female | - Part 3

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Helping The Mother Dog Give Birth

Posted on February 6, 2011 by admin

Sometimes you may have to assist the mother while she is giving birth. Puppies are usually delivered head first in a diving position while some are born tail and hind legs first. If the mother is having a hard time with the delivery, you can help her by gently pulling out the exposed puppy as she restrains. However, if only the legs are out, call the vet immediately for advice. If the mother does not lick the newborn puppy, you will need to remove the membrane from his face and clear the fluid from his nose and mouth. Rub the newborn puppy vigorously with a towel in order to stimulate his first breath. Do not handle the newborn puppy more than what is necessary.

Helping a weak puppy after delivery

Once the puppy has been cleaned, check to make sure that he is breathing properly. If he looks normal but appears weak or lifeless, gently but firmly massage him with a towel, particularly around the head and the chest. A puppy that stays in the birth canal for a long period of time results in a lack of oxygen to the brain.

If he is still not breathing after you are finished rubbing him with a towel, suspend him by his hind legs for a few seconds to allow the fluids to drain from the air passages. Gently shake him while keeping a secure grip on his hind legs. This should stimulate him to start breathing. Once the puppy is breathing, keep him warm and comfortable by wrapping him in a towel until the mother has finished giving birth. When the whelping has finished, show the weak puppy to his mother and make sure that he finds a productive nipple. Observe him for a few days to ensure that he is not bullied by stronger puppies in the litter.

The mother normally chews through the umbilical cord. If she does not, you can tie off the cord using a thread about 2 inches from the puppy’s belly and then cut it on the opposite side of the knot, away from the puppy. Be very careful when doing this and do not pull on the umbilical cord.

Sometimes the mother may reject the puppy if it is taken away. In this case, bring the puppy to her and allow her to lick him and then place him where he can suckle.

Helping The Mother Dog Give Birth courtesy Dog Articles.

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What Do I Do If My Dog Has Hip Dysplasia?

Posted on February 2, 2011 by admin

Hip dysplasia is a complicated disease that affects both cats and dogs. It is considered to be an inherited disease but it is polygenic — that means that it is not a case of simply breeding parents together who don’t have hip dysplasia and producing puppies that don’t have the disease. There are many factors that can affect whether or not a dog develops the disease, even if he has parents with or without hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia results when the cartilage around a dog’s hips shows signs of breaking down. This can happen for several reasons. There may be bony projections in the hip joints. There could be shallow hip sockets. There can be evidence of bone changes called “remodeling.” All of these indications are bad because they lead to the breakdown of cartilage in the hip area. Cartilage is necessary to cushion the hips when a dog walks or moves. Without proper cartilage the dog begins experiencing some degree of pain.

The breakdown of cartilage leads to various stages of arthritis in the dog’s hips. This arthritis can be diagnosed by a veterinarian as degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, osteoarthrosis. These are all painful conditions and can eventually lead to a dog being debilitated and unable to walk.

If your dog is having difficulty with his hips or is showing any signs of pain you should visit your vet to get a professional opinion. Your vet can make a preliminary diagnosis. You can also submit the x-ray to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for evaluation. The x-ray will be viewed by three veterinarians who are extremely experienced in evaluating hip dysplasia. They can give you a precise rating for your dog’s hips. Ratings of Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mildly Dysplastic, Poor and Severe may be given. For cases where dysplasia is indicated the vets report back with a checklist of where the problems are. Having the opinion of these specialists can provide your vet with more information if your dog is dysplastic.

Many people have their dog’s hips x-rayed when the dog is two years old to find out the dog’s hip status, especially if they are considering breeding the dog at some point. As a general rule, dogs with ratings below Fair should not be used for breeding unless there are very important extenuating circumstances.

Hip ratings can depend a great deal on the x-rays submitted so it’s important to use a vet who has some experience with taking x-rays for OFA. Bad x-rays can make even a dog with wonderful hips look like he is dysplastic.

Other people choose to use Penn Hip to evaluate hips for dysplasia. Penn Hip stands for the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. This radiographic technique measure the level of joint laxity in a dog’s hips rather than the absolute position of the joints and bones, as with OFA. Both systems have their supporters but OFA seems to attract more people.

If your dog does have hip dysplasia a lot will depend on how much he is affected. This is a degenerative disease meaning that it will get worse with age. He will most likely become more arthritic as he ages. Fortunately, there are a lot of things that people can do to help offset the early stages of hip dysplasia. Many people give their dogs joint supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin and MSM. You can buy the same supplements for dogs that you buy for yourself in drugstores or places like Walmart. Ask your vet about the proper dosage for your dog’s weight.

There are many other supplements sold in pet stores for doggy arthritis, such as Dog Gone Pain. Some dog owners swear by them. You will have to try them for yourself and see if you think your dog improves when he takes them. Most dysplastic and arthritic dogs also do better when you keep them from gaining excess weight. Watch their diet so they aren’t too chubby. Carrying a lot of extra weight is bad for their hips.

As your dysplastic dog ages he may experience some degree of pain in his hips. Your vet may recommend using one of the NSAID medications for pain relief, such as Deramaxx. There are drawbacks to these medications and your vet should advise you about possible side effects. It’s also advisable to do a blood panel before starting to use an NSAID with a dog to make sure your dog is a good candidate for taking the drug.

There are plenty of dogs who may have some minor degree of hip dysplasia who never exhibit any symptoms. If your dog does have some hip dysplasia it’s not the end of the world. He may run and play for the rest of his life without experiencing pain. Even if he does develop some arthritis there are many ways to counter the problem. A diagnosis of hip dysplasia doesn’t have to mean the end of good times for you and your dog.

What Do I Do If My Dog Has Hip Dysplasia courtesy Dog Articles

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My Dog Hates To Travel

Posted on February 2, 2011 by admin

In your mind you and your dog are traveling down the road in a convertible. The top is down and you and your dog are letting the wind blow through your hair (and fur) as you drive off into the sunset. It’s a beautiful fantasy. Unfortunately, in real life, your dog drools, whines and throws up every time you try to put him in the car. A quick trip to the vet for his shots leaves him shaking and staring at you like you’re going to have him put to sleep. Taking your dog on an actual vacation would probably mean the end of your relationship.

What have you done to deserve this? Why does your dog hate to travel? And, is there anything you can do to make things better?

Contrary to popular belief, carsickness and travel anxiety can occur in any dog. Even puppies that are introduced to riding in cars at a very young age may develop into bad travelers. Some dogs simply seem to be more anxious by nature than other dogs. Certainly socialization in all forms will help to create a more secure, more confident dog, which can decrease anxiety in general. But if your dog becomes anxious about traveling in the car it’s going to take some work to help him get over his carsickness problems.

If you have a puppy or young dog do try to make the car a fun place for them, especially when you aren’t going anywhere. Play with your puppy in the car or van. Spend time there that isn’t associated with traveling. Let it be a place for games and playtime. That way, when you put your dog in the car or van to go on a short trip, your dog will associate the vehicle with good things. That good attitude may help a little.

Whether you have a puppy or a dog that is already experiencing some travel problems, go for very short trips. Drive around the block. Go back home before your puppy or dog can develop any bad reaction to the trip. Praise your puppy or dog and give them treats. You can do this several times a week, gradually making the trips a little longer. Most puppies will be fine with this routine and develop into great little travelers. If you have a dog which is already showing signs of being a bad traveler you should monitor him carefully to see how far you can drive before he starts having problems. See if you can slowly help him get a little further each time but don’t push things too far or make him uncomfortable. Carsickness is a very real, physical problem and if your dog is carsick he can’t help it.

Keep in mind that once a dog has been sick in your car that the odor will linger for quite a while. You may stop noticing it but your dog can still detect it. The scent of it may contribute to making him sick again so be sure to try to thoroughly clean any carsickness accidents in your vehicle. This will help your dog do better the next time you make an attempt.

If your dog isn’t improving by trying to gradually lengthen his trips in the car you can try some natural remedies. One of the old favorites uses ginger cookies or any kind of cookie or treat with ginger. Ginger is a traditional home remedy for settling an upset stomach and it works well for dogs as well as humans.

Some people recommend pheromones. Comfort Zone with D.A.P (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) has helped some dogs by reducing anxiety.

Herbal and nutritional remedies are also popular. Composure Liquid by Vetri-Science has been used with success by some owners. Nutricalm has also worked to reduce anxiety for some dogs.

Some people prefer the Bach Flower Essences, such as Rescue Remedy.

If the natural remedies don’t work for you and your dog you may wish to try the over-the-counter anti-nausea drug Dramamine. Dramamine helps many dogs who don’t travel well. If your dog still has problems with traveling you should consult your veterinarian. He or she may prescribe something stronger for anxiety, such as Valium or Serax.

You don’t have to give up your dream of traveling with your dog but it may take a little work to get the two of you on the road together.

My Dog Hates To Travel courtesy Dog Articles.

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How To Mate Dogs Successfully

Posted on February 2, 2011 by admin

Mating dogs takes patience and good timing, but can be successful if you plan carefully. Here are the things to consider to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

It is a good idea to introduce the dogs you plan to mate before the female comes into heat. This gives you the opportunity to see how they get along – whether they act aggressively toward each other, or whether they are quite friendly. A few days together should determine whether they are compatible enough to consider breeding them.

If so, when your girl comes into heat, you can safely move on to the next stage. A female dog (bitch) usually comes into heat twice a year, starting with proestrus, which generally lasts between seven and ten days. When she does, you will notice a small amount of bloody discharge from her vulva, and it will swell and become more pliable. The first heat usually takes place between six and twelve months of age, but it’s not a good idea to breed your female on this first heat. She’s still young, and would benefit from a bit more physical maturity before becoming a mom.

The most fertile time to breed dogs is between ten and fourteen days after the female starts bleeding. If the dogs have not been introduced, you should allow supervised periods of interaction every forty-eight hours until the bitch will not allow the male dog (stud) to mate any more. That way, there are no risks to either dog from personality clashes.

Dogs that haven’t been bred before may not know what they should do, and may require the assistance of an experienced breeder to help them mate successfully.

During mating, the two dogs will “tie” – they will be locked together at the genitals for 20-45 minutes. This is nature’s way of improving the odds for a successful mating. However, even if the dogs don’t tie, pregnancy is still possible.

If you’re new to breeding dogs, this tie might concern you. It is a normal part of dog mating, and is nothing to worry about. It’s very important that you don’t try and separate the two dogs before they are ready. This can lead to damage to the genitals of both male and female dogs.

Dogs that are new to breeding may also be distressed at their inability to separate, and you may need to reassure them, and calm them down. Having said that, in many cases dogs just get down to business and mate successfully without any human intervention.

Sometimes dogs just don’t get pregnant, in spite of your best efforts. If you still want to breed your dog, there may be a veterinarian who specializes in reproductive medicine in your area. He can help identify why your dog isn’t conceiving, and help you work around it.

These days, there are many reproductive technologies available to dogs, including artificial insemination. They are expensive, but can often result in pregnancy when nature doesn’t take its course.

How To Mate Dogs Successfully courtesy Dog Articles.

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Extremely Light Shedding Dogs

Posted on February 1, 2011 by admin

Every dog sheds some just like people lose a little hair. But some dogs shed much more than others, while the ones discussed here shed a lot less. A lightly shedding dog is better for those people that want a house dog without as much cleanup of the dog’s fur required. It is also a plus for less grooming of your pet.

Those that want a dog that shed’s less have a large variety of breeds to choose from including: the Irish Water Spaniel, Puli, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Bolognese, and the Doodleman Pincher. This list is a sampling of breeds that shed less and isn’t all inclusive of them.

The so called non-shedding breds make the best pets for people with allergies. Dander and dead skin, which flakes off are allergens. The “don’t shed breds” don’t make as much allergy inducing material as other dogs.

The length of the dog’s coat isn’t as important in determining if he is a big shedder, as how many layers there are to his coat. In other words, pick a dog with one layer to his coat, not two layers. This rule applies whether the dog is short haired, wire haired or long haired.

People with allergies that are looking for a non-shedding dog, still need to be around the dog some to see if they will have an allergic reaction to the dog. Person A’s allergies can be triggered by one bred, while person B’s allergies aren’t agitated. So visit with the pooch before rushing home with the lovely pet.

Obviously, the non-shedding breeds are the ones to choose from, if you want to pick a dog for an allergic child. This should be on the okay of the child’s allergist. But if at all possible it is a wonderful part of childhood to have a dog. as a friend. It is important as with the adult allergy sufferer to make sure the dog won’t cause an allergic reaction.

Another consideration in picking a non-shedding dog is how well does this breed get along with children? That is for those that have children. The Maltese is a good choice because it is a friendly little dog that likes to play. The Labradorean is a dog that is family oriented that enjoys running and playing. It is a large dog. The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium dog in size. It has a good deposition for children and is a gentle dog. It is an intelligent animal and a beautiful dog. A beagle is a good choice for a child’s pet, which is non-shedding, friendly, and loving.

Those are just some of the non-shedding dogs that are also perfect to be around children. Others include the Golden Doodle, Bichon Frise, and the Bouvier des Flandres.

If a non-shedding dog is your choice, you won’t be without a variety to choose from in bred, size, and personality. Some are particularly good with children. One of these wonderful dogs is waiting for you to give it a good home.

Extremely Light Shedding Dogs courtesy Dog Articles.

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Dogs in Heat: The Facts

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

There are numerous questions that people ask, when learning about dogs in heat. There are practical answers that help dog owners to understand the estrous cycle.

The proper name for heat is the estrous cycle and during this cycle a dog can become pregnant. The obvious sign is bleeding from the vagina and the vulva might be swollen. The bleeding isn’t profuse, especially in small dogs. She will urinate more often. The biggest clue is the sudden surge of male dogs hanging around your yard. Observe the small dog before her first cycle more carefully, as it can be harder to tell when she first goes into the estrous cycle.

The majority of female dogs come into heat at between six to twelve months of age, though it can be sooner or later. For some it it as long as fourteen months. Have your vet examine your dog, if she hasn’t cycled in fourteen months. They normally come into heat twice yearly. The smaller dogs are the ones that might come into their cycle earlier and the larger breeds might take longer than the usual time.

The estrous cycle is broken into four parts.

1) Proestrous is the initial stage. Its duration is between four and twenty days. The dog bleeds, is usually shy, her vulva is swollen, and she isn’t receptive to male dogs.
2) The estrous part of being in heat is from five to thirteen days long. The female dog is receptive to males and the blood secretion is a lighter color.
3) Diestrous is the next stage and now her secretions lessen and she begins to lose interest in the male dogs. If she got pregnant, the pregnancy duration would be between sixty and sixty-four days.
4) Anestrus is the period when the dog’s heat cycle finishes and she stays in in his stage for five to eleven months.

The majority of the cycle is around three weeks and doesn’t include the most of the anestrous period.

When your dog is in heat, she will be more excitable and can use some extra attention. Brushing, petting, and talking to her will soothe her nerves. You can control the mess made through bleeding by putting a doggy pad on her or keeping her in her “den” area when inside. The space normally set aside as her place to sleep is her den. Visit her often, if she is confined to this space.

Breeders of dogs usually test for progesterone levels, which signifies the dogs most fertile days. Normally those days are the 11th through the 15th day of heat. She can become pregnant during her first heat. The majority of breeders don’t breed their dogs that soon. They usually have genetic testing done prior to breeding. Some serious hip problems aren’t apparent until the dog is about two years old.

Spaying her is advisable, if you don’t want her to have puppies. The traditional advice has been to allow her to experience one cycle or have puppies once before spaying. But vets now spay earlier. Ask your vet how soon you can have your dog spayed.

Dogs in Heat: The Facts courtesy Dog Articles.

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Conformation… Can I Handle My Own Dog In The Ring?

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

Showing dogs can be a wonderful and fun activity, whether you are very competitive or just looking for something for your family to enjoy. People getting their first showdog have lots of questions. One of the first things people want to know is whether or not they can handle their own dog in the ring or whether they need to hire a professional handler. The answer depends on several factors.

Anyone at all can enter a dog show. Anyone in good standing with a kennel club (that is, someone who has not broken the rules previously and been denied the privilege). You don’t have to meet any particular criteria. And any dog registered with that kennel club can be entered in a dog show held by that kennel club. That means that if you have an AKC registered Pug you can enter your dog in any dog show sanctioned by the American Kennel Club in the United States. You can find information about upcoming shows around the country (posted a few weeks prior to the show) on a kennel club’s web site or in magazines, pay the entry fee, and enter a show. It’s that simple. There is no mystery or mystique to it. You will receive information in the mail telling you the time to be there, your ring number, and your armband number. You then show up on the day of the show, tell the ring steward you are there so you can pick up your armband number, and go in the ring for your class so the judge can judge your dog. That’s all there is to it.

Of course, there is a lot more to it. In some breeds there may be a lot of dogs entered and the competition may be very fierce. In other breeds you could be the only entry so you would almost automatically win Best of Breed. Entries also vary around the country. There may be lots of Irish Wolfhounds entered in California but none entered in shows in Texas, so geography can play a role in how much competition people face. There could be ten male dogs entered and only two female dogs, so the competition would be much harder for the boys. But at the next show it could be reversed. It often depends on who decides to enter, or how far someone wants to drive for a show. People may ask friends who is entering a show but this information is not always reliable.

Novices can and do show their own dogs in the showring. They can even win. It may take a little practice but everyone was a beginner at one time. Amateur handlers or owner-handlers can successfully compete against professionals, especially in the breed ring where points are won for championships. The amateur handler has the advantage of actually living with his dog and knowing him better than anyone. Many professional handlers only “pick up” a dog the day of the dog show at ringside. They may barely know the dog they are showing. Professionals have excellent dog skills and grooming skills, but amateurs know their dogs and their dogs love them.

In order to successfully compete against the professional handler the amateur will have to work hard on his grooming skills, especially with longhaired dogs and terriers. Look for books about your breed and make sure your dog is groomed to look like the show dogs pictured in it. Ask for help from your dog’s breeder or other people who show their dogs. Make sure toenails are kept short. Most professional handlers show dogs with very short toenails while many amateurs have dogs with toenails that are too long.

Professionals also have expert handling skills in the ring. Practice handling your dog. Watch the best professional handlers and imitate them. Go to handling classes with your dog. You will also notice that professionals dress for success. Many amateur handlers appear sloppy next to the professional handlers in the ring. You can improve your chances of winning by dressing more sharply. The overall picture you and your dog make together counts for a lot. Practice with your dog in front of a mirror to see how you look. Watch dog shows on TV to see how people pose your breed in the ring. Visit a few dog shows before you enter one so you can get the hang of what goes on.

Pro handlers are not only good at what they do, they attract good dogs. Sometimes they win because they are better handlers even when they don’t have the best dog, but many times they actually have good dogs. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that they are only beating you because the judge knows them. They are pros for a reason. They have been practicing their skills for a long time and people would not be hiring them if they didn’t know how to present a good dog. Many professional handlers began showing as kids so they have a great deal of experience. They can make a good dog look even better. But they can still be beaten if you also have a good dog. Groom your dog to look his best, practice your own handling skills and you have a good chance of winning. You’ll feel great when you beat the pros. But keep in mind that professional handlers are not the “enemy.” Many of them are quite friendly and willing to give you tips with your dog if you speak to them after the show.

Showing dogs is fun. Whether you are thinking about it as an activity for a youngster in your family or for yourself, it’s a great way to spend time with your dog. You can win. You can beat the pros. Many amateur handlers are competing at the highest levels of the sport. Watch the best handlers and beat them at their own game.

Conformation… Can I Handle My Own Dog In The Ring courtesy Dog Articles.

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How Old Should My Puppy Be When I Bring Him Home?

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

Puppies come from many different places. You may be getting a puppy from a shelter or from a breeder. Wherever your puppy is coming from he needs to learn a lot of things from his mother and siblings before he comes home with you. Ideally, your puppy should remain with his mother and littermates until he is at least eight weeks old. Unfortunately, there are people who are separating puppies from their mothers and littermates much earlier than this and sending them home with people at five-six weeks old. There are a number of reasons this is a bad idea and why you should never take a puppy this young.

At the age of five-six weeks puppies have barely been weaned from their mothers. They have not yet learned how to be dogs. When you bring a puppy this young to your home he has not learned any rules. He doesn’t know that he is not supposed to play too rough. He has not learned “bite inhibition,” which means that he is more likely to bite you and have a hard time learning that he isn’t supposed to do it. He has not learned the kind of manners that his mother would teach him. Your puppy has not learned that there is a pack leader and that he can’t do what he wants all the time. Your puppy has not learned any dog socialization or social skills. You are bringing home a cute puppy who is much more likely to grow up to be a brat and develop behavioral problems as an adult.

At the age of five-six weeks your puppy may not have even received his first set of shots. He is far more likely to develop a deadly disease like Parvo if you bring him home at this age than if you bring home a puppy at the age of eight weeks or later. Your puppy’s immunity from his mother is virtually gone and he has not been properly immunized by vaccinations yet. Bringing home a puppy this young is unhealthy for the puppy and for any other dogs in your household.

At the age of five-six weeks a puppy has not received any socialization from the person who brought him into this world. A good breeder will make sure that a puppy becomes used to things in a house, such as televisions, radios, vacuum cleaners, and scary things like cats, umbrellas, and kids. When you bring home a puppy who has not met these things they have no human socialization. They are more likely to grow up to be fearful adults and develop problems like separation anxiety later in life. A good breeder will also make sure that a puppy receives his first set of shots (at least) before you bring him home.

Good breeders do not release puppies at five-six weeks of age. They may allow you to meet puppies at this age. They may make arrangements with you. But they will not allow puppies to leave their home at such a young age. It’s too young.

If you are getting a puppy from an animal shelter you may have to take a puppy at this age because it could be dangerous to leave them in the shelter longer since shelters can house diseases. Be sure to get your puppy vaccinated against diseases as quickly as possible and take extra care in socializing your puppy in the coming months to try to make up for the socialization he missed with his mother and littermates.

How Old Should My Puppy Be When I Bring Him Home courtesy Dog Articles.

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Common Health Problems In A Welsh Corgi

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

While Welsh Corgis are great family pets, unfortunately they come with their fair share of health problems.

Particular care is needed to keep these dogs in shape and avoid over feeding them. Due to their short legs and long body they tend to gain weight easily which can pose a problem with their joints in the future. One good way to keep them in shape is swimming, as it doesn’t put pressure on their back or joints.

The Welsh Corgi is also prone to spinal problems due to the length of its spine, which can lead to early arthritis, particularly for those that are overweight. Biophysical stresses are a renowned problem for these breeds on their spine, which is directly related to the weight of an over-sized belly. This problem has lead to other secondary diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately they are also predisposed to developing a disease called DM (Degenerative Myelopathy). A test for this has been developed and is available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Further research is still being conducted as to why some Welsh Corgi’s develop DM and others don’t.

Pembroke’s in particular are at risk for hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease and other eye disorders.

Von Willebrand’s is a blood clotting disorder which is only detected by a DNA test. At the moment it is only eliminated by avoiding breeding carriers or affected Pembroke’s together. One parent must be clear to avoid the disease.

As for eye problems, both parents need to have passed CERF rating at least one year before breeding commences, to avoid such problems as persistent papillary membranes (PPM), retinal dysplasia or cataracts. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a common eye condition with Welsh Corgi’s among other breeds that have protruding eyes. This eye condition is characterized by the deterioration of retina cells which ultimately leads to a progressive loss of sight starting approximately around 5 years of age. Glaucoma is another eye disease that can lead to permanent blindness by predetermined genetics. Glaucoma is the excessive pressure inside the eye which can damage the eye’s internal structures. If glaucoma is not treated quickly permanent loss of vision or complete blindness is inevitable.

Hip dysplasia in these dogs is poly-genetic, where more than one set of genes may be involved. It is important to have as many ancestors tested as possible as well as a fair rating in OFA. This is the best way to avoid dysplasia, but unfortunately there is not a completed guarantee.

Maintaining the recommended weight of Welsh Corgi’s will ensure longevity and a healthy life. These breeds are known to live up to 12 – 15 years. So if you’re looking at having this breed, ensure you stick to a regular diet and exercise regime without over feeding, so you and your family can enjoy the company of your dog for many years to come.

Common Health Problems In A Welsh Corgi courtesy Dog Articles.

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Breeding Golden Retrievers

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

For beginners, breeding Golden Retrievers is nearly impossible. Breeding can be very complicated, although it can be easy as well. You should never attempt to breed unless you know a lot about requirements for hobby breeders, as it is simply unfair to the breed if you have a litter of puppies that simply aren’t what they should be. People who look to buy Golden Retrievers only want top quality, which is why you shouldn’t attempt to breed just have a puppies or make a few bucks.

Breeding Golden Retrievers is a very serious hobby, one that should be left to those who know how to make the right choices. There is a certain amount of cost and care involved with breeding, especially if breeders are going for a certain quality. There is also a lot of responsibility involved as well, which can take quite a bit of time to say the least.

Breeding can help to fulfill the need of a Golden, although the dog still has no knowledge of it missing, no regrets, or no guilt towards living a life without having been breed. A pregnant Golden Retriever female doesn’t gain anything in regards to health, as it instead causes problems. Golden females that have been spayed on the other hand, cannot be bred. If you have chosen to have your Golden spayed, always remember that she will be unable to breed.

When looking to breed, quality breeders will have a lot of choices in front of them. They will need to determine the pair, such as the mother and the father. To get the highest quality possible from the litter, the breeder will need to determine the traits of both dogs, temperaments, and how well they seem to react to one another. The breeder will also need to determine in either of the dogs have any type of health problems, to prevent any diseases or ailments from being passed on to the litter.

Sometimes, when breeding Golden Retrievers, the mother of the litter will prove to be unfit, which requires more work for the breeder. If the mother isn’t doing her job of nurturing her young, the breeder will need to do it for her. This can be the most time consuming aspect of breeding, as the breeder will have to feed the young and make sure that they turn out as healthy as possible.

Aside from that, breeders also face quite a bit of costs as well. The prices for daily care, food, and vet bills can be very steep to say the least. When you crunch the numbers, you’ll quickly realize that breeders don’t make much money at all when they sale. Most breeders do it for a hobby, not looking to make money. Quality breeders on the other hand aren’t concerned with money at all, as they are more concerned about the quality of their litters. Quality is better than quantity, as even the best breeders out there have problems selling puppies from time to time.

Although breeding is fun for hobby breeders, it is something you really shouldn’t be doing if you don’t have the experience. Although your Golden may get knocked up by a dog of a different breed without you knowing it, you should do your best to avoid it at all costs if you can. A pure bred Golden Retriever should be bred only with dogs of her breed, to help preserve the breed and keep their bloodline going. If you have thought about breeding in the past – you should really study long and hard before you actually make a reality of it.

Breeding Golden Retrievers courtesy Dog Articles.

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