A Simple Guide to Dog Breeding for Beginners :
The act of dog breeding is a serious responsibility that needs extensive research before breeding any dog. Complications are sure to rise if the beginning breeder does not take the proper precautions. Experienced breeders are concerned about the destruction of the purebred bloodline and serious health concerns that may be caused by not breeding the most eligible dogs.
Defining the Purpose of Breeding :
The most important question at hand is, "Why are you breeding your dog? What characteristics are you attempting to improve in the breed?" Most dogs have certain abilities like obedience, tracking, agility, or performance. These unique abilities or lack of ability will help separate the wrong mates from the right ones.
The elimination process that goes along with the selection of the most eligible stud dog for the female is a long and strenuous process that takes a considerable amount of time and commitment. Generally, most people just take the first available stud or the cheapest to breed with their female. Not doing extensive research on the medical history of the other dog can cause medical problems that become genetic in that breed. For example, hip dysplasia is a known problem in larger breeds of dogs like labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and german shepards. This common problem among the larger breeds can be prevented by checking the medical histories of both animals for any discrepancies prior to breeding.
Preparing to be a Good Breeder :
The first step to breeding dogs is gaining the proper knowledge of what exactly the procedures are and how to become aware of what to expect. Once the breeder has determined which specific breed to concentrate on improving, that breeder will then need to begin researching that particular breed. The breeder needs to become aware of what possible health problems their breed may be prone to.
The American Kennel Club is a good place to look for meeting others with breeds like yours. Observing the interaction of other dogs of your breed will help you evaluate your own dog's characteristics and credentials in breeding.
After Your Female is in Season :
Once the female is in season to mate and the proper stud dog has been chosen, the mating takes place. The mating of the two dogs should be in a controlled environment, because unfamiliar dogs sometimes have personality conflicts. Some breeders just enclose the animals together and leave the room, assuming the dogs know what to do. On several occasions, the personalities of the dogs collide and the attempt to breed is useless and sometimes painful for the dogs.
If personalities of the dogs agree, the chance of breeding is increased. After this takes place, the male and the female will need to be separated from each other. The point is to keep the female away from as much stress as possible so that the possibility of pregnancy increases.
If for any reason, the dogs do not show interest in each other or if one dog begins to dominate or bite the other, immediately separate the two dogs. The female will not allow herself to be bred if she does not want to be. In addition, if the dogs are not interested in each other then the interaction between the two could lead to stitches in the local Animal Emergency Clinic, due to a fight.
Monitor for Signs of Pregnancy :
If the mating was successful approximately two weeks after the breeding session the female will show signs of pregnancy, which include an increase in her appetite, weight, and nipple size. The best method is to have a veterinarian take radiographs of the female's abdomen about 28 days after the date of her breeding to document her pregnancy. This process and investment of a small amount of money can help prevent many complications, such as a false pregnancy, puppies that would be too large to be born naturally, and informs the breeders of how many puppies that the female is carrying.
Once she has been Pronounced Pregnant :
Once the female is pregnant, her diet must have extra nutrition for her to remain healthy and for the puppies to be born healthy. Some breeders do not consider this and feed their pregnant female as they normally do, at a minimal to prevent the animal from becoming overweight. This is a common mistake because the small amount of nutrition that the dog's regular diet contains is not nearly enough for the pregnant female or her unborn puppies.
The female will need to ingest one and a half more servings than what she would normally eat. The extra nutrition feedings need to be offered as soon as she is pronounced pregnant. The feedings will need to be cut back at a slow rate after her puppies have stopped nursing. It is very important for the female to have a proper intake of nutrition, because it assists her during the pregnancy and it assists in developing healthy breast milk for her puppies once they are born.
Gestation period and Signs to Look for :
The gestation period for a full term pregnancy in a healthy dog is approximately 63 days from the point of conception. Around this time, it is very important to monitor your female for signs of labor. Keep in close contact with your veterinarian around the females expected due date for delivery. That way you and your Veterinarian can be prepared for any complications.
Often breeders do not count the days and assume that the pregnant female knows what to do. Dr. Lyn Johnson, DVM, of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, includes in her article How to be a Responsible Breeder, the importance of being present with the labored female. "The female should be carefully monitored and kept in a clean, quiet environment for the birth of her puppies. Someone should be present during delivery to ensure there are no complications or to immediately seek veterinary help should problems arise. She should not be left to give birth outdoors or in a kennel in the middle of the night without supervision." If a female is left unattended and goes into an unproductive labor, this could lead to the death of her and her unborn puppies.
If a puppy is breeched, in which the puppy's tail comes out before its head, and the female is unable to push the puppy out, this will stop the labor process. If the puppy is stuck in the womb for too long then its oxygen supply is cut off and its chances of living are threatened.
There are several breeds that are known for complications with their pregnancies, like Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Boston Terriers. These breeds are born with rather large heads that sometimes cause problems during the natural birth method. The common result to these problems is a Caesarian section at the Veterinary Hospital: a rather pricey surgery that is well worth the life of the female and puppies.
The Ultimate Guide to First-Time Dog Breeding :
Your passion for pooches has driven you to the decision to become a breeder. You have chosen your breeding stock and are waiting for just the right time. When exactly is the right time to allow the dog to mate, and what should you expect during this time until your dog is expecting? Your female will typically begin coming into heat somewhere around six months of age. Of course, this time varies from one dog to another. Approximately six months later a dog will be coming into heat again. A breeder usually decides to wait until the third time the dog comes into heat before breeding. This will be around 1.5 years old when the dog is an adult and ready to mate. Always be advised from your veterinarian before allowing your dogs to mate.
It is essential that your male and female be in the best health possible prior to breeding. You will want to make sure that all vaccinations are up to date. Your vet may recommend a particular diet for the dog. The advice of your vet is always superior to any information you can receive from books or the internet.
The first sign that the dog is coming into season is her vulva will swell. This may be noticeable up to one week before the bleeding begins. On the first day of the cycle, it may be important to call the vet. If you are planning to artificially inseminate the female or will need to take her to the male, this may be very important.
Other signs that she may be nearing the time to breed is that she will lick herself more frequently. She may be less interested in food. Flagging is a definite sign. Flagging refers to the time when the dog holds her tail off to one side. You may also notice changes in personality or behavior. The dog may begin to hump pups, or other dams.
If you need, your vet will do blood tests on the dam to determine when the dog is most fertile. If you have the male present, he will let you know. The male will regularly check the dam to determine when is the right time.
Around the twelfth day after the bleeding begins, the dam should be ready. She will stand still for the male at this time. Her flow will have slowed and changed to a pink color.
Tie One on
When it is time, supervise the male and female together. During the course of mating, it is common and natural for the two dogs to become stuck together. This is known as a tie.
Each dam reacts differently to a tie. A new dog breeder should be aware that this is when supervision is crucial. A male dog will typically stand and wait until his penis is released from within the female. The female may stand calmly through this period of time, or she may whine and seem in pain. The tie will last approximately 5 to 20 minutes. After ejaculation, the male will lift his leg over the female's back and typically face in the opposite direction of the female. The two dogs will be butt to butt.
It is imperative to stay calm. If you overreact and panic, the dogs will follow your lead. Get down in the floor and keep the dogs calm. Talking to your pet and keeping the dogs calm is easiest and safest. A male can be seriously injured during a tie. If the female is larger than the male, he can be flung around by his penis. This experience, for obvious reasons, can cause him to avoid breeding in the future.
Abs cense Makes the Heart Grow Stronger...
Well, I don't know about the heart, but separating the male and female for at least 24 hours following the tie will allow the male to build up his sperm. Dogs older than four years old will perform better with around 36 hours of separation before attempting another encounter.
If your male has been found to have low sperm counts, you will need to be more involved in timing to encourage fertilization. Your vet can help you with this.
If your dogs have had a few ties, then anticipate puppies to arrive. Even if a couple of successful ties have not occurred, there is the chance that the female is expecting. Consult your vet to be certain of the outcome of the breeding attempts.
I know you will be eagerly awaiting those adorable puppies, but do keep your drooling down.
Defining the Purpose of Breeding :
The most important question at hand is, "Why are you breeding your dog? What characteristics are you attempting to improve in the breed?" Most dogs have certain abilities like obedience, tracking, agility, or performance. These unique abilities or lack of ability will help separate the wrong mates from the right ones.
The elimination process that goes along with the selection of the most eligible stud dog for the female is a long and strenuous process that takes a considerable amount of time and commitment. Generally, most people just take the first available stud or the cheapest to breed with their female. Not doing extensive research on the medical history of the other dog can cause medical problems that become genetic in that breed. For example, hip dysplasia is a known problem in larger breeds of dogs like labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and german shepards. This common problem among the larger breeds can be prevented by checking the medical histories of both animals for any discrepancies prior to breeding.
Preparing to be a Good Breeder :
The first step to breeding dogs is gaining the proper knowledge of what exactly the procedures are and how to become aware of what to expect. Once the breeder has determined which specific breed to concentrate on improving, that breeder will then need to begin researching that particular breed. The breeder needs to become aware of what possible health problems their breed may be prone to.
The American Kennel Club is a good place to look for meeting others with breeds like yours. Observing the interaction of other dogs of your breed will help you evaluate your own dog's characteristics and credentials in breeding.
After Your Female is in Season :
Once the female is in season to mate and the proper stud dog has been chosen, the mating takes place. The mating of the two dogs should be in a controlled environment, because unfamiliar dogs sometimes have personality conflicts. Some breeders just enclose the animals together and leave the room, assuming the dogs know what to do. On several occasions, the personalities of the dogs collide and the attempt to breed is useless and sometimes painful for the dogs.
If personalities of the dogs agree, the chance of breeding is increased. After this takes place, the male and the female will need to be separated from each other. The point is to keep the female away from as much stress as possible so that the possibility of pregnancy increases.
If for any reason, the dogs do not show interest in each other or if one dog begins to dominate or bite the other, immediately separate the two dogs. The female will not allow herself to be bred if she does not want to be. In addition, if the dogs are not interested in each other then the interaction between the two could lead to stitches in the local Animal Emergency Clinic, due to a fight.
Monitor for Signs of Pregnancy :
If the mating was successful approximately two weeks after the breeding session the female will show signs of pregnancy, which include an increase in her appetite, weight, and nipple size. The best method is to have a veterinarian take radiographs of the female's abdomen about 28 days after the date of her breeding to document her pregnancy. This process and investment of a small amount of money can help prevent many complications, such as a false pregnancy, puppies that would be too large to be born naturally, and informs the breeders of how many puppies that the female is carrying.
Once she has been Pronounced Pregnant :
Once the female is pregnant, her diet must have extra nutrition for her to remain healthy and for the puppies to be born healthy. Some breeders do not consider this and feed their pregnant female as they normally do, at a minimal to prevent the animal from becoming overweight. This is a common mistake because the small amount of nutrition that the dog's regular diet contains is not nearly enough for the pregnant female or her unborn puppies.
The female will need to ingest one and a half more servings than what she would normally eat. The extra nutrition feedings need to be offered as soon as she is pronounced pregnant. The feedings will need to be cut back at a slow rate after her puppies have stopped nursing. It is very important for the female to have a proper intake of nutrition, because it assists her during the pregnancy and it assists in developing healthy breast milk for her puppies once they are born.
Gestation period and Signs to Look for :
The gestation period for a full term pregnancy in a healthy dog is approximately 63 days from the point of conception. Around this time, it is very important to monitor your female for signs of labor. Keep in close contact with your veterinarian around the females expected due date for delivery. That way you and your Veterinarian can be prepared for any complications.
Often breeders do not count the days and assume that the pregnant female knows what to do. Dr. Lyn Johnson, DVM, of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, includes in her article How to be a Responsible Breeder, the importance of being present with the labored female. "The female should be carefully monitored and kept in a clean, quiet environment for the birth of her puppies. Someone should be present during delivery to ensure there are no complications or to immediately seek veterinary help should problems arise. She should not be left to give birth outdoors or in a kennel in the middle of the night without supervision." If a female is left unattended and goes into an unproductive labor, this could lead to the death of her and her unborn puppies.
If a puppy is breeched, in which the puppy's tail comes out before its head, and the female is unable to push the puppy out, this will stop the labor process. If the puppy is stuck in the womb for too long then its oxygen supply is cut off and its chances of living are threatened.
There are several breeds that are known for complications with their pregnancies, like Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Boston Terriers. These breeds are born with rather large heads that sometimes cause problems during the natural birth method. The common result to these problems is a Caesarian section at the Veterinary Hospital: a rather pricey surgery that is well worth the life of the female and puppies.
The Ultimate Guide to First-Time Dog Breeding :
Your passion for pooches has driven you to the decision to become a breeder. You have chosen your breeding stock and are waiting for just the right time. When exactly is the right time to allow the dog to mate, and what should you expect during this time until your dog is expecting? Your female will typically begin coming into heat somewhere around six months of age. Of course, this time varies from one dog to another. Approximately six months later a dog will be coming into heat again. A breeder usually decides to wait until the third time the dog comes into heat before breeding. This will be around 1.5 years old when the dog is an adult and ready to mate. Always be advised from your veterinarian before allowing your dogs to mate.
It is essential that your male and female be in the best health possible prior to breeding. You will want to make sure that all vaccinations are up to date. Your vet may recommend a particular diet for the dog. The advice of your vet is always superior to any information you can receive from books or the internet.
The first sign that the dog is coming into season is her vulva will swell. This may be noticeable up to one week before the bleeding begins. On the first day of the cycle, it may be important to call the vet. If you are planning to artificially inseminate the female or will need to take her to the male, this may be very important.
Other signs that she may be nearing the time to breed is that she will lick herself more frequently. She may be less interested in food. Flagging is a definite sign. Flagging refers to the time when the dog holds her tail off to one side. You may also notice changes in personality or behavior. The dog may begin to hump pups, or other dams.
If you need, your vet will do blood tests on the dam to determine when the dog is most fertile. If you have the male present, he will let you know. The male will regularly check the dam to determine when is the right time.
Around the twelfth day after the bleeding begins, the dam should be ready. She will stand still for the male at this time. Her flow will have slowed and changed to a pink color.
Tie One on
When it is time, supervise the male and female together. During the course of mating, it is common and natural for the two dogs to become stuck together. This is known as a tie.
Each dam reacts differently to a tie. A new dog breeder should be aware that this is when supervision is crucial. A male dog will typically stand and wait until his penis is released from within the female. The female may stand calmly through this period of time, or she may whine and seem in pain. The tie will last approximately 5 to 20 minutes. After ejaculation, the male will lift his leg over the female's back and typically face in the opposite direction of the female. The two dogs will be butt to butt.
It is imperative to stay calm. If you overreact and panic, the dogs will follow your lead. Get down in the floor and keep the dogs calm. Talking to your pet and keeping the dogs calm is easiest and safest. A male can be seriously injured during a tie. If the female is larger than the male, he can be flung around by his penis. This experience, for obvious reasons, can cause him to avoid breeding in the future.
Abs cense Makes the Heart Grow Stronger...
Well, I don't know about the heart, but separating the male and female for at least 24 hours following the tie will allow the male to build up his sperm. Dogs older than four years old will perform better with around 36 hours of separation before attempting another encounter.
If your male has been found to have low sperm counts, you will need to be more involved in timing to encourage fertilization. Your vet can help you with this.
If your dogs have had a few ties, then anticipate puppies to arrive. Even if a couple of successful ties have not occurred, there is the chance that the female is expecting. Consult your vet to be certain of the outcome of the breeding attempts.
I know you will be eagerly awaiting those adorable puppies, but do keep your drooling down.