Breeding Dog Information

Dog breeding is a controversial subject. Many people have heard terrible stories of female dogs being bred time after time for profit and then being abandoned by their owners when they are no longer able to have puppies. Bearing this in mind, it is easy to see why some people may view dog breeding as a negative thing. However, many breeders have a genuine love of the breed(s) they work with and this is what motivates them to get into dog breeding in the first place.

So, if you are considering breeding dogs, the questions you need to ask yourself are – What is motivating you? Do you wish to become a professional breeder, or just mate the family pet? It is not enough to say you simply wish to make some money or you think puppies are cute – puppies are cute, but they are also extremely hard work and cost an absolute fortune to rear.

For professional breeders, mating dogs is a full-time job. They have an incredible commitment to the job and an inherent love of dogs, and this is why they go into the job. Obviously, money is a motivating factor for such people – they have to make a living – but it is not THE motivating factor.

A responsible dog breeder always makes sure that their dog(s) receive all the relevant innoculations and the pups also. If there are 10-12 pups, this can cost a fortune, but it is important that it is done in order to protect the puppies’ health. Another consideration in the mess that pups create – initially, you will need a box big enough to house them, and bedding will need to be changed several times every day. When the pups are old enough to walk about, they will not be house trained and will do their business anywhere – therefore, you need to place them in a room with a hard floor that can be easily cleaned. The pups will also need a secure outside space in which they can run, play and get exercise.

The qualities of the puppies are determined by natural selection when dogs mate without human involvement. Getting an enhanced new generation of dogs would thus be the motive of many pet owners who breed dogs. However, breeding dogs is a rather complicated task. It’s vital that you have a good idea of the intended purpose, genetics and the health condition of the pet in question so that breeding dogs could be done in a fruitful manner. In addition, breeders usually register the birth of puppies in stud books of associations like kennel clubs, where the data regarding the dog including, the dog’s lineage and special achievements are recorded.

Properly maintaining data about dogs is vital for breeding. Once an owner has information concerning the dog, he/she could analyze them and figure out what traits could be expected and what should be avoided. The breeder may also have to determine whether to inbreed or to out cross. In addition, there are certain set of laws that have to be adhered to when breeding dogs. According to the breed, kennel club and country these regulations may vary. Generally, the rules are made for the well being of a certain breed or several dog breeds and dog breeders have to follow the rules and regulations of an association to be enlisted in their breed programs. In addition, these rules may include various tests to determine the health and working qualities of the dog, and would also include an evaluation by an expert breeder.

Finally, if you do decide to mate your dog, do your research on the particular breed – ignorance may put your dog and their babies at risk. Also, when you come to sell the puppies, buyers will ask all sorts of questions and you need to be able to answer them. If you are thinking of becoming a professional breeder, you may need a licence – contact your local government office for advice.
There is no doubt that dog breeding is hard work, but incredibly rewarding too.