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Some dog owners extend their love for animals into an interest in breeding their dog. Breeding is more of a responsibility than a passing interest, and as such, there are a few things to consider before immersing yourself and your dog in the process. This short checklist identifies some helpful pointers which will increase the odds of a successful breeding experience.

Consider your dog’s age, breed, and health status. To begin with, veterinarians recommend not breeding dogs that are less than eighteen months old. This allows you as an owner the opportunity to schedule tests that rule out any genetic defects or conditions they could pass on to their offspring. It also makes sure that your female is physically mature enough to carry a litter of puppies.

There are also health issues which can affect your decision to breed your dog.

These health concerns can be general, as in the case of brucellosis (a bacterial infection spread among breeding dogs that can contribute to infertility, abortion, or stillborn puppies), or a male dog may simply not be fertile.

Alternatively, they can be specific to certain breeds. Dachshunds and Basset Hounds have long spines and short legs, for instance, making them prone to back problems as they age. Retrievers, Shepherds, and Great Danes frequently develop hip dysplasia, easily confirmed by x-rays. Collies are predisposed to two eye disorders, Collie Eye Anomaly and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Testing your dog before breeding will let you know if he is carrying any of these conditions. If he is, then he’s not a good candidate for parenthood.

Regular treatment for heartworm, intestinal worms and fleas, as well as standard vaccinations to protect against the most common viruses (parvovirus, parainfluenza, distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis) are essential to keep your animal in good health for breeding. In addition, good nutrition and regular exercise are important in increasing the chances of producing healthy puppies.

Pay a visit to your veterinarian to make sure there aren’t any potential problems that need to be addressed before deciding to breed your dog.

Finally, you should carefully consider the reasons behind your decision to breed a dog. If money from the sale of purebred puppies is the sole source of inspiration, consider the expenses involved from beginning to end.

Stud fees, genetic testing, veterinary care, a possible cesarean delivery, and the cost of feeding, worming, and vaccinating puppies will quickly eat into any profits you may earn. Unless you’ve spent considerable time and effort researching such a venture, you must be prepared for these costs, and be prepared to make a financial loss from a litter.

Another poor reason for breeding is to obtain a dog just like the one you already have. This isn’t likely to happen, because your pups are just as likely to resemble the other parent, or have characteristics that are a mixture of both parents.

A more sensible approach to dog breeding relies on selecting characteristics that you hope to pass on to future generations of the breed. Each breeding should be carefully planned to result in puppies that are an improvement on the generation before. This is how dog breeds are continually improved.

Breeding dogs is a rewarding pastime, but make sure your motives are honorable, and you have the health and well being of your dog and its breed foremost in your mind.

Important Information On Dog Breeding courtesy Dog Articles.

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Having a puppy is something many children dream about. They hear their friends at school talking about their dogs and the jealousy sets in. You might desperately want one yourself. The good news is that buying a puppy can be a great addition to your household and teach your kids great responsibility. Even so, there are some things you need to think about before making the final leap.

1. The first thing to consider is that puppies take a lot of time and attention. It can almost seem like you have to care for a newborn baby because the attention they need is constant. It will get easier as they become older, but even full-grown dogs need pampering. Many dogs and puppies are also very playful and need some form of entertainment or they’re likely to get into trouble.

2. Puppies also need to be trained in different areas as they get older. There are probably training classes in your area that increase in difficulty as your dog gets older. It is a good idea to send your children to the classes too so they know exactly how to interact with their pet.

3. Keep in mind that your puppy will cost a lot of money. Even if you try to calculate all the costs there will be some that are completely unexpected. Some of the many are food, toys, vaccinations, registrations, and dog training. If poor little pup gets hurt you’ll also find yourself with a large vet bill. Expect to pay for your dog what you would pay for a member of your “human” family because the costs can really add up.

4. Your puppy will get a lot larger depending on the breed. While that is a fairly obvious statement it does need to be said. If you have small children it can be intimidating to have such a large animal around. The best way to avoid any problems is to do your research before your purchase to make sure you’re getting a dog that is just right.

5. Another consideration is that your dog will need considerable exercise. If you enjoy exercising yourself this will be a no-brainer for you. On the other hand, if you are worn out at the end of a long day it can be a lot of trouble to take your dog for a walk. Many dogs also like to play with their toys and be active in general. There are breeds that are less enthusiastic so choose one of those if you prefer to be sedentary.

You will also need room for your dog to play and sleep. If you have plans to get a large dog you should make sure that you have a large area. Of course, there are also dogs that will always be so small they can fit into a purse. Make your decision based on the space you have.

Despite all of the things you need to think about it can be incredibly rewarding to be a dog owner. This is especially true if it’s the first time you’re going to buy a puppy. It is an experience like nothing else and they are oh-so-cute! If you decide to make the purchase, it will be a neat adventure for your whole family.

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Puppy courtesy of Dog Articles.

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