Novice Dog Breeder’s Guide: Breeding Your Own Litter Of Puppies

Deciding to breed your own litter of puppies for the first time is a daunting process. Maybe you’ve always wanted to raise litters, or perhaps you simply want to produce well-bred dogs that will go to good homes. No matter the reason, it is your responsibility as the breeder to ensure that everything goes as planned. Use this novice dog breeder’s guide to answer any questions you may have about the process.

Which Breed Will You Choose?

The first decision that you will need to make is the breed. Certain breeds of dogs are easier to sell than others depending on where you live. Do your research and decide whether or not you want a purebred litter, or puppies that are crossbreeds.

 

Below are a few of the most currently popular breeds, mixed and of pure bloodlines.

• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Goldendoodle
• French Bulldog
• Pug

 

Another important aspect to consider with the breed you choose is the possible health concerns. Specific breeds are prone to certain hereditary diseases. If you are unsure as to which dog has the potential for problems, contact your vet.

Is Your Dog a Candidate for Breeding?

The next step towards breeding a successful litter is to evaluate your female. Not every dog is a great candidate depending on her disposition, health and possible genetic flaws. Take each factor into consideration before breeding your dog.

Temperament

The goal of breeding is to provide puppies that will be well-mannered in either shows or family homes, making the breed proud. Every breed has a typical temperament associated with those dogs, but your female may not have these traits. If your dog is easy to train with a friendly disposition, then she may be the right candidate for your litter.

Health

It is important to realize that the mother can pass any health defects on to the puppies. For a healthy litter, make sure that your dog does not have a history of skin problems, allergies, or ear conditions that may affect the future generation.

 

Genetics

One critical step is to check your dog for any genetic defects. This should only be done through your vet. Potential breeding dogs are typically tested for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye diseases. A professional performs these tests after the dog has reached 12 months of age.

What is the Proper Breeding Age?

Many make the mistake of breeding their dogs too early when bones are still developing. To avoid risks, it is safest to breed when your dog reaches 2 years, as a dog is not fully developed until about a year and a half.

Who Should the Sire Be?

It is equally important to carefully choose who will mate with your dog. The male should also be tested for any health concerns. Also, be sure to choose a sire that is desirable in temperament since this will be passed on to the next generation.

When Should You Mate Your Dog?

The time in which a female should be bred revolves around her estrus cycle. Typically, it is recommended that a dog is bred 10 to 14 days after bleeding initially starts with the addition of the vulva swelling.

How Do I Prepare For Selling My First Litter?

With new puppies on the way, what do you plan on doing with them? Do you know what they are worth or how to get them sold to loving homes? According to Andrew White from Puppy System, one of the big mistakes that people make is that they panic that they will not be able to sell their puppies and end up practically giving them away. You have amazing puppies that have tremendous value, you just need to believe that and follow a few simple tips I lay out in the Puppy System.

 

This guide is a useful tool for understanding how to sell your puppies quickly and effectively. Andrew White has combined his years of experience breeding dogs to provide a step-by-step system. Included in this package are “The Secrets of Puppy Advertising” that highlight the process of writing an effective ad to guarantee serious buyers. Forego all of the guesswork and ensure that the time you devoted to breeding your dog is not wasted.

 

Now that you have read up on how to go about breeding your own litter of puppies, you can prepare for the new arrivals. This will include making sure that the female is comfortable and healthy for a safe delivery. Once the puppies are born, you can begin thinking about necessary vaccines and medications that will ensure they go to a new home. Be sure to use Andrew White as a resource in the selling of your first litter. After all, your dogs deserve to go to the best homes, all the while selling for the value that they represent.