Breeding a Litter: The Complete Book of Prenatal and Postnatal Care

Introduction

This manuscript is dedicated to those who desire to engage in a breeding program of better-bred dogs. Not elitist in aspect, this book is devoted to enhancing dogs’ lives with their owners through a candidly spoken medical and psychological direction of rearing puppies in the best of all possible environments.

Usually there is nothing that can replace positive, practical firsthand experience; however, when working with the lives of well-loved pets, the acquisition of some basic knowledge proves essential to maximize success.

Here is a straight-forward commonsense guide to sound practices in breeding a bitch and rearing of her offspring. The body of this work focuses upon helping you optimize your efforts, rearing superior and emotionally stable, physically sound puppies.

Whenever contemplating a breeding there are several specific areas of focus that first need to be addressed. If you desire to breed because you see dollar signs from your dog’s litter, you will be disappointed. Established breeders of good repute are first devoted to their breed in general, and then specifically to their own dogs. They choose to breed for a variety of reasons established upon sound reasoning and practical, successful experiences. They have, above all else, an ultimate, long-range goal in mind other than the mere production of puppies.

Conscientious breeders find vast rewards bringing new life into the world with each well-planned and prepared-for litter of successive generations. They have the added bonus of making new friends through their puppy buyers. These people do not breed dogs with the expectations of fabulous monetary returns. Invariably, rearing a litter proves a losing proposition when financial rewards are considered. Why then do people continue to dedicate themselves to breeding dogs? Because short-and long-term satisfaction are obtained when a breeder’s program is proven.

The success of breeding is proven through dog shows that were founded to prove a program’s superiority. Today, while still fulfilling this function, dog shows have also become a family endeavor: a sport where participants of all ages and abilities may compete, from the youngest and most novice, to the professionally experienced. The sport encompasses a wide variety of interests and levels. There is literally something for everyone: from Obedience and Field Trials, Tracking and Hunting Tests, to the conformation ring.

BREEDING

A LITTER

Dog shows are, by definition, the place where the quality of a breeding program is proven.

Joyce Weichsel

1

Breeding Responsibly

By definition, a breeder is anyone who successfully undertakes the breeding of two dogs. It does not matter if this person has plans covering years of time, encompassing multiple breedings, or is one who plans to breed but a single litter.

A BREEDER’S OBLIGATIONS

Many people who breed dogs recognize their obligations. They are perfectly willing to accept the responsibilities assumed when bringing new life into the world. These people offer their brood matron superior prenatal and postnatal care. They carefully research the pedigrees of the dogs they have brought to a breeding. Conscientiously, they ensure the sire and dam are X-rayed (hips and elbows), along with being checked for other problems that may afflict their breed.

These breeders carefully select the homes in which the puppies are placed. Once a sale has been made, they provide detailed instructions for feeding and follow-up veterinary care. These dedicated people maintain a follow-up program, staying in touch with their puppy buyers. They ensure that puppies and grown dogs have optimum emotional as well as physical care. These responsible breeders are also prepared to take back or help to relocate at any age a dog of their breeding should the owners be incapable of keeping the animal.

There is nothing wrong with breeding and being a breeder per se. Education is, however, the key word for every person who contemplates this activity. It does not matter if this is for a single litter or for an entire breeding program encompassing years of forethought. People who sell puppies must be aware of those prospective buyers who, during the interview process, disclose that they do not want to show, they only want to breed dogs. Dog shows are, by their very definition, the place where the quality of a breeding program is proven.

All prospective puppy owners require adequate education. They need to be clearly informed that it is far easier to place a puppy from champion parents, or parents that are working successfully on their titles, than it is to sell a puppy from untitled parents. A breeder should keep the entire breed’s welfare in mind when making puppy placements. When confronted by the type of purchaser who insists upon breeding alone, it is best not to make the sale.

Most breeders carefully place their puppies in responsible homes with responsible people. Sales of pet-quality puppies without restrictions on breeding them is a real crime perpetrated on the overpopulated canine world. Some people reason that since Nature provided their pet with the means of reproduction, they should take advantage of this regardless of the animal’s quality. Dogs do not have the same libido as people. It is not necessary that every dog be bred, nor is it imperative for each champion to reproduce.

Each day of the week, in any newspaper, one can find numerous advertisements for puppy sales from planned breedings. Often these sellers panic because the buyers they anticipated do not materialize. Some of these breeders are people who feel they are entitled to recoup the expenses of their initial purchase and subsequent upkeep of their pet. As a result, they feel entitled to breed just once.

These people do not realize the costs involved in properly rearing a litter: stud fees (and transportation costs to get to the stud dog); veterinary fees (radiographs, brucellosis tests and artificial insemination if required); proper nutritional support for the dam and puppies and advertising expenses. These people are only able to see dollar signs before their eyes with the arrival of each new puppy into the world.

Ask Questions—Give Information

When people call for a puppy, the first question to be asked by the breeder is, Pet or show quality? Many newcomers to the realm of the better-bred dog are under the misconception that show dogs are not pets. They have no idea that the family dog that loves to eat ice cream cones and table scraps (on occasion) can also be a fine show dog. People need to know that champions are, after all, still dogs—and family members first. A show career encompasses but a brief span of time in the lives show dogs share with their families. These people also need to know that show dogs may be eligible for a breeding program only if they are able to reproduce either their own quality (what every breeder strives for), or better quality (closer to the breed’s Standard) in each successive generation.

It is important to make it perfectly clear to a prospective client that the price of a puppy is never predicated on the animal’s sex. You, as the breeder, should fully explain the differences between the show prospects and pet-only puppies in the litter. Even more important, and it must be made clear, that any puppy sold not to be shown is not to be bred. Be a strong advocate of neutering these puppies by spaying (ovarian hysterectomy) or castration. Take the time to explain fully and in a positive manner that withdrawal from a breeding program does not affect a dog’s personality. Nor does neutering cause a dog (male or female) to become fat and sluggish with the proper nutritional requirements and exercise levels.

One benefit derived from neutering is that castrated males will almost never chase after neighborhood females in season; nor will a spayed female attract destructive neighborhood males. Another benefit is that many neutered animals live longer and healthier lives than their unneutered counterparts, thereby giving their owners additional years in the pleasure of their company. Finally, some states offer a price reduction in their licensing programs to owners of neutered animals.

Offer your puppy purchasers additional information about the types of neutering available. Vasectomies and tubal ligations can be performed at a very early age. These males and females retain their respective physical characteristics but are incapable of reproduction. It is generally suggested that males be castrated after reaching a physical maturity in order to develop traditional physical characteristics. Early spaying (before the first season) prevents a bitch from fully developing her female hormones and traditional physical characteristics. Very often and as a result, these females develop male characteristics, but not male character traits.

Prospective clients are often willing to neuter a pet puppy in return for a price reduction, or the possible difference in price between a show prospect and pet-only puppy. These people can be proud of their puppy selection and the breeding behind it. They have the added bonus of feeling good about the fact that their new family addition has come from a dedicated breeder, a person who so evidently cares strongly about the breed’s welfare in general.

It is important to educate all prospective owners. This educational program should also include those who purchase show-prospect puppies. These people will be exhibiting and eventually possibly breeding. If this information is correctly extended to them, they will in turn be able to carry on your tradition of offering sound information to their own puppy owners. The breeder who educates all owners is a breeder of fine repute.

By all means, let your prospective purchasers know that of course papers are available for pet-quality puppies. Inform them that these dogs may compete in Obedience and Field Trials. It is highly important to be candid with buyers from the beginning, making it perfectly clear why each animal being individually registered is not necessarily a breeding program candidate.

As prospective clients view the puppies, teach them the physical differences between a show prospect and a pet-quality puppy in order that they may make an informed decision. The differences may be any number of physical variables that do not closely meet your breed Standard’s requirements, that designate a specific puppy as pet quality. Stress the fact that lack of any of these physical qualities does not diminish a puppy’s potential as a marvelous pet.

It is important to disclose that while your pedigree offers generations of champions behind your litter, there has never been a dog that is perfect. Some dogs may approach perfection, being closer to their breed’s Standard than others. Take the time to explain your breed Standard fully. Let your clients know why it was written, the history and purpose of your breed and why any deviations from the Standard are unacceptable for a breeding program.

Most people are reasonable and will accept such explanations. They will show evidence of acting conscientiously upon your advice as a dedicated breeder. There are many people who desire a well-bred dog in their home as a pet, but who cannot afford the price of a show prospect. These people can nevertheless offer a superior home, a supportive and loving environment to the pet-quality puppy.

During prospective owners’ interviews, introduce the subject of obedience training. Every dog, from the finest purebred to the all-Americanbred, at the very least deserves some basic obedience work. Most people will exhibit an interest in training when given a brief background about the basic rules and regulations of obedience, and how competition is judged, be it the Canine Good Citizen Test or Obedience Trial. Offer information about the challenge and excitement of training and competition. Encourage your clients by letting them know that bonding and communication with their dog is immeasurably enhanced by such training. Additionally, beyond opening communications, this training will last the lifetime of the dog. While anyone can breed a pretty dog, it is in competition where dog-and-owner bonding are all that matter.

The American Kennel Club’s rules and regulations state that the offspring of purebred, registered parents are entitled to registration papers. Unlimited registration for offspring applies only to those dogs the breeder designates. Any offspring issuing from pet-quality dogs (should this occur), are not eligible for registration if so designated on the individual’s Registration Application form.

Some people are undecided about a name for their puppy at the time of purchase. Too often these people fail to submit their dog’s individual Registration Application in a timely manner. The breeder, upon signing the application, must make it perfectly clear to these clients that the dog is not registered until the application has been received within the AKC offices. It must also be made known to the new owners that should the application form become misplaced or lost, a duplicate application would be extremely hard to obtain. In some cases, the AKC has refused to issue a duplicate, and the dog remains unregistered. Let these people know that once their dog is individually registered, duplicate certificates of ownership, if needed, may be obtained for a nominal sum.

When interviewing prospective homes for puppy placement, stress not only the positive aspects of your breed, but also the no-no’s according to your breed Standard. Be honest about your breed’s personality. Describe not only the best in the breed, but also any minor or major negative breed quirks. Present a positive and sincere attitude when offering information about all the opportunities available with your breed, including local affiliations and national clubs and trials.

If these basic guidelines of being a responsible breeder are followed in making placements of puppies into responsible homes, if you offer an educational program in addition to your careful breeding program, then you are indeed a breeder and truly worthy of this title.

Each breed is unique, carrying individual physical and character traits that set it apart from all others.

Artist: Jan Walker

2

Designer Genes

You alone are ultimately responsible for making the decision to breed your bitch. Exercising your option to breed, however, should also be influenced by your veterinarian. Veterinarians have an obligation to all dog owners to strongly suggest not breeding (and clearly, why) if a matron-or stud-elect should have any deleterious condition, abnormalities or disorders that could detrimentally influence the breeding or offspring.

MEDICAL CHECKLIST

Some of the conditions that require the withdrawal of a dog from a breeding program are cataracts, cleft palate, hernias, hip dysplasia, an ununited anconeal process, hydrocephalus, stenotic nares, chondrodysplasia, deafness and monorchidism (of the sire). Additionally, certain dogs may have other conditions innate solely to their breed. Acquired diseases such as vaginitis, canine brucellosis, metritis, prostatitis and other inflammations can also produce a deleterious effect upon conception or the offspring.

OFA

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Inc. (OFA), has established a universal set of criteria for soundness in hips and elbows. Most veterinarians use a mild and safe, brief-acting anesthetic to relax dogs prior to their being radiographed. This allows the animal to be positioned correctly, in accordance with the guidelines established by the OFA. Some dogs are, however, so naturally relaxed and trusting even when being positioned, that a few veterinarians are willing to radiograph without the use of anesthetic. It is important to radiograph the bitch well in advance of her estrus, before her eggs ripen at the onset of mature ovulation.

After the animal has been radiographed, the X-rays are sent to OFA headquarters in Missouri. There, the radiographs are read by selected board-certified veterinary radiologists who specialize in this field. Approval of the X rays by the OFA is made in the form of a certificate that is coded with the dog’s name, breed and individual number. This certified approval is indicative of your dog’s physical soundness in accordance with the OFA standards. A physically sound dog should be a requirement for any breeding program.

CERF

All breeding program candidates should also be checked by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist for any genetic or traumatically induced defects and diseases of the eye. Standards established by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) should be met before a breeding is made.

Sperm Viability

Always have the stud’s sperm quality checked prior to a breeding. Even though he may not be in peak physical condition, the stud may be able to provide suitable sperm to effect fertilization. Dogs that have been on certain medications immediately prior to a breeding may produce insufficient numbers of sperm, sperm of a low motility or deformed sperm. Dogs over six years of age and those not used on a regular basis may also produce sperm low in motility. This usually results in smaller-sized litters or breeding failures. Only veterinarians and certain clinicians are medically trained and equipped to determine sperm quality for breeding.

The male’s libido is, generally speaking, of a somewhat more delicate nature than that of the female. In order to maintain his libido, the male should ideally be kept apart from the bitch during her estral cycle until the optimum time for breeding has arrived.

All Bases Covered

The physical and emotional well-being of the matron-elect has a profound effect upon the future of her offspring. Ideally, you should have her conditioned to be free of superfluous fat without being overly lean, firm and vigorous well prior to and through the confinement during her estral cycle.

In addition to the earlier criteria, other conditions should also be met shortly prior to the onset of your bitch’s estrus. Have a recent (fresh) fecal sample checked by veterinary technicians for signs of parasitic infestation. Do not wait to initiate appropriate treatment if, after a microscopic examination, such treatment is indicated.

Unless your female is already being treated with preventative heartworm medication, have a blood sample taken as well. Should microfilaria prove to be present when the laboratory report is returned, your dog will require serious extensive therapy to recover. If such is the case, dreams of breeding this particular female during this cycle (and possibly for the future) must be abandoned.

Check the inoculation record of your bitch. If she is due for regular vaccinations (DHLPP, corona and rabies), bring all inoculations up-to-date prior to the onset of her cycle. Quite a few breeders follow a preventative program of additional booster inoculations even when not directly medically required.

It is possible to have your bitch inoculated and wormed subsequent to a breeding. It is best, however, to do so beforehand. While there are newer and safer drugs being marketed each year, it is nevertheless taking a calculated risk to the fetuses to booster, inoculate or worm a bitch during her pregnancy.

Never assume that your female does not have any parasitic infestation just because you see nothing in a gross examination of her stool. Only by microscopic examination in almost all cases can any parasitic infestation be determined. Unless you have the proper training and equipment (including a variably powered microscope), you are not qualified to make these determinations.

Never initiate the inoculation or worming of a female that has already been bred. Even when considering it in the best sense, worming is, to a degree, toxic. Inoculations are drugs. Putting either toxic substances or drugs into your matron during her pregnancy can be risky to the fetuses. Only your veterinarian is able to determine the best program for your matron, including the time and type of precautionary measures.

Your veterinarian should be willing to set aside time to explain in terms you understand the initiation of any program (medical or supportive therapy) intended for your dog, and should candidly describe why this program is in order for your matron-elect. Should you question or feel uncomfortable with the program as outlined, do not be afraid to consult another practitioner. However, be tolerant of the veterinarian who, possibly having had an emergency, was short of time. Never hesitate to make an appointment to talk.

While almost all veterinarians are genuinely concerned about the welfare of their clients, two-and four-legged alike, few achieve a Marcus Welby status in the dog world with an exemplary manner. If the veterinarian you use is repeatedly brusque and does not appear to be kindly dispositioned toward your female, if she repeatedly and uncharacteristically retreats from the vet, seriously consider seeking another medical facility.

ASSESSING QUALITY

All dog owners have some conception about the ideal dog, type and personality. Everyone’s first dog is their best dog. Although subsequent dogs may prove to be better, smarter or more handsome, the first for most people remains the best in their minds. The ability to realize objectivity when assessing the merits (or lack thereof) of a brood matron-elect is critical to desired puppy quality. As a newcomer to the field, learning to be objective about your own dog can be a hard task. Indeed, objectivity has proven to be an elusive quality even for many who are well established in their chosen breed.

Learning to acquire objectivity for a breeding program, having what is termed an eye for a dog’s merits, may be achieved through contact with established breeders and professional handlers of good reputation. Even some breed experts find it difficult to assess the merits of their own dogs.

Each breed is unique, carrying individual physical and character traits that set it apart from all others. Each has its own peculiar problems beyond sharing those common to many breeds. If you do not already know those problems that beset your breed, as well as the strengths and weaknesses your matron-elect may carry to her offspring, these qualities need to be explored before breeding. While no dog is perfect, some dogs more closely approach a breed’s ideal Standard than do others. These dogs may prove themselves to be worthy of breeding through the quality of their offspring. Hopefully, your dog is one of them.

SELECTING A STUD DOG

Do not be afraid to approach well-known experts for help. Most of these people maintain a sound perspective, desiring only the best for their breed’s reputation. Your female’s breeder may also offer assistance when selecting a potential sire.

When considering a stud, be aware that genetically inherited structural, breathing and skin problems may be found among certain breeds and dogs. Only consider those stud dogs that closest meet their breed’s Standard. Breeding dogs is not like mixing coffee and milk; one does not end up with café au lait. Lack of merit in one animal is never compensated by the other. For example, if your female has too profuse a coat, do not breed to a male that is essentially hairless. You will end up producing a variety of puppies, some too profuse in coat, and others lacking length and density of coat representative of the breed. Always, no matter what criteria you use as a measurement, breed to the ideal dog according to your breed’s Standard and one which complements your bitch.

Timing is essential when contemplating a breeding. Solidify your plans well in advance of your bitch’s estral cycle. Contact stud owners no less than several months prior to your planned breeding. It can take a considerable amount of time to contact owners of dogs that may prove suitable for your female. Some people even plan their program several years in advance of a breeding.

SETTING TYPE

Request and compare copies of the stud dogs’ pedigrees. When selection has been narrowed to a few candidates, compare these pedigrees to that of your female. The best breedings are generally those where the pedigrees exhibit several outstanding ancestors common to both the stud and brood bitch-elect. This is how breed type is set.

Request and compare copies of potential stud dogs’ pedigrees.

Artist: Jan Walker

The formula for establishing and maintaining type is a simple premise. As an example, the sire’s sire should be the same dog as the dam’s grandsire. This can be reversed to effect a line breeding on the dam’s sire as well. Known as close line breeding, such a formula makes it possible to set type within a breed.

Type can be either good or bad. Line and inbreeding can increase the possibility of producing superdog. It must be recognized, however, that at the same time it can also, through augmentation by percentages, produce animals possessed of undesirable characteristics.

When few or no ancestors are common to the sire and dam, the breeding is known as an outcross. Some outcrosses are excellent, others are not. When outcrossing, all genetic variables increase considerably. Some puppies may resemble the sire, the dam, a combination of the parents or a remote ancestor. Since outcrossing is an educated guessing game, you will be unable to know in advance what your puppies will look like or how they will behave.

Bloodlines and origins are important to any successful breeding.

Line breeding is generally the safest course for newcomers to practice. Both the sire and the dam of the litter share multiple common ancestors. Line breeding is safe. You work with known qualities previously united through the ancestors. By line breeding you will be able to know in advance, to some degree, what your puppies will look like and how they will behave.

Inbreeding is perhaps the most misunderstood of all breeding formulas, particularly among newcomers. Inbreeding should be done by only the most experienced breeders, those who have a strong grasp of genetics and who have known the direct ancestors for at least the first few generations. Type, that elusive quality, is firmly set by inbreeding. Good or poor quality, the characteristic traits are intensified. While there is the opportunity of producing superior puppies, there is the risk of bringing very poor specimens into the world. Increasing genetic traits and characteristics by intensely multiplied factors, the best and worst of the ancestors must be carefully evaluated before an inbreeding is attempted.

Newcomers should inbreed or outcross only under the advice of a successfully experienced breeder, one who knows the antecedent dogs well and the risks involved. This format of breeding does increase additional risks of birth defects. Evisceration (puppies born with intestines external to the body), cleft palates and hydrocephalus are but a few of the birth anomalies that can occur in any breeding, but are intensified risks with inbreeding when done by those lacking adequate genetic information.

If the dogs being considered have already sired one or more litters, inquire about their offspring’s quality. If it is geographically feasible, visit offspring from various litters. Note not only the excellence (or lack of merit) of their conformation, but be cognizant as well of the dogs’ personalities and temperaments in their individual environments. If you are unable to personally see the get of the studs you are considering, request and obtain photographs of them in various growth stages. Obtain photographs of the sire’s parents and the dams of the litters whenever possible.

When reading the pedigree, make note if the stud’s line is consistent for quality through repeated generations of titled forebears. Inquire about any known recessives (possible drawbacks in the dog’s background) and what strengths he may bring to your litter. Make your selection of a stud dog not simply through geographical accessibility, but rather because this particular animal is the wisest choice (through his genetic makeup) for your female. Be positive that he has much to offer your breed.

If the dog you select is being actively campaigned in field, hunting, obedience or conformation competition, he may not always be available for a physical union. You may find that you will have to plan your breeding program around the dog’s availability if you insist on a physical union. Alternative methods to a natural breeding are available and viable. Covered in another chapter, these include cooled and frozen semen breedings.

If you are perhaps someone who does not actively exhibit or belong to a local or national breed club, the assistance of an established stud owner will prove invaluable. The dog’s owners will express a continued interest in your proposed litter. Prior to a breeding contract they should readily express a willingness to help you by answering questions and assisting with puppy placements in good homes. Through their active participation they will have proven to be the type of stud dog owner who does not terminate the business relationship once the breeding itself has been achieved.

While you may have already established a solid support system for yourself through the sire’s owner