3 Things to Discuss with Your Vet About Breeding Your Female Dog

As the "parent" of a female dog, you may be wondering if breeding your bitch is right for you. There are many factors you should take into consideration before breeding your female, including age, breed, and characteristics of your dog, that you should discuss with your veterinarian. Here are these three factors in detail and why they are so important to the breeding process.

Age

Once a bitch comes into her first heat, she is of breeding age and can successfully produce a litter of pups provided she is in good health and has a safe environment in which to raise them. If your dog is older, your veterinarian will want to examine her to make sure she carries the physical ability to be bred and successfully nurse puppies. Factors that go into age-related breeding include: 

• weight of your dog
• issues with any past litters
• gum disease or other oral conditions
• arthritis or joint issues

If your dog is relatively healthy and has no serious medical problems, your vet may approve breeding with a healthy male. Blood work and urinary samples may also be required to help determine the health of your older dog.

Breed

Some breeds of dog take special consideration and care when they are whelping, such as bulldogs, chihuahuas, and other breeds. Dogs with abnormally large heads often require C-sections to birth a healthy litter, and smaller dogs need assistance when having larger litters. Talk to your vet about any concerns you should have about your dog's breed and any special considerations that need to be addressed prior to attempting to breed.

Flaws

Whether you think your dog is in perfect form or not, odds are there may be some flaw that can cause a genetic characteristic in future offspring. The flaw can be simple, such as poor markings or an offset to ear position, or it can be devastating, such as vision problems or joint issues. Have your vet give your dog a thorough examination to determine which flaws (if any) exist in your bitch so you can know what traits to look for in a healthy male to balance or eliminate them in the future puppies produced.

Breeding your dog can be expensive, time-consuming, and very rewarding in the end. If you are unsure about whether you should be breeding your dog in the first place, your veterinarian is an excellent person to turn to. They can tell you just what to expect in the breeding process if you choose to move forward in the decision to use your dog for that purpose.