Dog Breeding Basics

Breeding dogs can be both a very exciting and fulfilling experience, but prospective breeders should be well informed about the entire process, from the selection of an appropriate mate to labor and right through to placing puppies in a good home.

For starters, professional breeders always ensure that both prospective parents are healthy and ready to produce healthy and strong offspring. They avoid over-breeding and also the more routine breeding of dogs with any genetic defects or substantial health problems.

Both prospective parent dogs should be tested for possible diseases and have available as much information about their ancestry and health records as possible. Ideally, the further back the health histories go, the better. Once both dogs have been cleared for any prospective health concerns, the next step can begin.

Ovulation Cycle

Dogs usually go into heat twice a year, though larger dogs will sometimes only go into heat once every eight-to-ten months - the ovulation cycle can last around three weeks. To be sure that your dog is in heat, look for vaginal bleeding along with swelling in the genital region. Once you're sure the female is in heat, the male dog can be brought in to fertilize her and complete conception.

The dog's pregnancy will last between 60 and 67 days, which is just over two months. The best way to track a dog's pregnancy is to count from the day of the breeding. So, keep a separate calendar with these dates available for reference.

During the pregnancy, provide the female with specially formulated dog food. Maintain this regimen through the nursing period because this solid nutritional foundational will lead to strong puppies. It's also important to ensure the prospective mother is getting enough food, so increased feeding for a period of time will be necessary.

Preparation for Delivery

Once the female dog is ready to give birth, she will instinctively search out a secure place to deliver her pups. You can make this easier for your dog by preparing a safe place in advance. Most dogs like an enclosed location such as a box that's spacious enough for the dog to move around. Layer the bottom with newspaper and some soft rags (they will get dirty). At least one wall should be low enough so the mother can look out and keep a careful eye for any potential danger.

Most dogs give birth to their litters with absolutely no assistance. Relax, let nature take its course and things should go smoothly.