How to Become a Dog Breeder
For those that love one particular breed of
dog it may be a wise choice to devote their time to bettering
that breed. Many times dog breeding involves working with
animals from specific bloodlines to create specific traits
passed on to future generations. However, many are uncertain
on how to breed dogs.
To become a breeder the only thing necessary is to own an
un-neutered female dog. In many states it is not even
necessary to register the kennel as long as there are only two
or three adult dogs. It is important to not however that being
a good breeder is complicated.
A good dog breeder will not use animals with major flaws. Some
breeders will show the animals to try to obtain a championship
before breeding the animals. This will raise the value of any
offspring and will enable the breeder to network with those
that know the most about the breed. Even if the animal doesn't
become a champion a few wins will make exhibitors take a
breeder more seriously. This is important because an exhibitor
that has a dog that would balance out flaws found in the
potential breeder's animal there is a good chance of breeding
the animals to produce show quality offspring.
If breeding is going to be carried out for many years it is
good to choose a kennel name. The name should be registered
with the AKC. Most breeders with a kennel name require that
all puppies produced carry the name as a form of promotion and
advertisement for the kennel.
It is a good choice to get a kennel permit even in states that
don't require one. Eventually a breeder will want to keep a
few puppies to continue the bloodline and will need a permit
at that time. It is better to gain a permit before breeding
because neighbors may object and cause the state to refuse a
permit application.
When a female is bred the first time a male dog belonging to
an experience breeder should be used. An experienced breeder
will know how to introduce the animals and how to help them
breed successfully which is important because there are only a
few short days to successfully breed the animals.
Once the dog has been bred it will need to be taken to the
veterinarian for at least one pre-natal visit. The vet will
decide whether future visits are necessary. The veterinarian
can also determine the number of puppies the dog will have by
feeling its belly or performing an x-ray. It is also important
to ask the vet how to prepare for the birthing process. Some
dog breeds must deliver by C section while others rarely have
problems. The dog should also be put on pre-natal vitamins to
ensure health.
When the delivery grows near, prepare a spot that is quiet for
the dog to deliver. It is important to have a whelping box,
clean rags, a heating pad, and the vet's emergency number
close by. A whelping box can be purchased or made but it is
important to put a small ledge in the box a few inches from
the bottom to avoid accidental death of the puppies by
crushing or suffocation.
The hardest part is still to come. Soon the puppies will have
to be sent off to new homes.
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