot if something ever went wrong.

exactly. especially when the dog is not used to being left on its own with no human or other dog companionship, it is not fair to leave it on its own, therefore the dog is better somewhere else.

Awww bless you xxxxxxxx