Dog Breeding

Dog breeding is a process not to be entered into lightly; but instead requires a great deal of knowledge, responsibility and ethics. Most importantly, a dog breeder must first be an advocate for the animals and provide safety, health care and placement into good homes. Secondly, the knowledge, facilities and supplies needed should be acquired through research, networking, mentor advice and classes.

In addition to having extensive knowledge on a particular breed of dog; a breeder must also know every aspect of reproductive and female canine health from conception to whelping. There are several ways to acquire this knowledge and to sharpen the skills required to deal with the medical aspects of dog breeding. Check online for any classes offered in your area as well as any online education available. Local bookstores and online retailers offer countless books and media on the subject and a reference library should be established at your home. It is recommended that you cross reference information acquired online with a secondary source to verify accuracy.

In addition to the “book learning” necessary; network with others in the canine community to broaden your base of advice and guidance. For instance, join a canine association to get in touch with others who have experience you may learn from. First, shadow a mentor through the breeding, gestation, and whelping stages in addition to the puppy care involved before attempting to act as sole breeder.

It is also important to note that whelping the puppies does not end your commitment to them throughout the rest of their lives. First, be sure to have a placement for each puppy before beginning the breeding process as not to add to the already growing homeless dog problem. Secondly, offer your help and support to the prospective buyers of the puppies for its lifetime as well as agreeing to take the dog back at any age(without refund) if for any reason, the owners are unable to continue their care. Being a responsible dog breeder means having the knowledge and compassion to always put the animal’s welfare first.