Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A friend of mine wants to breed his female Brit to my male. Neither one of us has had any experience in breeding dogs. Is there a book that I could get that anyone recommends to educate myself. I have until next month when she comes back into cycle.

thanks

Pat

I would assume neither of these dogs has proven themselves in the show ring or performance event...are they to the correct standard for the breed, do they have disqualifying breed faults, have you had them health tested for problems prone to the breed ie CERF, OFA etc, do they have excellent pedigrees (Ch parents or grandparents +)?

Are you willing to spend a large amount of money? doing these tests prior to breeding, getting all the whelping supplies,feeding puppies, shots for puppies and health checks (vets are now charging per puppy not per litter), paying for c-section if necessay, docking tails, emergency vet visits etc etc.

Do you have TIME? momma dog doesn't do everything or know everything, Do you have the time to be there a week before and after her due date, be up 24 hrs + waiting for delivery, some refuse their puppies, she may not clean them, she may chew cords to vigorously , papers need changing every few hours, feedings,feeding for orphaned pups, taking puppies inside and out, socializing etc etc.

Are you willing to possibly loose your dog due to c-sect, disease, breach puppy, post partum problem etc etc?

Reading a book will give you info but its not as easy as it sounds....you don't just put two dogs together. Maiden dog and bitches dont always perform as they should. If you don't know you bitches cycle she may attack the male if she isn't ready, the act itself isn't pleasing to the bitch and she can get quite frantic, bite, try to get away and hurt the dog. Dogs tie during breeding and this must be supervised so they don't try to pull apart and hurt each other. Brucellosis testing should be done prior to breeding so this disease isn't spread from one to the other and lead to illness. Can you handle assisting a whelping bitch, handle emergencys, have 24 hr vet ready, etc etc.

MAJOR QUESTION....do you have homes for these puppies prior to any breeding. What will you do when she has 9 puppies and you only have 3 people that want one and no one calls your ad? Or you had all females and everyone wants a male-what will you do with the puppies? Dont breed to make a few bucks or see what its like or it may be fun...it could be a disaster for everyone especially the dogs and puppies.