What to do with our pups now (American Pit Bull terriers)?

[spirit_whiisperer]

We have two registered "American Pit Bull terriers" Male & female. They had a litter of 12 but sadly only 8 lived (it was her first litter). They are now 3 1/2 weeks of age. This is the first time I have raised a litter of these type of pups. What I need to know is... When do they get there first shots and can I give them to them or is this something that only the vet can do. Also what is the total cost of 8 pups getting there first shots. Also do I have there ears cut or is that up to the new owner? We do not cut our dogs tails so we did not cut there tails at birth... Will this lower the amount we should charge? My husband friend (he raises and sells pits) told my husband not to charge less then $400 a pup... that sounds steep to us but he said that it is not. Does it sound to steep to you? Thanks!!!

[Morgan J]

Do not cut their tails and only do the ears if you must. As for what age to their shots it's the same as any other pup. Are you sure you have raised puppies before. I'm wondering because your questions about pups are suspicious. The first thing I find alarming is in your first sentence. American Pit Bull Terriers are not allowed to be registered by AKC or UKC. The UKC only accepts Staffordshire Terriers. I'm worried about these pups.

[Furkin]

I believe you can register APBTs with the UKC. How old was mom? She should be at least 2 or else she was not old enough to have her genetic health screenings for hip dysplasia and other genetic diseases common to the breed. breeding is not something to be taken lightly, the dogs need to be better than those that an be found in a shelter (and there are NO shortage of APBTs in shelters). That means the dog should be shown or judged by a judge to prove he is the standard for the breed. this page tells you how to know if your APBT is to standard (keep clicking on step 2, step 3...on the bottom of the page) but a show judge should really be the one to tell. This makes sure your dogs actually look like APBTs, something many shelter dogs cannot offer. The dogs should be health screened so you are somewhat confident that no problems will be passed down health wise, another thing you cannot get from a shelter dog. Finally you need to make sure your breeding dogs have a good temperament, one that is true of APBTs, so it is best to get them their CGC or get them therapy dog certified as APBTs have a very human friendly temperament. That is another thing that cannot be guaranteed from a shelter dog. If you cannot or will not do these things then I'd urge you to stop breeding dogs, the world really does not need any more shelter quality pets, we have LOTS of those already, being killed daily. I would spay your girl as soon as she weans her pups. If you do these things sorry for sounding like I think you do not, you do not sound like you are very prepared which leads me to believe you are not experienced.

I would bring them to the vet for their shots, they should really get a full exam not just shots. I'm not sure of the age, call your vet and ask. price will also vary you'd need to ask the vet.

You do not have to crop the ears, it's up to you and the owners can do it as well but the standard says either works. Tails are not docked in this breed so there is no reason for the price to change (see standard: United Kennel Club: American Pit Bull Terrier )

Price is of course your decision. Remember pups need to stay together and with mom until at least 8 weeks, 10 weeks is preferred.

Good lick with them and sorry about the 4 dead pups.