When you want to breed dogs you obviously need a male and a female, otherwise you can’t produce any puppies. Since your two dogs will be working for you to produce pups it makes sense to have them regularly checked. Medical checks are vital to ensure the ongoing health and vitality of your dogs. Whether you want to become a full-time breeder or you just want to produce extra pups for your own family, you should know a lot about dog breeding. If you are just starting out there is a lot to learn.
You cannot produce healthy pups if one of your dogs suffers from sterility problems. If one or both parents have sterility problems it will seriously affect the pups’ chance of survival. The pups could be aborted or die shortly after birth. This condition, known as brucellosis, not only affects dogs but it can also be passed on to humans. As a dog breeder you need to be aware of this condition, and to take extra care during handling. Brucellosis can be transmitted to other dogs during sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted through secretions left in the kennel of the affected dog. Vaccinations are essential to ensure the male dog remains in good health and the female is able to withstand the rigors of pregnancy.
(more…)
As a dog breeder you need to be aware of potential hereditary problems. The problems may be infrequent but you still need to be aware of any conditions that could be passed on to your puppies. Listed below are some of the hereditary conditions you need to be aware of, and the effects they could have on your dogs.
You need to start by learning as much as you can about your particular dog breed. Thorough screening is essential to prevent problems arising in the future. To ensure the health and vitality of your pubs you will need to look into the bloodline of your dogs.
Eye problems are frequently encountered by dog breeders. These problems include:
1. PRA – Progressive Retinol Atrophy. If this condition is not treated early enough your dog can become totally blind. Some breeds develop the condition once they reach 2 – 3 years of age, or even before the breeding period. In some cases the condition does not develop until the dog is aged between 4 and 8 years. For Red Setter breeders there is a test which can identify whether or not their dogs are carriers. It is vital to have the test carried out at an early stage. Late onset PRA can seriously affect breeding programs.
2. CEA – Collie Eye Anomaly. Collie breeds including the border, bearded, smooth, and rough varieties, as well as closely related other breeds, can suffer from this condition. The condition is hereditary, and varies in severity from minor sight loss to total blindness. Even if your dog is not displaying any symptoms of CEA it could be a carrier of the condition. This condition can then be passed on to the pups with disastrous results.
(more…)
