Introduction

Choosing the right dogs to breed involves gathering information on the male and female dog’s history, breed type, and possible medical concerns. Additional considerations include behavioral traits, physical soundness, and an evaluation of reproductive organs and systems.

Checking Medical History

A thorough medical history should be gathered and evaluated before dogs are bred. Dogs should be examined for any present congenital deformities (for example, an overshot jaw or indication of cervical disc disease) and their familial history should be researched to check for any possible genetic disease which the dogs may be carrying (for example, a sister or brother that developed hip dysplasia).

A complete physical examination and x-rays will check for any possible underlying condition, and for some purebred dogs genetic tests should be conducted to screen for any possible genetic disease risks of the breed which may be passed down to the puppies. The female dog should have her vagina examined and her mammary glands checked for any signs of abnormalities. Male dogs should have their testicles examined and the health of their sperm, and sperm numbers, evaluated.

Behavioral Evaluation

Dogs which display any type of abnormal behavior such as excessive shyness, aggression, tendency to bite, separation anxiety or obsessive disorders should not be bred. These types of behaviors may be passed onto the puppies, and pregnancy and the presence of puppies may cause behavioral problems in the mother to increase in severity.

Check Breed Standards

If you are interested in breeding dogs of a particularly breed, check with the standards for the breed (through the American Kennel Club for example) to make sure the male and female conform to these standards. Purebred dogs must meet physical and personality standards, and dogs which do not meet these standards should not be bred.