Before breeding your dog

Breeding your dog is a big consideration, and it’s not a decision that should be taken likely. Here are 5 things to keep in mind before embarking on this journey:

1. Understanding of Genetics and Breed Standards: A deep understanding of canine genetics is crucial. You need to be familiar with the specific breed’s standards as set by kennel clubs (or the FCI) and have a comprehensive knowledge of the hereditary diseases and traits within that breed. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about which dogs to pair, with the aim of maintaining or improving breed characteristics and minimizing the risk of genetic disorders. Buying a book from Amazon or your local book store specifically about the breed is a great starting point.
2. Awareness of Health Concerns and Veterinary Care: It’s essential to ensure the health and well-being of both the breeding dogs and their offspring. This involves regular health screenings, vaccinations, and check-ups. You should be knowledgeable about the specific health risks associated with your breed, including any congenital conditions. Access to quality veterinary care is a must, along with the readiness to handle potential complications, such as those that might arise during whelping (giving birth).
3. Ethical Breeding Practices: Responsible breeding involves more than just producing puppies. It’s about breeding for temperament, health, and conformation to breed standards, rather than for purely aesthetic reasons or profit. Ethical breeders also take responsibility for the life of every puppy they produce, which means careful screening of potential owners and a commitment to take back or rehome dogs if necessary.
4. Financial and Time Commitment: Breeding dogs is both time-consuming and expensive. It involves costs for health screenings, veterinary care, high-quality food, supplies for whelping, and caring for the puppies. Additionally, you need to invest a significant amount of time in socializing, training, and caring for the puppies, as well as the adult dogs. This aspect is often underestimated by novice breeders. Try to map out the costs before starting breeding.
5. Understanding of Breeding Techniques and Puppy Development: Knowledge of the breeding process, signs of pregnancy, and the care of a pregnant and nursing dog is vital. You also need to be well-versed in the stages of puppy development and understand the critical periods for socialization and early learning. This expertise is essential for raising well-adjusted, healthy puppies.