And unexpected Cesarean or emergency intensive care for a sick pup will make a break-even litter become a big liability. First time breeders have no reputation and no referrals to help them find quality and safe buyers. Veteran breeders, with good reputations, often don't consider a breeding unless they have cash deposits in advance from an average sized litter. Even if the kiddies are present, they may get a chance to see the birth of a monster, or a mummy, or watch the bitch scream and bite you as you attempt to deliver a pup that his half out and too large. Some bitches are not natural mothers and either ignore or savage their whelps.
Bitches can have severe delivery problems or even die in whelp.
Pups can be born dead or with gross deformities that require euthanasia. Veteran breeders of quality dogs state that they spend well over 130 hours of labor in raising an average litter. Be prepared for days off work and sleepless nights. Even after delivery, mom needs extra care and feeding, and puppies need daily checking, weighing, and socialization. Later, grooming and training, and the whelping box needs lots of constant cleaning.