Greetings!
I am a long time cat person and lover of Ragdolls! I am wanting to know what I need to do to get started as far as breeding? I have never done this before and would appreciate any and all advise some of you seasoned breeders have! Thank you!
MMM
You need to research and find mentors.
In terms of research, start with understanding the money over the years you are willing to invest in breeding and whether you have the space and time to take care of whole cats. Few breeders do not lose money in any year and the early years can be the most expensive and you need to evaluate how much you can spend on the hobby. You also need to find out whether it will be possible for a newbie in your area to place kittens in this economy.
You may want to read Linda's article on RFCI. It was written in better economic times, but will give you things to think about.
http://rfci.org/info/interested_in_breeding.php
Sometimes the best way to start is by showing a show alter. That way you learn about the breed and meet breeders. That way, if you decide to breed you already know some of the challenges and have a chance to meet breeders who can provide good quality breeding cats or can mentor you.
Oh thank you JanH! I am sure this will be a great place to start! Please explain, what do you mean by showing a show alter?
It will be easier for you to get a good quality Ragdoll that cannot be bred, but that is show quality and can be shown by you. Alters are shown in their own class and you learn from having your cat judged, seeing other cats judged and talking to breeders. It is very hard to build the relationship with a breeder sufficient that you will be trusted with breeding cats. The sad truth is that the better the breeder, the harder it will be for a stranger. So, too many new breeders start out working with inferior breeders and inferior cats. You have to convince someone you will make a good breeder and that means getting to know each other over time.
Hi, you would buy a show quality kitten from a reputable breeder and show it. That enables you to see show quality kittens and cats and meet other Ragdoll breeders at the shows. You can gain a lot of information this way....would better familiarize you with cats that meet the Ragdoll standard. As Jan said finances are a huge consideration...it's a very expensive hobby and I think too many people want to breed and then realize they can't afford it, so you really have to figure out finances before you even purchase your first cat.
I'm the educational counselor for RFCI and part of my job is to help new breeders get started in the right way and without naming names help them not get taken advantage of by the many unethical breeders out there who just want to get in your pockets and take advantage of new breeders. Also as Jan mentioned one of the most important first steps is to find a reputable mentor to help you with any and all questions. You're welcome to contact me if you'd like
(08-02-2010 12:36 PM)Edie Wrote: [ -> ]help them not get taken advantage of by the many unethical breeders
There are some bad apples, but most problems come from the blind leading the blind rather than lack of ethics or venality.
(08-02-2010 01:34 PM)JanH Wrote: [ -> ] (08-02-2010 12:36 PM)Edie Wrote: [ -> ]help them not get taken advantage of by the many unethical breeders
There are some bad apples, but most problems come from the blind leading the blind rather than lack of ethics or venality.
Jan, you're living in a different world than I am if you believe this. Hearing way too many sad tales from breeders getting started up. They've been taken advantage of by long time breeders, so-called big name breeders, etc. The almighty buck is a powerful force.
(08-02-2010 02:49 PM)Edie Wrote: [ -> ]Jan, you're living in a different world than I am if you believe this. Hearing way too many sad tales from breeders getting started up. They've been taken advantage of by long time breeders, so-called big name breeders, etc. The almighty buck is a powerful force.
He is living in a different World and you are absolutely correct. These current problems are the direct results of some very well known and famous Breeders of the past. What they did years ago set certain wheels into motion.Their deceits have finally caught up with the Breed. Question for you? Why do the various Ragdoll Breed Clubs accept Memberships from these often problematic Breeders
(08-02-2010 03:58 PM)CurtGehm Wrote: [ -> ][quote='Edie' pid='71126' dateline='1280778578']Jan, you're living in a different world than I am if you believe this. Hearing way too many sad tales from breeders getting started up. They've been taken advantage of by long time breeders, so-called big name breeders, etc. The almighty buck is a powerful force.
He is living in a different World and you are absolutely correct. These current problems are the direct results of some very well known and famous Breeders of the past. What they did years ago set certain wheels into motion.Their deceits have finally caught up with the Breed. Question for you? Why do the various Ragdoll Breed Clubs accept Memberships from these often problematic Breeders
My guess would be money and paranoia.