It is important to share this information-including the negative aspects-with every prospective puppy owner. Responsible breeders learn everything they can about their breed and know all the pros and cons of ownership. This means careful screening and evaluation of each person or family interested in getting a puppy. Responsible dog breeders make sure that their puppy goes to an owner who will provide it with the same love and devotion for life that the breeder has provided. From the genetic screening and health tests before breeding to the extra food, supplies, and medical care required after the puppies are born, the cost of whelping and raising puppies can be very high, especially if complications arise. The extra feeding, cleanup, grooming, training, and veterinary care adds up to a lot of hours-and not much free time for you.Īnother factor that’s critical to consider is the financial cost of having a litter of puppies. Puppies are even more work (and more fun!) once they are weaned.

It is the dog breeder’s responsibility to provide a safe, warm, dry place for the puppies, and proper food and water for the bitch. During the first couple of weeks the dam (the litter’s mother) normally takes care of the puppies’ needs, but complications, such as a dam with no milk or an orphaned litter, may arise. Consider attending a dog show to determine how your dog measures up against the best specimens of its breed. One of the best ways to get an objective opinion of your dog is to test it against others. The national parent club for your breed may also provide assistance. If you decide to continue with the breeding process, look for a mate that will eliminate or balance those flaws. The goal of dog breeding, after all, is to produce a better dog and a quality pet.Įxamine your dog carefully. Responsible dog breeders, however, know to avoid “kennel blindness.” In other words, they take a step back and honestly evaluate the good and bad points of their dogs before making the decision to breed. The motto of the responsible breeder of purebred dogs is “Breed to Improve.”Įvery dog is the best dog in the world to its owner. Dive into Amazon or other online retailers to find titles about your specific dog breed, or in-depth books about canine reproduction. The AKC Gazette and other dog magazines have informative articles about breeding as well. Some books, including the Complete Dog Book and American Kennel Club Dog Care and Training, are available in the AKC Store. Your local library and bookstores are invaluable sources of information about canine health and dog breeding. Find and attend a local club meeting to meet other breeders and owners. Research your breed by visiting the breed’s national parent club website or social media accounts. Ask questions of dog breeders involved in your breed. Watch dogs in action and study the pedigrees of the dogs you like. The AKC offers a “Meet the Breed” video for AKC-recognized dog breeds that shows real-life examples of excellent dogs, and many AKC parent clubs offer more detailed, illustrated versions of their standards for more in-depth research. This is the official version of the “perfect” breed specimen and should be the starting reference point for any dog breeder.

How can you become an expert? Study Your Breed’s Standard Responsible dog breeders devote time to learning as much as they can about their breed, about canine health and training, and about AKC rules. If you go forward with breeding dogs, your underlying purpose should be to improve the breed-not just increase its numbers.īreeding a litter of puppies should begin with knowledge. It is exciting and challenging.īreeding purebred dogs is also time consuming, expensive, and, occasionally, heartbreaking. Part art, part science, and total devotion, breeding will show you all the best in the human-and-dog bond. Step One – Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppiesīreeding dogs has been a passion for people through many centuries. Encourage New Owners to Register Their Puppy with the AKC.Register Your Litter with the AKC Soon After Whelping.Consult Your Veterinarian if Complications Arise.Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppies.

You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? You can download the complete guide to responsible dog breeding, or follow along with each step that’s outlined below. Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding.

Once in a lifetime game guide