breeds

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Preparing Proper Nutrition For The Senior Dog

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It is only common sense that our pet dogs should be put on a steady diet of high quality dog nutrition.  Many dog owners seem to think that just because they are animals and not people, that “anything goes” when it comes to feeding them.   These dog owners are missing the importance of solid healthy dog nutrition.

Practicing such poor dog nutrition habits for your lovably pet can have serious effects on his health, energy, stamina, and overall sense of alertness.  This is especially true of older dogs who have hit their “senior citizen” years and are in need of better, more targeted dog nutrition.

As your dog is getting older and the rapid aging changes are taking place, it is time to start adjusting his diet.  It is always wise to consult your veterinarian before making any sharp changes in your pet’s dog nutrition.  In addition, you should take a part in as much thorough research as possible on the subject of older dog nutrition.

To get you started with some basic information of dog nutrition as your dog gets older, we will give you some practices to look forward to.  For example, you will be gradually changing up the amount of food that you are feeding your older dog.  You will also be changing up the number of times that feeding will take place.

There are many instances where dogs that have hit their aging years will develop a poor appetite.  Their digestion will be a lot less capable of operating smoothly.  One good habit  you should start immediately with dog nutrition is to start feeding them very small meals throughout the day.  This will help stimulate your dog’s appetite as well as ease digestion.

When it comes to dog nutrition for the aging dog, many leading experts in this area recommend that you invest into a dry food that is specially formulated for older dogs.  Do not worry about having to search high and low for such a product because most pet food stores carry brands that cater to this dog nutrition need.  If you do have trouble then check with your veterinarian.  She will have some suggestions for you to shop at.

Last but not least, you must pay attention to the fact that your dog’s absorption of vitamins and minerals will decrease with age.  In this case, there are vitamin and mineral supplements that are specially formulated for your dog nutrition needs.  Your veterinarian should be able to suggest the best supplement for your dog when it comes to these vitamins and minerals.  They may include zinc, vitamin B, and calcium.

Preparing Proper Nutrition For The Senior Dog courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Puppy Rescue

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There are many puppies in rescue centers. You may want to get your pet from a rescue center. You will find mixed breeds and pure bred pets that need adoption. The reason so many puppies and dogs are at rescue centers is that a lot of people take them there after the newness and cuteness wears off or they move and decide not to take the pet with them, especially if they are moving out of town.

Just where are many of these puppies rescued from when someone doesn’t bring them in when they are tired of them? Well, puppies are found along the roadside, in garbage bags and boxes, in parks, and some are taken from puppy mills. Some people take them to the woods and dump them in which case they don’t usually make it to a rescue center.

Many times people tell someone at the rescue center about a puppy mill or that a bunch of puppies were dumped in a park or somewhere else and the volunteers at the rescue center go get them. The veterinarian examines the pet when it is brought in; he will treat the puppies wounds and treat him for parasites. When the vet is finished one of the rescue team members bathes the pet. After the puppy is treated and bathed, he’ll be placed in a clean kennel until someone adopts him and he is their pet.

When you want to adopt a pet from a rescue center, you’ll have to follow their rules of adoption. These rules are enforced so that puppies go to good homes. The rules may vary some from one pet rescue center to another, but will be similar and be for the welfare of the pet.

The rules at your local pet rescue center may include these stipulations: They may ask for the name of a vet, which you’ll use. This is so that they can check with the vet about your pet. They may require an interview before letting you adopt the puppy. They might require a home visit. They might have a testing period, which is temporary, to confirm the pet has a good home, good living conditions, and is happy there.

If you adopt a pet from a rescue center or a shelter you are helping to stop the puppy mill business. You will benefit too by getting a puppy that is healthier, happier, and groomed well. If you are adopting a pure bred puppy, you’ll know what size it will be when full grown. Determine the size of pet you want. If it is a mixed breed try to determine how big it will be later.

If you have a small house and yard, you may prefer a puppy that  will be a smaller grown dog. Do you want a dog with a short coat or a long coat? Would you like a dog that likes to swim and catch freebies? Consider your activities and lifestyle, when choosing your pet.

Puppy Rescue courtesy of Dog Articles.

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The Differences Between Micro-chipping and GPS Pet Locators

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Technology has changed every aspect of our lives and continues to do so at a rapid pace. In terms of looking after your beloved pets it should come as no surprise that thanks to technological advancements today, you can now track them using sophisticated GPS systems if they go missing. No one wants to lose their pet and by tracking their whereabouts, you can make sure that you increase the odds of finding them as soon as possible.

So what exactly is micro-chipping and what does it do? About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip is a computer chip that stores an identification number and transmits information to a suitable scanner through radio waves. To implant a microchip in your dog, you need to have your veterinarian inject the chip using a pre-loaded syringe between the shoulder blades of the animal. Most dogs feel no pain during this procedure, which is over in a matter of seconds. Once implanted, tissue surrounding the chip forms a casing that prevents it from moving. Most microchips are made of a bio-compatible material that rarely causes any infection.

Once in place, the chip can be detected using a handheld scanner that then displays the unique code. It is necessary that you register your pet with the microchip company so that, your name, address, and contact details are accessible when the pet’s chip is scanned. Microchips should last a lifetime and do not need to be replaced or charged. In the rare occasion that the chip migrates away from your dog’s shoulder blades, a scanner should be able to pick up the signals from anywhere in the body. Most veterinary clinics and pet shelters have a scanner for immediate identification. However, if your pet turns up in the few that do not, not much can be done in this case.

An annual visit to your vet to check that the microchip is still functioning, and making sure your contact information is always current are also highly recommended. A GPS collar is the latest and most adept form of pet tracking systems. Using the same technology found in automobiles, your GPS pet tracker allows you to pinpoint your missing pet’s exact location in real-time. Updates on the whereabouts of your pet are constantly available through your cell phone or Internet. GPS devices can vary in sophistication – some only give you the location of the missing animal, while others will tell you where your dog is and how to get there. Some devices even include a beacon to help spot your pet in the dark. Most of these devices can be attached to a dog’s collar and are battery-operated.

Make sure that the device you choose has an exchangeable and rechargeable battery, water resistant, and sturdy such as the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator. Created and developed in conjunction with the American Kennel Club CompanionAnimal Recovery (AKC CAR) team to reduce the number of lost dogs the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator includes an exclusive AKC CAR collar tag with a unique ID number that includes lifetime enrollment in AKC CAR’s Recovery Service. With this assurance, owners of the SpotLight GPS Pet Tracking system have access to the AKC CAR call center and the best recovery team available at all times. In conclusion, a microchip is an excellent option for permanent identification and a GPS locator is an excellent proactive tracking device for your pet. By protecting your pet with both GPS and a microchip you can rest assure that your pet will be safe and… found.

The Differences Between Micro-chipping and GPS Pet Locators courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Bathing a Dog

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Bathing a dog needs to be given more emphasis. This is because of the fact that if you are careless in bathing, the animal may end up having some infections.  For example, if you don’t close the ears with large cotton ball, the water may enter into ear canals and may cause some ear infections with signs like constant discharge from the ears and shaking of head.

Frequency of bathing actually depends on the breed of the dog. If the dog is of a hairy type like the cocker spaniel, then the bathing is to be carried out once in six to eight weeks. If these breeds are bathed too frequently, then the skin and coat loose the protective characters.  However, when the dog has defecated on the skin due to the frequent digestive upsets leading to diarrhea, to avoid the bad smell, the dog may be subjected to frequent bathing some times by the owners.

Take more care in avoiding some irritant soaps or human soaps. The soap materials used for human beings are not suitable for dogs.  Similarly, many human shampoo products are having some ingredients that are not suitable in the proportions that are to be used in case of dogs. Hence, always try to use the shampoo products that are mentioned mainly for use in dogs. Take more care in using any new product.

Always have good time and patience for products required for bathing in one place with availability of water source.  Dogs love the sprinkling of water, river, and oceans.  Even when you are using bathtub have everything in one place and then start bathing of the dog. Try to have a leash, conditioner, towel, and shampoo in the bath place.

Conditioner is of helpful to make the combing activity easier later. Bathing should be a convenient activity to both the dog and the owner. This should not be a burden.

Bathing a Dog courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Eye And Heart Disease In Golden Retrievers

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Eye disease is very common with Golden Retrievers. Most Golden’s will generally have hereditary cataracts, which is a common eye problem. At an early age, with affected Golden’s, one type of hereditary cataract will appear. Even though it may not cause interference with the vision of the Golden Retriever, some dogs will progress into total and quite possibly severe loss of vision.

Sometimes, Golden Retrievers can get affected by non hereditary cataracts, although an examination by a board certified veterinarian can determine just how bad the cataracts really are. If cataracts are indeed suspected with a Golden Retriever, then breeding won’t be recommended. Breeding a Golden who has this condition can lead to serious problems, such as passing it on to the pups.

Several families of the Golden Retriever breed have been known to carry genes for CPRA (Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which affects the retina, and can result in permanent blindness for Golden’s at a young age. There are other types of eye defects as well, such as retinal dysplasia, which prevents a Golden from breeding.

Trouble with both the eyelid and eyelashes are also a possibility with Golden Retrievers, with some being the result of hereditary factors. The eyelids rotating in or out, or the eyelashes rubbing on or in the eye are both common problems with the breed. Even though surgery can help to fix these types of problems, dogs that are experiencing this type of problem shouldn’t be allowed to breed nor compete in shows under any type of AKC rules.

You should always have your Golden Retriever checked annually for eye disease, as it can develop during any age. When you take your Golden to have him examined for eye disease, you should have a veterinary ophthalmologist do the exam. He has all of the necessary equipment, and the proper training needed to make sure that your dog gets the best examination possible.

Heart Disease

SAS (Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis) is the most common and widespread form of heart disease within the entire Golden Retriever species. Before you breed your Golden Retriever, you should always have him examined for heart disease by a certified veterinary cardiologist. If the cardiologist detects a heart murmur, he will recommend additional tests for your dog.

In the event that the results prove negative, it doesn’t necessarily rule heart disease out, as some milder forms may still be present, although undetectable. If a Golden Retriever is diagnosed to have any type of heart disease, he should not breed. Breeding Golden Retrievers who have heart disease can lead to serious and sometimes fatal results. To be on the safe side, you should always have your Golden tested for his disease before you plan on breeding.

Eye And Heart Disease In Golden Retrievers courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Correctly Train Your Puppy Inside or Outside of a Dog Crate

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The old school idea was that you have to place your pet on a lead and even pressure the dog to behave by means of pushing and pulling your pet all over the place. In case the leash did not work then a choke collar or possibly a spiked collar was used. Dog crates were utilized for a location of punishment and also associated with unfavorable actions.

Quite a few old school pet trainers employed negative reinforcement in addition to intense punishment whenever training not necessarily very many decades ago. This technique has failed and merely made the pet terrified as well as disobedient to the owner. To get benefits which will work with the puppy, you need to be involved daily.

A pair of 5 to 10 minute teaching periods using gentle but firm voice commands will certainly accomplish a higher amount of obedience minus the fearfulness. As the owner of your puppy, you need to act like the pack leader. Among the finest and most well known voices of this method is Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer. You should be relaxed, consistent and fair. Do not burst out and yell at your pet or uglier still begin to hit the pup. Yelling only leads to fear and your puppy will cower in the corner and build resentment towards you. Hear yourself when you begin to yell at anyone about something. It seems a good deal like the neighbor’s barking puppy.

That’s the reason you might want to maintain your voice a normal tone and show your pet with hand signals along with body gestures simply what it is you desire him to do. One tip I came to find ended up being to snap my fingers to get his or her attention. After you have his or her focus then you can offer a command. Without their total attention, you may as well forget it. You want your dog to admire you not fear you. Reward good behavior. You will not always have to utilize a goody, but it is a terrific way to obtain his primary attention. Later, you are able to cycle out the treats and reward with praise.

Young puppies will do a lot of cute things which become frustrating down the road, so be cautious about what you reinforce. Don’t reward poor conduct. You should have a specified place for him or her to escape into when your puppy desires rest, and believe you me, pups do love to snooze. That’s where a dog crate comes into play. The dog crate is a location where your dog will be able to go and be safe and sound. It is not an area where he potties. Before offering him or her the command to crate, make certain that your dog has had ample time outside to relieve himself within the specified area. They will naturally go to the very same place unless of course it becomes too soiled with fecal material. Keeping this particular spot fresh can be a huge and smelly job that falls on you the master, yet it is worth it.

Correctly Train Your Puppy Inside or Outside of a Dog Crate courtesy of Dog Articles

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Pregnancy In Dogs

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What are the signs of canine pregnancy and what special considerations should be made for pregnant dogs? Here are a few things to consider when caring for your pregnant dog.

The early signs of pregnancy in a dog are vague and non-specific, and include a change in normal behavior, a loss in appetite, weight gain, possibly some vomiting, and perhaps a noticeable increase in the size of her nipples. Your dog may also become more clingy and affectionate. These changes take place during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

If you want to know for sure, you’ll need to visit your veterinarian. A pregnancy test can be performed as early as twenty-six days after a bitch (female dog) has been bred. Your vet will perform a simple blood test to look for a hormone called relaxin, which remains in the bloodstream of pregnant dogs throughout pregnancy and up to two weeks after whelping.

Your vet can often feel puppies in your bitch’s abdomen after five weeks, and an ultrasound can determine whether your dog is pregnant after only three weeks. After seven weeks, the doctor will be able to see how many puppies are there and check their size, to make sure you’re both prepared for any potential delivery complications.

A dog’s pregnancy lasts between sixty-three and sixty-five days. During this time, she may prefer smaller, more frequent meals, since the puppies will be taking up space in her abdomen and there’s less room for her stomach. A balanced diet is important for pregnant dogs, and calcium supplements should be avoided to eliminate the risk of eclampsia while she’s feeding her babies. If you supplement calcium during pregnancy,you switch off her body’s natural calcium regulation system. So, when she needs extra calcium to produce milk, her body can’t meet the demand straight away. This results in trembling and seizures, and can be fatal.

The size of the litter and the size of your bitch will determine how firm or distended her abdomen looks and feels. As the weeks go by, she will gain weight and her abdomen can become quite pendulous. You can often feel the puppies moving during the last couple of weeks of her pregnancy. Her nipples may leak a little milk as she gets closer to her delivery date.

Exercise is important during pregnancy, but it should be gentle and not too strenuous, similar to that for human mothers approaching the final stages of their pregnancy. If any bleeding or vaginal discharge develops, or if your dog stops eating or becomes very lethargic, it may be time to call a veterinarian for advice.

In the final days before delivery, your bitch will become restless and begin her nesting behavior. That’s an indication that it’s time to provide her with a proper whelping box for the birthing process. Towards the end of her pregnancy, your dog’s temperature will drop from a normal 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit to between 97 and 99 degrees. This is a sure sign that she will deliver her pups within 24 hours.

Pregnancy in Dogs courtesy of Dog Articles

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10 Of The Best Dog Movies

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10 of the Best Dog Movies Once a household pet, the man’s best friend now reins supreme as the new star of Hollywood. Our furry friends can handle anything their paws touch. From action heroes in the form of Underdog and Rex the Firehouse Dog, to our favourite American football champion Buddy. The world has gone barking mad for four pawed celebrities. Defeating villains, saving humans and showing loyalty amongst breeds, please be spoilt for choice as we celebrate canine cinema.

10. Lassie (2005) Kick starting the countdown is the classic Lassie, which sets beautiful dogs against beautiful scenery. A timeless tale of loyalty, dedication and faith charts the story of the Carraclough family. Young boy Joe, bullied at school, seeks comfort in his furry friend Lassie. When his father’s mine is decommissioned, Joe is left more miserable as his father is forced to sell loyal Lassie to the Duke. Plagued by ill treatment by the Duke’s servant, Lassie ventures home time after time. Taken to the Scottish highlands for holiday season, Lassie must embark on the toughest journey home yet. A true educational journey earns Lassie credibility and respect. Teaching our generation of kids about the tough times with our fluffy friends make Lassie an obvious family favourite.

9. Underdog (2008) An accident in Dr. Simon Barsinister’s lab gives ordinary beagle Shoeshine the extraordinary ability to talk. Complete with superhero costume, Underdog must save the city from crooks Barsinister and henchman Cad and sweep Spaniel Polly Purebred off her paws. Droopy eared cutie Shoeshine and posh Polly make quite the dashing duo. They’ll have to watch out for my dog Max though. His eyes were hooked on pretty Polly….I think he has a crush… Put your paws together for this insecure beagle come dazzling super dog.

8. Homeward Bound The Incredible Journey (1993) The legendary Homeward Bound sees a truly wonderful dog cat dog trio embark on one mighty journey. After their owner Bob has to leave for San Francisco, Shadow the Golden Retriever, Sassy the cat and American Bulldog Chance are left at a friend’s Oregan ranch. Becoming increasingly concerned for their owner’s safety, the brave trio venture across the stunning Sierras facing a host of dangerous animals, a cascading waterfall and a terrifying dog pounds. Strength and love conquer all as the heroic threesome reunite with their family. The humorous trio combined with the power of their spirited drama will have all the family hooked. Chance wins best character for me with his witty lines that will win over parents and children alike.

7. Firehouse Dog (2007) Hollywood icon Rex is living the high life until an aerial movie stunt goes wrong and the pampered pooch turns to sorry stray in the city. Rescued by troubled 12-year-old boy Shane, whose struggling father captains the ragtag crew of a rundown fire station, Rex learns that true happiness in life comes from loyalty and friendship. When the fire station is hit by an arson attack, the courageous canine rescues the boy bringing the family closer than ever. Prepare to shed a tear as Hollywood owners of the famous firedog claim him back…only to smile again as fake hero turned real hero is returned to Shane and father. Watch out for Rex’s stylish quiff and his paw-rilliant swing down the fireman’s pole!

6. Beethoven (1992) After narrowly escaping being dog knapped by two thieves, a St. Bernard puppy sneaks into the Newton family home. Later named Beethoven, the family take him to the vet for a routine medical, unaware that Dr. Herman Varnick wants Beethoven for deadly animal experimentation and employed the thieves to seize him. As father George grows more concerned about Beethoven’s ways, his family grow more attached to their slobbery addition. Cruel Varnick plots to retrieve Beethoven for his evil ploys, leaving his family to convince father George to rescue the poor pooch and put the baddies behind bars. With loads of follow on Beethoven movies, this gorgeous slobbery fella has earned the hearts of millions. An incredible family classic that will have the kids after a Saint Bernard! Check out the huge hound on the vet’s table….

5. Turner and Hooch (1989) This countdown would not be complete without the Hanks and Hooch team. Hanks plays cop Scott Turner, who bags slobbery Dogue de Bordeaux Hooch, key witness to the Amos Reed murder case Hanks has taken on. In true doggie style, the wrinkly lump of fun destroys Turner’s house and car but uses his canine intuition to help Turner win love interest Emily Carson. The Hanks and Hooch duo uncover a money-laundering act led by Turner’s Chief Howard Hyde. A scene both of honour and sadness to us doggie lovers sees Hooch give his life for his master. Happiness prevails when Turner and Emily marry and cute Collie Camille gives birth to puppies. The Hooch legacy lives on in the form of puppy Hooch look-alike. Hooch is undoubtedly the red carpet star of the show! If only there were Dogscars…

4. Air Bud Golden Receiver (1998) Scoring points with all the family is Buddy, a fit and fast golden retriever who strikes gold on the Timberwolves pitch. After his basketball player owner turns quarterback, Buddy is desperate to join and the team soon discover their star player. Trouble strikes as word spreads about the skilled sports dog and Russian circus owners plot to dognap the pooch. Donning his own helmet and uniform, Buddy, Josh and new father figure Patrick team up to overcome the villains and lead the Timberwolves to the state championship. Many, many doggy moments have earned Buddy his spot in the top five! From his cool Buddy in hat and shades look to the cheeky Buddy burps. Check out monkey Mortimer skateboarding too! Villain Natalia is a less convincing version of Cruella de Ville and even has de Ville-esque moments when she and clueless sidekick fall into a muddy lake. The movie is a tad corny in places but we can forgive those.

3. Hotel for Dogs (2009) As orphans Andi and Bruce struggle to keep dog Friday under wraps from their guardians, they discover an abandoned hotel. With the help of their trusty companions, they transform the old building into a fully-fledged 5 star pad for their growing brood of furry residents. Shed loads of dogs, awesome gadgets and the love between siblings make this a spectacular dog movie just edging Buddy. My dog couldn’t keep up watching the ultimate dog race through the city! Watch out for Lisa Kudrow’s funny performance as Andi and Bruce’s guardian. Wannabe rock star earns her place alongside partner as the hotel entertainment. Not sure the doggy residents quite feel the vibe…

2. The Shaggy Dog (2006) Just missing out on the top spot is The Shaggy Dog. Deputy District Attorney Dave Douglas is unaware that his latest client, Dr. Cozak, is in fact a criminal carrying out tests on mutant animals. When Dave is bitten by 300-year-old Shaggy the sheepdog, he is infected with a top –secret serum that sees him morph into a loveable sheepdog. Realising that he is both defending a criminal and letting his family relationships slide, he must join forces with the mutant animals to prove Cozak’s evil ways and restore his treasured relationships with his family. Starring meditating sheepdogs, rabbits and mice, a snake with a furry tail and a bulldog with a frog body, this movie is one of a kind. The mutant crew crammed in the car with Douglas is ingenious with fellow road users shocked. Tim Allen’s canine capers will have parents and children alike in stitches. Make sure you watch the extras also. Dogtastic!

1. 101 Dalmatians (1996) Please be upstanding for the ultimate dog movie: 101 Dalmatians. Perfect Dalmatians Pongo and Perdita and their owners Roger and Anita are overjoyed when Perdita gives birth to 15 puppies. When the news reaches evil Cruella De Ville’s ears, she and her goofy sidekicks Jasper and Horace conjure up a plan to steal the dogs. Dogs of the city come together to find the dogs and get them home. But 15 puppies don’t return…101 Dalmatians do! Glenn Close perfects the villain role with her daft associates bringing laughter throughout. Doggie lovers will melt at the sight of all those dogs! With their trusty pals across the city, the movie is super loaded with dogs of all breeds! A mega treat for the dog fan! The Dalmatian wedding is one of my ultimate favourite scenes in canine cinema. Another favourite will have all the family chuckling as bike-riding Roger is dragged by Pongo around London in search of Perdita only to dodge through numerous crowds, braces himself down steps and ultimately land in a dirty lake. That’s doggy love for you.

10 Of The Best Dog Movies courtesy of Dog Articles

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Dog Breeding Tips

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Breeding dogs is very tempting if you’re a dog lover.  You’ll get to spread your passion for the animals and you can even earn an income.  Even so, there is a lot to think about before you get started.

The first thing you need to realize is that your dog might not fit the bill.  You should breed dogs that are from the highest pedigree.  It is also important to make sure they have an even temperament and are without any genetic defects.

For the good of the puppies, never breed a dog that has these problems.  Even if you sense a problem with the uterus you should make sure your pup can cope with the litter and is at least two years old.  If not, it’s not a good idea to breed.

If your bitch meets all the requirements you almost have a green light.  Next, you need to consider the puppies that would come out of the breeding.  It is important to be sure you have enough room for 12 puppies in a space that can handle the noise level.

It can be very stressful being there for the birth of these puppies and the process can take over 12 hours.  Beyond that you need to be there to clean up after the dogs, wean them, and feed them.  This food and other materials can end up costing a lot of money.  Don’t forget about the vet bills either.

Beyond the first weeks of care you need to figure out what you’re going to do with the puppies.  Whether they are mixed breed or pedigree you may want to sell or give them away.  Obviously, a pedigree dog is worth a lot more money to prospective buyers than a mutt.

Make sure you don’t just give the puppies away to anyone that walks into your facility.  You need to make sure they are going to a good home.  If you find that they were taken to an undesirable location you might even need to take them back in.

If you’ve made up your mind that breeding is what you want to do then you can start to look for a stud dog.  If your bitch is pedigree then you want to make sure the stud comes from the same quality background.  You can also examine the female dog’s weaknesses and find a stud that will make up for those weaknesses.  For example, one might not have a beautiful coat but you can make up for it with the other.

Just remember that money is not the ultimate goal here.  Breeding quality animals and making sure they have a wonderful life is.  You can have a very fulfilling time as a dog breeder as long as you follow these guidelines.

Dog Breed Tips courtesy of Dog Articles

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