Advice on Breeding Dogs

I always admire the knowledge that breeders do possess through all the experience they gain. These extra notes will hopefully recap some important problems that can arise.

The Brood Bitch and the Stud Dog

The most valuable asset for you the breeder; striving to breed good stock, is a good brood bitch.Your aim is to produce puppies that are sound both mentally and physically and there is more to breeding dogs than just producing pretty-looking specimens......more

The Mating Game

The bitch will normally come into season every 6 months although some bitches, particularly in the larger breeds, cycle every 8 - 10 months. It is not uncommon for some bitches to go as long as 12 months between seasons.....more

All about Pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts for about 63 days on average but the length of gestation depends not only on the bitch and when she was mated, but also on the breed. Some breeds have a tendency for a longer, or shorter gestation period....more

A Normal Whelping

About a week before your bitch is due to whelp, it is important that she is moved to her whelping quarters. She should be given time to get used to her whelping box and surroundings as well as the new routine and the new smells.....more

Infertility

A common reason for a bitch not to become pregnant is poor breeding management. If breeding takes place when she is not fertile, she will not become pregnant. Length of cycles vary from bitch to bitch, so it is important to breed a bitch according to her cycle, not a schedule.....more

Dystocia or a difficult whelping

A prolonged or difficult whelping which is referred to as dystocia, is the main cause of a weak puppy at birth. An overlarge puppy, a puppy in the incorrect position or a small or abnormal birth canal through which the puppy must pass are the most common causes of dystocia.....more

Assisted Delivery of puppies

An assisted delivery may be necessary when a puppy is lodged in the birth canal during delivery. The use of a gloved and lubricated finger is the most reliable and safest way to pull a puppy through the birth canal.....more

Resuscitating a Puppy

The most common cause of death in newly-delivered puppies is hypoxia or low oxygen levels. It is essential when you resuscitate a puppy that you complete the following steps.....more

All about treatment and causes of a Pyometra or womb infection

Pyometra is a common disease in female dogs and although it is easy to diagnose, it can be very worrying in your old pet. Older female bitches that are not spayed and are one to two months beyond their season are at high risk of developing a pyometra...more