Breeding Your Dog
Breeding dogs requires a great deal of thought, time and effort. Please don't plan to breed your dog if:
- your dog does not have a near-perfect pedigree (lineage); this includes temperament AND health.
- you don't know much about the potential sire or dam, or the potential sire or dam has any undesirable traits, (your neighbor's dog might be very handsome, but did you know that his pedigree is riddled with hip dysplasia and aggression? Not good traits to propagate!)
- you don't plan to do lots of research into how you can add value to the existing gene pool
- you don't have the time to spend assiduously socializing the entire litter (see recommended reading and videos for books which further explain proper socializing)
- you don't already have a waiting list for the puppies
See the following links for detailed information on dog breeding:
Please consider spaying or neutering your dog; if you visit a local shelter or humane society, you'll see why (Petfinder.com). Too many "good" dogs are euthanized each day.
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| There are many great dogs in shelters and rescue organizations available for adoption. Most only need basic training to be wonderful companions. Click here and here to see many of these adoptable dogs. More facilities listed here. |
Some folks say they want their children to see the wonder of birth, and therefore, allow their female pups to have one litter before spaying her. Please do not propagate this needless and irresponsible tradition in your family. All you will teach your children, if this is your reason for breeding, is that puppies are disposable and that they don't need to worry about what will happen to them later. Instead, think of creative ways to enhance their knowledge of birth without adding to a huge
population of homeless pets; even young children, accompanied by an adult, may volunteer at most local animal shelters. Videos may be available at your local library or bookstore which provide an in-depth look into the birth of animals or humans. Local breeders may allow you to bring your children to see young puppies and how the mother cares for them. When puppies reach certain ages, your children can even help the breeder with her socialization program.
Responsible breeders will have homes waiting for puppies before they are even conceived! Responsible breeders will also start socializing their litters as soon as they come into the world. See recommended reading below for suggested books and videos about socializing puppies.
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