4 tips for successful canine fertility

Breeding a dog is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges. The breeding process can be difficult on both the dam (female dog) and the breeder, so it's important to prepare for that in advance. Here are 4 tips for successful canine breeding.

1. Choosing the right dam

A dam must be healthy, energetic and capable of producing strong puppies. She should also have a calm demeanour so as not to stress out her litter during pregnancy or delivery. The dam may be in heat for several days, and it may take a few attempts to get her bred if the stud (male dog) isn't with you for the duration of this time. This can be stressful for both animals, so patience will be key.

2. Choosing the right stud

Finding the right stud for your female dog can be a challenge. A good stud's genes will help ensure that any puppies she produces will be healthy and robust. If you're considering mating your bitch with an unfamiliar male, there are some things you should keep in mind:

• Vaccinations and health records
• Hereditary issues
• Any other potential mates the stud is breeding

3. Do plenty of research

Whether you're a hobby breeder, a small-scale business owner or a large commercial kennel, it's important to do your research and make sure that breeding is right for your dog.

It's helpful to remember these key points:

• Know your breeding responsibilities
• Have a plan for your fertility workflow
• Understand the financial risks involved in canine reproduction and the costs associated with it (such as stud fees)

4. Check the health of both dogs

The most important factor for successful canine fertility is the health of the dam and stud. This means that you should take both for a checkup before breeding, as some diseases are more common in certain breeds or lines and can impact fertility. Another option to consider is artificial insemination if reproductive health is a concern for one or both of the dogs.

If you would like to find out about our artificial insemination services to help canine fertility, feel free to speak to our team today!

Image by buchsammy via Pixabay