Making the decision to breed from your dog should not be taken lightly. Not only is it an expensive and time-consuming process, but it can result in adding to the enormous surplus of dogs without homes.
(Check out Breeding Purebred Dogs)
Consider the Reasons
Before you breed from your dog, it is important to think long and hard about your reasons for wanting to have a litter of puppies. Never breed to make money (not least because once you have paid stud fees, equipment costs, and food and vet bills there is a little money to be made). It is easy to get carried away with thoughts of cute puppies playing around your home, but the reality is that rearing a litter is extremely hard work. They require daily care and attention as they grow. It may be that your dog has such a lovely temperament or good looks that you feel that it is your duty to create puppies with similar qualities. Unfortunately, it is rarely that simple due to the way traits are inherited and there is no guarantee that the next generation will be the same as the last.
If you are considering breeding because you want another dog yourself, spare a thought for the hundreds of thousands of dogs in rescue homes and shelters. There are many benefits from adopting an older dog. Often they may already be house-trained and socialized and any personality traits or problem behaviors are already evident. This makes it easier to pick a dog that suits your temperament and lifestyle.
If you have your heart set on a puppy it is best to find a reputable professional breeder who can also give you the reassurance of their years of experience. If you are still set on having pups from your current dog, first ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you find homes for all the puppies?
- Do you have the knowledge to advise these potential owners, some of whom may never have owned a dog before?
- Do you have the flexibility to spend weeks at home looking after the puppies once they are born?
- Do you have adequate space, not just for the litter to be born but for a litter of six-week-old puppies?
If you have considered everything and are still certain breeding from your dog is the right decision, do lots of research and plan everything carefully.
Family Tree of Dogs *
The Perfect Partner
Deciding which dog to mate with yours is a difficult decision. Always consult with a breed specialist to discuss possible inherited diseases and disorders such as hip dysplasia, blindness, and deafness. You may also want to carry our screening tests that will help detect any potential conditions and eliminate the likelihood of these diseases occurring. Analyze where your dog has weaknesses and choose a mate that can improve upon those areas. Research the pedigree of both dogs to spot potential problems. Remember even an ideal screening result will not guarantee that your puppy won’t develop a chronic disorder.
When you have chosen your stud dog, always meet him to make sure his temperament is exemplary. Work out when your bitch comes into season – it may vary from breed to breed – and contact the stud dog owner to arrange when and where the dogs will meet. Monitor the mating process but ideally do not interfere too closely. Time will tell if your female dog is pregnant and you need to look out for signs.
Key-Points to Responsible Breeding
- Before you breed from your dog, think long and hard – never breed to make money.
- Handling new lives. Puppies are an adorable addition to any household but they require a huge investment of time and effort. The first few weeks will determine a puppy’s character for life so you need to give them full-time care and attention.
- Pedigree pair. When choosing the perfect breeding partner, make sure you know the ancestry of both dogs; it helps to determine how closely related they are to prevent inbreeding.
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