Are You Thinking About Breeding?

By Teri Champigny

If you are thinking about starting dog breeding, you should take it very seriously. The main motive behind dog breeding should not be commercial but the well being of that particular breed. If you have a favorite breed, you can commit yourself to the improvement of that breed.

The litter that you bring into this world should be an improvement over the last one. You must plan for each litter before it is born. Providing for a caring home should be your top- most priority.

Starting A Breeding Program

You should be emotionally prepared for breeding consequences. Are you prepared to see your bitch or her puppies die? Female dogs do encounter problems during birth. If something goes wrong, are you prepared to tube feed the puppies round the clock every three hours for the next four weeks?

You can start with acquiring one or two fertile female dogs. In order to get a good stud for your female you should start building your network. Meet people who know about that breed. Gather all the information that you can. Remember, the more you know the better it is for your female dog and her litter. Become a member of a local club in your area and get a mentor to help you out.

The next thing that you should do is select a kennel name and register it with the American Kennel Club. Even if your state does not require you to get a permit, it is good to get a permit. In the future your neighbors might object the presence of so many dogs. A permit will help you.

You should be completely aware about your dog’s health. Know the genetic diseases that are common in that breed and you should do everything possible that they are not passed on. When you find the perfect stud for your female, introduce them properly so as to ensure successful breeding. Take the female for a prenatal checkup after the breeding is complete. Get proper advice from the professionals. Ask the vet the diet that your dog should be on, what symptoms to look out for, etc.

Prepare for the birth in advance. Gather all the information on labor, like what can go wrong, what to do in an emergency, etc. You should be mentally and physically prepared for any emergency. As the delivery day approaches prepare a quiet spot for your dog to deliver and have a whelping box in which to place the puppy ready. Once the puppies arrive you should ensure that they are healthy and properly socialized with humans. Dogs are pack animals and do not like to be left alone; therefore, do not raise the puppies outside your home.

A responsible breeder will start to look for loving homes before breeding. Interview the buyers to judge their suitability. It is in your power and your duty to make sure that puppies that you brought into this world find loving and lasting homes.