Breeding dogs is a significant undertaking that goes far beyond simply putting two dogs together. Responsible dog breeding requires extensive knowledge, dedication, and a genuine commitment to improving the health and temperament of future generations. This guide provides a detailed overview of dog breeding, covering everything from initial considerations to ethical practices and responsible puppy placement.

Initial Considerations Before Breeding Your Dog

Before embarking on a dog breeding program, it’s crucial to evaluate several factors to ensure you’re making a responsible and ethical decision. Breeding is not a way to make ‘easy money’, nor should it be done simply because “your dog should have puppies”.

Assessing Your Dog’s Suitability for Breeding

Health Screening: The cornerstone of responsible breeding is ensuring your dog is free from genetic conditions that can be passed on to offspring. This involves:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Screening: Using the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP methods. For example, a German Shepherd should have “Good” or “Excellent” hip scores from the OFA before breeding.

Eye Examinations: Annually by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to check for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other eye diseases.

Heart Examinations: Using echocardiograms and auscultation to detect heart murmurs or other cardiac issues, especially crucial for breeds prone to heart problems like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Genetic Testing: Testing for breed-specific genetic diseases, such as Von Willebrand’s disease in Doberman Pinschers or degenerative myelopathy in many breeds. Embark Veterinary offers comprehensive genetic testing kits.

Temperament Evaluation: A good temperament is just as important as physical health.

Assessing for Aggression or Anxiety: Avoid breeding dogs with a history of aggression or extreme anxiety, as these traits can be inherited.

Evaluating Trainability and Sociability: A well-tempered dog should be trainable and comfortable around people and other animals.

Breed Standards: Understanding and adhering to the breed standard is crucial for preserving the breed’s characteristics. Contact your breed’s parent club (e.g., the American Kennel Club’s breed clubs) for detailed information.
Age and Breeding Frequency: Bitches should be physically and mentally mature before their first breeding. Generally, breeding should not start before 2 years old and should cease by 6-8 years old, depending on the breed and the bitch’s health. Limit breeding frequency to avoid stressing the bitch’s body; breeding every other heat cycle is a common guideline.

Understanding the Costs Involved

Breeding dogs is expensive, and you should be financially prepared for numerous potential costs.

Veterinary Expenses: Including health testing, pre-breeding exams, pregnancy care, whelping assistance, and postnatal care for the mother and puppies. Example: A C-section can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on location and complications.
Stud Fees: If using a stud dog, the fee can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Food and Supplies: High-quality puppy food, whelping boxes, blankets, heating pads, and other supplies.
Advertising and Marketing: Costs associated with finding suitable homes for the puppies.
Unexpected Complications: Be prepared for unexpected costs, such as emergency veterinary care for the mother or puppies.

Finding the Right Stud Dog

Selecting a suitable stud dog is critical to improve the breed.

Complementary Traits: The stud dog should complement the bitch’s strengths and weaknesses.
Health and Temperament: Verify the stud dog’s health testing results and temperament.
Pedigree Research: Study the stud dog’s pedigree to identify potential genetic issues or desirable traits.
Contractual Agreements: Always have a written agreement with the stud dog owner outlining the terms of the breeding, including stud fee, guarantees, and responsibilities.

The Breeding Process: From Mating to Whelping

Understanding the breeding process ensures you can properly care for the bitch and puppies.

Timing and Mating

Understanding the Estrous Cycle: Bitches typically have two estrous cycles per year. The proestrus stage lasts around 9 days and is characterized by vaginal bleeding. The estrus stage, when the bitch is receptive to mating, lasts around 5-9 days.
Progesterone Testing: A veterinarian can perform progesterone testing to pinpoint the optimal time for breeding. The levels rise just before ovulation.
Mating Methods: Natural mating is the most common method. Artificial insemination (AI) is another option, especially for breeds with physical limitations. AI can be performed vaginally or surgically.
Confirming Pregnancy: Pregnancy can be confirmed around 21-28 days after mating via ultrasound or palpation. Relaxin hormone blood tests are also used.

Pregnancy and Prenatal Care

Nutrition: Feed the pregnant bitch a high-quality, balanced diet formulated for pregnancy and lactation. Increase food intake gradually as the pregnancy progresses.
Exercise: Provide moderate exercise to maintain muscle tone and overall health. Avoid strenuous activities in the later stages of pregnancy.
Veterinary Checkups: Regular veterinary checkups are essential to monitor the bitch’s health and the puppies’ development.
Worming: Regular deworming is essential during pregnancy to prevent parasitic infections in the puppies. Consult with your veterinarian about safe deworming medications.

Preparing for Whelping

Whelping Box: Provide a clean, comfortable whelping box in a quiet, draft-free area. The box should be large enough for the bitch to move around freely and nurse the puppies.
Supplies: Gather essential supplies, including:

Clean towels and blankets

Scissors or hemostats for clamping the umbilical cord

Iodine for disinfecting the umbilical cord

Bulb syringe for clearing the puppies’ airways

Digital thermometer

Heating pad or lamp to keep the puppies warm

The Whelping Process

Signs of Labor: Signs of labor include nesting behavior, restlessness, decreased appetite, and a drop in body temperature (below 100°F).
Stages of Labor:

Stage 1: Contractions begin, and the cervix dilates. This stage can last from 6 to 12 hours.

Stage 2: The puppies are born. Contractions become stronger and more frequent. Each puppy should be born within 1-2 hours of the previous one.

* Stage 3: The placenta is expelled after each puppy.

Intervention: Seek veterinary assistance if labor is prolonged, the bitch is straining without producing a puppy, or there are signs of distress.

Puppy Care and Socialization

The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are critical for their development and socialization.

Neonatal Care (0-2 Weeks)

Temperature Regulation: Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature and rely on external heat sources. Maintain a warm environment (85-90°F) during the first week, gradually decreasing to 75-80°F by the end of the second week.
Nursing: Ensure all puppies are nursing regularly. If a puppy is not gaining weight, supplemental feeding may be necessary.
Hygiene: Keep the whelping box clean and dry. Stimulate the puppies to urinate and defecate by gently rubbing their abdomen with a warm, damp cloth.
Weighing: Daily weights help monitor the puppy’s growth and health.

Early Socialization (3-16 Weeks)

Handling and Touch: Handle the puppies gently and frequently to accustom them to human touch.
Exposure to Stimuli: Introduce the puppies to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells to promote neurological development.
Socialization with Other Dogs: Allow the puppies to interact with other well-socialized dogs to learn appropriate social skills.
Early Training: Begin basic training exercises, such as recall and potty training.

Weaning

Gradual Transition: Start weaning the puppies around 3-4 weeks of age by offering a gruel made of puppy food and water. Gradually decrease the amount of water until the puppies are eating solid food.
Nutritional Needs: Ensure the puppies are receiving a high-quality puppy food formulated for their breed and size.

Responsible Puppy Placement

Finding the right homes for your puppies is a crucial aspect of responsible breeding.

Screening Potential Owners

Application Process: Require potential owners to complete a detailed application form to assess their suitability.
Interviews: Conduct interviews to discuss their experience with dogs, lifestyle, and expectations.
Home Visits: If possible, conduct home visits to ensure the environment is safe and appropriate for a puppy.

Contracts and Guarantees

Sales Agreement: Use a written sales agreement outlining the terms of the sale, including health guarantees, spay/neuter requirements, and return policies.
Health Guarantees: Provide a health guarantee against genetic defects.
Return Policy: Offer a return policy in case the owner is unable to care for the puppy.
Co-ownership: Consider co-ownership options when needed to ensure future breeding practices are ethical.

Ongoing Support

Resources and Advice: Provide ongoing support and resources to the new owners.
Follow-up: Check in with the owners periodically to ensure the puppy is settling in well.
Rehoming Assistance: Offer to assist with rehoming if the owner is no longer able to care for the dog.

Conclusion

Responsible dog breeding is a complex and demanding undertaking that requires careful planning, extensive knowledge, and a genuine commitment to improving the breed. By prioritizing health, temperament, and responsible puppy placement, breeders can play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of future generations of dogs. Before breeding, always consult with experienced breeders and veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and ensure you are prepared for the challenges and responsibilities involved. The ultimate goal is to produce healthy, well-adjusted dogs that will thrive in loving homes.