Dog breeding involves more than just putting two dogs together; it requires research, preparation, and commitment. A responsible breeder should understand breed standards, health concerns, and the legal requirements involved.
Dog Breeding Basics
Breeding dogs is a complex process that requires a great deal of knowledge, time, and commitment. Before starting, it's essential to understand the responsibilities involved and the desired goals of the breeding process. Here's an overview of the basics:
Goals and Responsibilities:
Breed Improvement: The primary goal of a responsible breeder is to improve the breed by producing puppies that are healthy, temperamental, and conform to breed standards.
Health and Welfare: The health and well-being of the mother (the bitch) and puppies should be the top priority.
Social Responsibility: Ensuring that the puppies find good and responsible homes. This means carefully veterinary screening of potential adopters.
Time and Financial Commitment: Breeding dogs is expensive and time-consuming, from veterinary care to nutrition and early stimulation of the puppies.
Choosing Parent and Father Dogs (Dam and Stallion):
Genetic Health: Both parents should undergo comprehensive health testing to detect any genetic diseases common to their breed (such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, heart disease, etc.). These tests can be obtained from specialized veterinarians or dog health organizations.
Temperament: Both dogs should have a good, stable temperament. Dogs that are overly aggressive or fearful should not be used for breeding.
Breed Standards: Both parents should conform as closely as possible to the official breed standards (such as size, shape, color, and body structure) to ensure the production of high-quality puppies.
Registration and Pedigree: Both parents should preferably be registered with a recognized breed club, ensuring their pedigree is correct.
Mating Process:
Timing: Determining the optimal timing for mating is crucial. This is usually done by monitoring the bitch's estrous cycle, and blood tests (such as progesterone testing) may be required to determine peak fertility.
Experience: Mating may require assistance from an experienced breeder or veterinarian, especially if this is the first time the dog has been mated.
Caring for the Pregnant Dog:
Nutrition: Provide a high-quality, appropriate diet for the pregnant dog.
Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary visits to monitor the health of the dog and the fetus, including ultrasounds and x-rays to determine the number of puppies.
Environment: Provide a calm and comfortable environment for the dog.
Birth (Labor):
Preparation: Prepare a safe, clean birthing area (birthing box).
Monitoring: Closely monitor the dog during birth and provide assistance if necessary.
Veterinary Intervention: In some cases, veterinary intervention or a cesarean section may be required if complications arise.
Caring for Newborn Puppies:
Warmth and Nutrition: Ensure the puppies receive adequate warmth and are well-nourished by the mother.
Health Monitoring: Closely monitor the puppies for any signs of illness or weakness.
Early Socialization: Begin the socialization process of the puppies early by gently handling them and exposing them to various sounds, smells, and experiences.
Veterinary Care: Veterinary visits for the puppies for their first vaccinations and deworming.
Marketing and Home Placement of Puppies:
Adoptor Selection: Carefully screen potential adopters to ensure the puppies will go to loving, responsible homes.
Contracts: Use clear sales contracts that outline the terms of the sale and the responsibilities of the new owner.
Follow-up: Follow-up on the puppies after they move to their new homes and provide support and advice to new owners.
Ethical Considerations:
Avoid overbreeding: Do not overbreed the dog. She should have adequate rest between pregnancies.
Avoid breeding for profit only: The primary goal should be to improve the breed, not just to make a profit.
Adherence to Standards: Adherence to ethical and legal standards in dog breeding.
Dog breeding is a highly rewarding business when done correctly and responsibly. It contributes to the maintenance and improvement of breed health and provides loving companionship for many families. However, failure to adhere to proper standards can lead to health and behavioral problems for dogs and increase the number of stray dogs.
