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Breeding Your Dog, Part 2

© Pat Williams

Is your dog good breed stock?

Unless you purchased your dog from a good breeder, I have to say no. However, we all started out somewhere so don't lose heart just yet. In part one we used Labradors as our breed. Labs, like all other purebred dogs have a standard that is set by the breed club. The standard describes every detail of the breed including size, color, type, eye color, tail and ear set, height, weight, over all confirmation and temperament. This information can be obtained from the breed club or national kennel clubs such as the AKC. Note that some differences will appear from country to country, as will the names of some breeds.

Also in part one, we talked about dominant and recessive genes. In other words, what you see may not be what you get. If you have done your research (you have gone back through your dogs' pedigree as far as possible and found no real concerns in temperament, type, health, color or conformation) you should know if your dog/bitch carries any recessive genes that may effect the outcome of your litter. One of the easiest ways to find this information is to talk to your breeder. I used only the color gene in part one to simplify matters, this time we will discuss health and temperament. All other traits should conform to the standard as closely as possible. As a rule, most people want a happy-go-lucky dog who will play with the kids yet guard their home when the need arises. In other words we are all searching for "Lassie" no matter what breed we like best. Well, if you want "Lassie" you'd best go out and buy the DVD because you will not find her at the breeder's.

When looking for a puppy, the most important factors any buyer should consider, unless they are looking for a show prospect, are health and temperament.








As a breeder, these factors are equally important. The first step in the process is to have your dog/bitch examined by your vet. Both dogs must be in peck condition and free from any abnormalities or illnesses. Your bitch should be tested for Brucellosis which is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Brucellaenus Brucella. These bacteria are primarily passed among animals, and they cause disease in many different vertebra. Brucellaious Brucella species affect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several other animals. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with these bacteria. In humans, brucellosis can cause a range of symptoms that are similar to the flu and may include fever, sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness. Sever infections of the central nervous systems or lining of the heart may occur. Brucellosis can also cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue.

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