Many pet parents do not have a thorough understanding of all the things that need to be considered before breeding their dog. Before deciding to breed your dog, be sure to obtain a thorough understanding of what is involved in preparation for breeding, the actual breeding, whelping, and caring for a litter of puppies.
Consult Your Veterinarian Before Breeding Your Pet
The best source for information is your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you find resources such as websites, books, or other sources for information regarding breeding. Your veterinarian can also assist you in your decision whether your pet is healthy enough to be bred and also if your dog has any medical conditions in which breeding is not recommended.
Dogs should not be used for breeding until after two years of age to allow time to see how they mature both physically and mentally.
The female dog should be allowed to attain her adult size before breeding. If bred early, she will put her energy into feeding the unborn/newborn puppies instead of into finishing her growth.
Genetic problems such as seizures and poor temperament may not be apparent until the animal is 2-3 years of age. Animals with such problems should not be bred.
Health Evaluations Required Before Breeding Your Dog
Breeding animals should be determined to be healthy, and as can be determined, free from genetic or hereditary disease. Many pet parents make the decision to breed their dog with little thought given to the number of genetic traits that can now be tested for. By breeding dogs that are free of these conditions, future pet parents can avoid much heartache.
Hips cannot be OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Inc.) certified until after 24 months of age. Medium and large breeds should be checked for hip dysplasia prior to breeding. Small and toy breeds should be checked for femoral head necrosis (Legg-Perthes Disease). Elbow clearances can be received by OFA at the same time. Plan ahead: allow 4-6 weeks from the time the x-rays are taken to the time the results are received.
Eyes should receive OFA eye certification through the Companion Animal Eye Registry. An annual eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist is needed at least through the years the animals are used for breeding, and preferably continued through life to verify the health of the eyes. This exam checks for cataracts, progressive degenerative retinas, distichiasis, entropion, ectropion, and other eye abnormalities.
OFA heart clearances should also be obtained. The OFA has two cardiac clearance databases. The first database is the Congenital Cardiac Database which means the animal is clear of congenital disease and can be performed by any veterinarian. The second database is the Advanced Cardiac Database which clears for congenital disease as well as adult onset disease. Advanced cardiac exams must be performed by a board certified veterinary cardiologist. The adult onset clearance is only valid for one year. Animals must by at least 12 months of age in order for certification in either of the cardiac databases.
Both the male and the female should have a negative Brucellosis test before breeding. Brucellosis is a bacterial infection which can cause serious adverse effects, including the death of the unborn puppies. Testing is necessary even if artificial insemination is performed, as the male may still pass the bacteria to the female. The female is unable to pass it to the male if artificial insemination is done, but she could pass it to the puppies. If natural breeding is done, the male should be checked before breeding each female.
Check with your veterinarian for certain other diseases that should be screened for before breeding. These include, but are not limited to, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's disease, copper storage disease, deafness, luxating patellas, hernias, or cryptorchidism.
Certain other conditions such as allergies, chronic skin conditions, chronic ear problems, etc., should make you hesitate and think hard about breeding. These conditions may have a hereditary component, meaning these traits may be passed on to the puppies and the unsuspecting new pet parents.
When the female is coming close to cycling (coming into season), make an appointment for a physical exam, vaccinations, stool check for internal parasites, and heartworm test. She should be at her ideal weight at this point. Those female dogs being too heavy or too thin may have an increased difficulty conceiving, carrying the litter, and whelping.
When to Breed a Dog
Several ways are available to determine when it is time to breed the female. When an experienced male dog is available, the easiest way is to allow natural breeding to occur. Allow the dogs to breed every other day as long as both are receptive to breeding. If artificial insemination is to be done, vaginal smears are used to determine when ovulation is going to occur. Progesterone assays, blood tests done by a veterinarian, are also available to help determine time of breeding. Remember, though, the female is on her own schedule for breeding; it may be a holiday, you may be sick, or there may be a blizzard on the days she should be bred. The same goes for when she is whelping. Breeders must be prepared to tend to the mother's needs, no matter the day or time.
Again, remember the decision to breed dogs should not be taken lightly. Properly caring for breeding animals; care of the bitch during pregnancy, whelping, and after delivery; care of the puppies, and finding good homes for the puppies is a time-consuming and very expensive endeavor. Ask any top quality breeder, and they will tell you it takes a lot of dedication, money, and knowledge to do it right.