Considering all of these questions will help you weigh up the pros and cons of breeding so you can make a decision on whether breeding is right for you.
If you can commit to raising a litter of puppies, it can be very rewarding. Right from the start helping with the birth, and watching their little characters shape over the next 8-12 weeks is amazing.
But, raising a litter of puppies is a 24/7 job, it’s hard work and requires lots of your time, love and care. So it’s best for you know everything beforehand.
Is your dog fit and healthy?
– Is your dog in good physical condition?
– Is your dog suffering from any health problems?
– Do they have good temperament?
– Has your dog been health checked by your vet prior to mating?
– Are there any possible inherited conditions that may affect your dog’s breed?
– Is both the female and the stud dog health tested, as recommended for their breed by the kennel club?
– Have you checked whether the female and the stud dog are related?
What are the reasons why you want to breed?
– Are you wanting to breed for health?
– To keep a puppy yourself?
– Or, do you have a few people wanting a puppy?
– Do you really need to breed your dog?
– For financial reasons?
Ask yourself why this is something you want to do.
Are you dedicated to finding perfect, forever homes for your beautiful, well-bred, carefully raised puppies?
It is vitally important that you find the right home for your puppies.
Are you wanting purebred puppies?
– Is both the female and the stud dog Kennel Club registered?
– Will the pups be KC registered? Do you know the cost of registering each puppy?
– If they are purebred dogs but not registered with the Kennel Club, can you provide background
information of the dog’s family history?
– Can you prove the pups are pedigree? (e.g. DNA test)
Are you wanting cross bred/hybrid puppies? What are the reasons you want to cross breed?
– Have you carefully selected the breed you want to cross with and confirmed it is a suitable match for the breed of your girl? Don’t just go with the cheapest, carefully make your choice taking everything into consideration.
– Is the stud dog smaller/is a smaller breed than the female? (very important as the puppies may grow too big in the womb if not).
Do you have the time to dedicate to breeding?
– Do you work full/part time?
– Are you prepared for possible sleepless nights?
– Are you aware of the time you will need to spend with your new puppies will increase dramatically?
Do you have financial stability?
– Can you afford to pay for a caesarean should your girl have difficulty whelping the litter?
– Will you be able to afford the costs involved in vet bills, whelping supplies, whelping box, food, vaccinations, de-worming the puppies? etc
– Are you ready for the financial and emotional burden breeding could become?
Good luck!
Feel free to share your stories and photos of your litter in the comments below.
Everyone loves to see puppy pics!
Royal Dogs And Puppies 