Breeding a Dog
Breeding a dog is one of the most fascinating experiences if you love animals. The whole process must be well known by people who want to become a breeder, from finding good mates to giving the puppies a new home, this is because breeding a dog is also a big responsibility.
Why Breeding a Dog?
This may be a question that you will need to answer by yourself. As you know, every dog has its own abilities. And they will play a major part in selecting the right mates for breeding. In any case, the main purpose of breeding a dog should be to make the breed better and stronger, and not making a profit out of it.
That is what separate professional breeders from bad breeders.
An Overview of the Dog Breeding Process
Dog breeding starts with the right choice of parents. They both have to be strong and healthy, that is why they are tested for any disease and information about their ancestry is researched.
Then, the couple is ready to procreate. Breeders know that dogs go into heat a couple of times each year, and large dogs only one time. So, the female must be observed (sign of heat are vaginal bleeding and genital swelling) and if she is in heat, the male dog can now fertilize her.
Now pregnancy follows its course. Dogs last approximately 2 months to give birth. The time must be tracked by the breeder since the day of breeding. This step, like all steps is very important. The mother must be taken care of with the best, using specially formulated food that will ensure proper nutrition also on during nursing.
Finally the puppies are ready to enter this World. This step is not as hard as you may think, because nature has already equipped every single being with instincts to go through this phase.
What is Pedigree Research?
Pedigree research refers to the research done in order to ensure compatibility. The main idea is to erase weaknesses with strengths. If you own a female dog, you have to ensure she only mates with compatible dogs, the same goes to the male, a dog can’t go breeding any dog you want.
This may be one of the most consuming tasks of dog breeding as it takes time and a sometimes hard work to find a considerable partner for your dog. In this phase you’ll have to look for blood and sperm test, they will allow you to spot any congenital disease in the dog. Don’t be surprised when what you thought was “the special dog” turns out to be not fully compatible with the other.
Some people give the advice that you shouldn’t let your dog reproduce if it’s just a mediocre dog. In the end you have the choice, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to get perfect puppies.
How Frequent Should You Be Breeding a Dog?
Dogs should start breeding once they are 2 years old, and the frequency should be once in a year at most. This is of course on female dogs or bitches. Male dogs don’t have this problem, although you’ll need to keep a check on his sperm count if he is breeding everyday for a long period of days.
Dog Breeders Poll
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