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| � Bitches can die during delivery � Intact females are at risk for life threatening infections of the uterus (pyometra.) � Bitches that have gone through multiple heat cycles have a higher risk of developing mammary cancer later in their life. � Intact males are more prone to prostate problems and other types of cancer. � Intact males are at a higher risk of being hit by a car due to their desire to �roam.� � Intact males have higher aggressive tendencies and more behavioral problems. |
| To Breed or Not to Breed ? |
| So, you�ve decided to breed your dog. The next thing to decide is, do you want to be a responsible breeder or an irresponsible breeder. Consider the following questions. |
| � Do you have a copy of the written breed standard and thoroughly understand it? � Do you know what genetic problems are prevalent within this breed? � Have both dogs been tested clear of genetic disorders (hips, elbows, eyes, heart, thyroid, bleeding disorders)? The specific tests will vary between breeds. � Has your dog been evaluated by a �breed expert�? This would be a judge or someone who has bred and shown multiple dogs to their championship. This would NOT be the owner or breeder of the dog (who would have biased opinions) or someone who has just owned or bred several dogs. � Do you know your dog�s conformational strengths and weaknesses? � Do you know the strengths and weaknesses of the potential mate? � Does the mate compliment your dog (having strengths where your dog is weak)? |
| Are you financially prepared for this endeavor? |
| � Have both dogs been tested for Brucellosis? This is an infection that causes abortion, reproductive infections, and sterility. � Has a breeding soundness exam been done on both dogs? It�s best to have this done by a reproductive specialist. Strictures in either the male or female will cause severe pain if breeding is attempted or inability to deliver. � An emergency caesarian can run up to $1000 and the bitch and/or puppies can still be lost. � Plan also in case the bitch or puppies become sick. Mastitis and herpes infections of newborns are not uncommon. � Both the new mother and puppies should have a wellness examination soon after birth. Puppies with congenital disorders (cleft palates, hernias, etc.) will need to be treated or euthanized. � At around 7 weeks, the puppies should have their first set of vaccines, a health check, an intestinal parasite exam, and de-worming before they go to their new homes. � Are you prepared to take back any of the puppies, at any time in their life, if things don�t work out in their new home? You (both the bitch and stud dog owner) brought these dogs into this world; you should be accountable that they don�t end up in a shelter. � Do you expect to profit from breeding? In the long run, you will likely be spending more money then you make from selling puppies. |
| Do you have plenty of time and resources available? |
| � You could end up bottle feeding (day and night) for 3 weeks if the bitch does not have good maternal instincts or does not produce milk. Are you able to tube feed puppies if they�re not strong enough to nurse? � Do you have a whelping room that has it�s own heat source? A whelping box? Baby bottles and tube feeders? � Are all family members trained and responsible (old enough) to safely handle newborns? � A responsible breeder will spend time beginning the puppy�s socialization and crate training. � It takes time to screen for potential new homes that will take good care of your puppies. � Are you prepared to educate the new owners on the specific needs of this breed (grooming, training, nutrition, etc.)? |
| Have you also considered the risks to your dog, by not having it spayed or neutered? |
| Will this breeding help or hinder the future of your particular breed? |
| Sandra Wickwire, DVM |
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