Breeding dogs may be a very rewarding and exciting endeavor, provided you know the obligations and hazards involved. While having a litter of pups running about may seem cute and enjoyable, they demand labor and care. Before beginning a breeding program, there are essential factors to consider, regardless of the motivation. We will detail some of these factors in this article.
How to select a dog which is suitable for breeding?
Below are some factors to consider when selecting a dog for breeding
Choose your dog.
You must determine which of your pets you will breed. You must select a dam, a female dog capable of producing offspring. Studs are male dogs that will breed with dams. You must ensure that they take at least an annual dog checkup and possess the discussed qualities.
If you do not have a stud, you can obtain one from a different breeder. To hire a stud or to purchase sperm costs money. Occasionally, the arrangement permits the sire’s owner to select a pup from the litter. Ensure that all agreements are written and signed so that all people involved in the litter have a contract.
Identify their genetic makeup.
You should investigate the genetic background of the pets. Examine the bloodlines of your canines to ensure that they possess positive traits. You can obtain the lineage of purebred dogs from the American Kennel Club or another registering body. To prevent genetic problems caused by inbreeding, you must also guarantee that the pair is not directly related.
Your dog and the dog you plan to breed it with should be checked for genetic abnormalities. If you visit them today, the OFA maintains a database of dogs and their test results for hereditary disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye difficulties, and patellar luxation. You don’t want to breed dogs that have diseases that can spread.
Observe their disposition.
Observe the behavior of the dogs you intend to breed to determine their viability. This should be done with one another and other dogs. Breeding pleasant, well-balanced dogs increase the likelihood of their offspring having similar temperaments. Breeding aggressive and very scared dogs is unacceptable. They pose a threat.
Check the age of the pets.
You must ensure your dogs are of breeding age. Most dogs should be approximately two years old. By the age of 24 months, many hereditary abnormalities will manifest. These can be evaluated with specialized tests. For example, the OFA will not accept x-rays of dogs for hip dysplasia examination and grading until they are 24 months old. Your dogs will need permanent identification in the form of a microchip or a tattoo to breed effectively and submit testing results for evaluation by the OFA and other authorities. They want to ensure that the outcomes cannot be manipulated.
Dams begin their estrus cycles, or heats, at 6 and 9 months. After the first cycle, they enter estrus every 5 to 11 months. Most breeders wait until a dam is two years old and has had three or four cycles before breeding her. At this point, she has reached complete maturity. She can also withstand the strain of carrying and giving birth to puppies in places like SummervilleAnimalHospital.org.
To Wrap It Up
Dog breeding is a tedious procedure, but it may be rewarding if done right. Puppies are no different than newborns; the brother is the same, but the bond you create with your dam and puppies makes it hard to give them away. It’s a joy to watch a litter of pups run and play in your yard while they’re being grown, but it’s also a time-money-and emotion-intensive procedure.
