Introduction

If you have decided to breed your dog, and you are looking for the right breeding program for your dog, these helpful guidelines will help you to choose a responsible breeding program for your dog.

Responsible Dog Breeding

Any responsible breeding program will require complete medical check-ups for all breeding pairs. These check-ups include blood tests, x-rays, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases. All dogs involved in the breeding program should have a well documented medical history, and preferably the medical history of their parents and siblings. The breeding program should also pay particular attention to the dog’s genetic background as well.

Programs which breed dogs responsibly will not compromise a dog’s health for breeding purposes. Female dogs should not be bred before they are 2 years of age, and they should only be bred every other year. Many legitimate breeding programs put a cap on the number of litters that a bitch can produce, and they require medical check-ups for the bitch before each and every litter.

Legitimate breeding programs were started in order to preserve and maintain the quality and health of dog breeds around the world; they are not concerned with financial gains or marketing puppies. If you find a breeding program that promises you financial rewards through breeding your dog, walk away and walk away quickly; these programs do not have your dog’s best interests at heart.

A responsible breeding program should be up front with you about all the financial costs that you may incur during this time. Breeding dogs can cost a small fortune; in fact, many professional breeders routinely lose money on their breeding endeavors.

Before you choose a breeding program for your dog, research that program thoroughly. Talk with your veterinarian about which breeding programs may be best, and ask local breeding clubs about breeding programs which they may recommend.