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Not everyone is interested in breeding dogs. For some it may be a calling, while for others it may simply be a hobby or a way of increasing the number of pets in the home. Your goal here should be to create a particular breed of dog, but if you are motivated by other reasons you should think twice before beginning.
Although there are a large number of books and educational websites which claim to teach you all you need to know about dog breeding; in reality it is very different when you start trying to do it yourself.
If you're a pet owner you probably won't know if your dog has a genetic problem unless it's been confirmed by an expert. You won't have an understanding of dams being lost, breech births, or struggling bitches. The only knowledge you'll have will relate to grooming, feeding, and exercising your pet dog. Unfortunately the work of a breeder is much more complicated than that of a pet owner because there are more things to attend to.
Here are some helpful tips to guide you on your way to becoming a successful breeder:
If your dog has become pregnant you will need to make preparations for whelping and taking care of the pups. You will also need a lot of paperwork in respect of registration and selling of the pups. I wish you luck.
Hip problems can affect several different breeds, and they need to be identified early on. You may have thought smaller dogs were immune from hip problems but this is not the case. In fact hip problems can occur in dogs of any breed, and at any time. You cannot be sure if your own dog is suffering from hip problems, but the information in this article should help you to make a determination.
The commonest hip condition is known as hip dysplasia, a term which refers to the malformation or deterioration of the hip joint. The hip joint is sited on a socket which secures the head of the femur. When the socket is excessively shallow it gives rise hip dysplasia. Following diagnosis the problem needs to be treated urgently because it can cause a lot of pain, especially when the cartilage has already been destroyed. Asymptomatic dogs should not be used for breeding. Although the condition is common among the larger breeds studies have shown that smaller breeds including Cocker Spaniels and Shetland Sheepdogs can also be affected.
It is difficult to tell if your dog has dysplasia without a radiograph. Your vet will not be able to analyse the results, and therefore you will need to send the hip x-ray to the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals in the
Some organizations issue certification for dogs aged one year and above, whilst others wait until the dog is at least two years old. Look for an organization which provides the appropriate certification.
There is another joint problem called OCD or Osteochondrosis Dessicans which is located in the elbow area. This condition arises when the flake or bone spur wears out, giving rise to a lot of pain and stiffness. In order to obtain the correct diagnosis your dog's elbow joints will have to be x-rayed. Dogs with hip dysplasia may also be suffering with OCD.
Patellar Luxation is another joint problem sometimes seen in dogs. It is a condition which affects the dog's kneecaps, and is usually associated with the smaller breeds. When the kneecap slips out of position it causes the dog's leg to become locked in a straight position. Fortunately this condition can be treated successfully with surgery. Nevertheless, it is not a good idea to breed dogs suffering with this condition because of its hereditary nature. There is a strong possibility that any pups will inherit the condition.
If you speak to an expert they will be able to tell you more about the various joint problems. As well as the problems already mentioned dogs can suffer from a condition known as hock which affects the spine; and there are many other joint problems you need to be aware of. You will need to learn as much as possible about the dog breed you're handling. Carry out research into bloodlines and potential joint problems; and since most of the conditions are hereditary in nature you will need to take extra care when selecting a breed.
Dog breeding is not an easy task. Learn as much as you can about the subject, and keep up to date with any developments. To be a successful breeder you will need to keep your dogs fit and healthy.