by Sirena Stoneburgh
When it comes to breeding, one thing that I always recommend is that you constantly learn as you build your kennel. In fact, even people with twenty years experience in breeding can learn as science is always teaching us something we never knew before.
It’s also good to line your bookshelves with some of the best breeding books out there. So today, we are going to go through our top 10 breeding books that every dog breeder should have on their shelves.
#1 Puppy Intensive Care: A Breeder’s Guide to Care of Newborn Puppies by Myra Savant-Harris
If there is one book that I would recommend that anyone interested in breeding get, it is this book by Myra Savant Harris.
One simple fact about breeding is that things can go wrong from puppies aspirating milk to fading puppies and it is often a fact that breeders will lose up to 15% of all the puppies they produce.
This includes puppies that are stillborn as well as those that die in those first 8 weeks with their breeders. While the number is different for every breeder, with some having a high mortality rate due to breed and some having a lower mortality rate, even a mortality rate of 5% can mean a large number of puppies over a 10 year career span.
And that is wherePuppy Intensive Care: A Breeder’s Guide to Care of Newborn Puppiescomes into play. While it cannot save every puppy, breeders who have studied this book and used Myra Savant-Harris’s techniques see a lower mortality rates in their newborn puppies.
Why is this book so valuable? First, Savant-Harris is not only a dog breeder but also a registered nurse. Primarily, much of her experience as a nurse has been in labor and delivery as well as neonatal ICU.
As a breeder, Savant-Harris realized that many of the techniques they used to help babies thrive were perfect for helping puppies thrive. Not only did she think of the techniques in theory, she applied it to the care of her own newborn puppies and created techniques that have become as valuable to breeders as her many resources.
For anyone interested in breeding, and even for shelters or rescues who take in pregnant females, this is an excellent book that will take you through caring for a puppy in distress and how to help them thrive. It teaches you many things including:
- Tube Feeding
- Administering Oxygen
- Breeding a Litter: The Complete Book of Prenatal and Postnatal Care
- Hydrating a Dehydrated Puppy
Finally, this book also comes with a cd full of videos teaching you these techniques.
#2 Breeding a Litter: The Complete Book of Prenatal and Postnatal Care
The second book on our list is one that has quickly become a favorite for new and experienced breeders. It covers a vast range of topics and really takes you through not only the breeding aspect but also the care of both dam and puppies after they are born.
Another expert in her field, Beth J. Finder Harris has written over a 175 titles on breeding and is a breeder herself. She takes her practical knowledge of breeding and delivers it in a way that it will become the foundation of your breeding practices.
The book covers a range of topics including:
- Selecting breeding stock
- Puppy development
- Neonatal Care
- Postnatal Care
- Puppy Care
- Contracts
Finally, it really explores the responsibilities of a breeder and helps the reader to produce puppies that are sound both physically and emotionally.
#3 Canine Reproduction and Neonatology Spiral
This is a book that tends to be recommended by everyone from experienced breeders to kennel clubs to vets. If there is a book that you should have on your bookshelf, this is the one.
As far as breeding books go, this book is full of information. Written by Marthina L. Greer, DVM, JD., not only is she on the board of directors for the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, she is also on the board for the Society For Theriogenology. In addition, Dr. Greer has experience as both a vet and a breeder of Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
The book covers a wide range of topics including:
- Selecting your breeding dogs
- Preparing your dogs for breeding
- Pregnancy and prenatal care
- Whelping and whelping complications
- Neonatal and puppy care
- Postpartum care
- Infertility and reproductive problems
A lot of the information looks at it from the side of a vet working with breeders and it is often used by vets in this manner. However, there is a large amount of information that makes it good for any new or experienced breeder to own.
#3 Successful Dog Breeding: The Complete Handbook of Canine Midwifery
Down to earth, funny, practical; these are all the different ways that this book has been described. But one thing that everyone agrees with on this book is that it is an excellent resource for new and experienced breeders. In fact, it is a wonderful read, even if you aren’t reading it for additional information.
Like many breeding books, this book was written by a vet and dog fancier, both of whom have experience with canine reproduction. The book covers everything you need to know about not only breeding but successful dog breeding.
Topics that the cover goes over are:
- Planning to breed
- Whelping
- Pregnancy
- Puppy Care
They also go over a large number of problems that dog breeders may be faced with and come up with solutions for them.
Finally, the book has an extensive appendices, which looks at a number of topics including breed idiosyncrasies.
#5 Management of Pregnant and Neonatal Dogs, Cats, and Exotic Pets
Although this book looks at a wide range of different animals and not just dogs, I do recommend it as a book to read. There is a lot of information that can be utilized regardless of animals you are breeding.
However, of the eighteen chapters in this book, eight of them cover dog breeding. The book is written by a veterinarian doctor who is a member of the Society For Theriogenology. Dr. Cheryl Lopate has extensive knowledge on canine reproduction, she also practices in reproductive medicine.
Her knowledge, as well as the expertise of the authors in the book, all of whom contribute articles to the book and are all, themselves, experts in their industry, offers readers an extensive guide to breeding.
For canines specifically, the book looks at how to manage a kennel as well as looking at the management of the bitch. It also goes over the reproductive physiology of a dog and her pregnancy. Furthermore, it looks at the care of puppies, how to resuscitate them and about management of puppies, including orphaned puppies.
A great part of the book is that it covers neonatal disorders and looks at both genetic counseling and congenital defects. All topics that a knowledgeable breeder should have. As you can see, this book is quite extensive and gives you a lot of in depth information to improve your breeding program.
#6 The Complete Book of Dog Breeding
While this is number six in my list, any new breeder could start with this book and have enough information to be successful with breeding. This was one of the first books that I ever purchased on breeding and I found it insightful and well laid out so it was easy to find information and understand.
Like many of the books in this list, it really does cover everything that you need to know…which is why it is known as the complete book. It starts off going over the responsibilities of a reputable breeder, not only to their dogs but also to the buyers of their puppies and the puppies themselves. It has a lot of helpful information to grow your business and to stand by the dogs you produce.
Once you get through the responsibilites, this book covers:
- Choosing your breeding dogs, including looking at practical DNA use
- Artificial insemination
- Pregnancy
- Stages of labor
- Whelping and whelping complications; as well as assisting the dam or vet.
- Puppy care from feeding to socialization
- Lactation
- And chapters on pedigrees, titles and registration.
Although there is a lot of information, it is delivered in an easy to follow format that everyone, new or experienced, would benefit from.
#7 The Book of the Bitch: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches
While a lot of books look at breeding as a whole, this book looks at your breeding female and focuses on her health. While the book does go over breeding, whelping and everything involved with that, the primary focused is on the bitch.
The book looks at both understanding and caring for the bitch. It goes on to discuss problems that can occur with a bitch, including detailed advice on signs of sickness and which disease affect female dogs, especially intact female dogs.
While it was written in the 1980’s, the book has been updated several times and is still a great resource that is filled with well done illustrations and tables.
#8 The Dog Breeder’s Guide to Successful Breeding and Health Management
Another guide for dog breeders, this one is recommended by many kennel clubs as a must have resource for any breeder. Whether you are just starting out or have experience, there is always more you can learn and this book is a great place to start.
Like many breeding books, this book was written by a veterinarian who has ample experience with breeding. However, while some books can become a little too scientific, theSuccessful Breeding and Health Management book, written by Dr. Kustritz, is excellent for the lay person.
Not only does it cover breeding topics, it also looks at hte health of your breeding dogs starting with nutrition. While it may not seem like an important detail, the science of nutrition plays a huge part in litter size and overall health of your puppies.
Finally, one of the best part of this book is how it starts every chapter with a section on frequently asked questions, which it answers in that chapter. Then it ends the chapter with a test your knowledge section, which helps you retain what you’ve just read.
#9 Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds
Not exactly a breeding book, but it is definitely one that I recommend every person who wants to get involved in purebred dogs have. Whether it is to learn more about your breed, which I also recommend purchasing as many breed specific books as possible, or just because you are a fancier, this is definitely a great book to have.
This book goes over the breed standard for 175 purebred dog breeds. In addition, each breed has a host of other facts including:
- Health Problems
- Compatibility with Children
- Energy Levels
- Exercise Needs
- Longevity
- Care Requirements
It is a great source to help you decide what breeds you want to be involved in and possibly breed.
#10 Canine Reproduction and Whelping – A Dog Breeder’s Guide by Myra Savant-Harris
If you remember, we’ve already suggested a book by Myra Savant-Harris but if you are going to add to your library, then this other book from her is a must for your bookshelf. To recap, Myra Savant-Harris is both a long time breed and registered nurse. Her knowledge as both, as well as her interest in genetics, has led to her being one of the leading voices in breeding education.
This book only adds to a wealth of knowledge that you can glean from Puppy Intensive Care: A Breeder’s Guide to Care of Newborn Puppies and covers a broader wealth of information. Savant-Harris takes you through canine reproduction with both your dam and your stud dog.
Information that is covered in the book include:
- Whether to Breed or Not
- Understanding Canine Reproduction including a chapter on sperm and a chapter on vaginal cultures
- Artificial Insemination
- Hormones and the role they play
- Aftercare for the dam after whelping
- C-sections
- Preparing the stud dog
As you can see, this book covers everything you need to know about breeding and gives you some insight into methods you can choose to use in your own breeding program.
Bonus Books For Marketing
Okay, I know that I said we had 10 must have books for breeders, there are a few that I would like to recommend when it comes to marketing your kennel and litters. Although there are dozens of books out there for marketing, there are three that I recommend. These are:
#1Advertising Headlines That Make You Rich: Create Winning Ads, Web Pages, Sales Letters and More
The second book that I would recommend isAdvertising Headlines that Make you Rich. The reason…when you are breeding dogs, you are going to spend a lot of time creating ads for your puppies.
If you are wondering why this is a must have book, stop. Advertising is a huge part of breeding. You have to advertise your puppies, your stud dogs and your kennel…even when you don’t have a litter on the ground.
And when you advertise, you are competing with tens of thousands of other ads for dogs and puppies. Let’s face it, there are a lot of litters every year and if you aren’t sure how to advertise properly, your puppies may be overlooked in a sea of other advertisements.
Again, this book is not geared toward breeders, but it is perfect for anyone who owns a business. The book takes you through the does and don’ts of advertising and creating that headline that will get you noticed.
If you plan to advertise, make sure you take the time to read this book.
Doggo Food, “The Real Yummy Treat for your Mighty Friend” or Meet Waffle: “The Fiercest Belgian Malinois”
How’s that for a tagline? The world of selling does not just end up in being able to show your products or services. Much more with showcasing your dogs.
You should learn how to effectively advertise your puppies before you can get good clients. And I mean by good clients, those buyers who are really interested in the specific breed of your dog regardless of the price, and not just some guy you keep on haggling, without appreciating your breeding efforts.
Advertising Master David Ogilvy in his book “Confessions of an Advertising Man” tackles his unconventional method of running an advertising agency which was and still the epitome of every company today, regardless of the industry.
Although this book is quite far from advertising your dog business, I guarantee that you’ll appreciate all the tips he gave especially in setting high standards in choosing clients and managing staff.
David Ogilvy greatly believes in the power of research, (this is the common fault of companies, many do not believe in research, be it a product, market, or consumer research). They all jumped into crafting stalwart tagline and design without acknowledging the weak points of the product or service.
I’m not saying that you have to have an advertising agency for breeding dogs, it’s optional. However, you can learn the effective ways used by the master himself.
Impulsive advertising may be temporarily successful yet, it will drown in history. His goal is to gain a lifelong impact if not being written in the books. Sounds impressive? You too can learn how he made it!
Breeding dogs is a great business and just like the rest, it requires patience and a lot of knowledge. You have to be careful and wise in managing your finances. Every dollar counts!
Don’t just settle for prospective buyer who know nothing about all the hard work. Invest a little more to find the clients highly suitable for you, and guarantee no regrets!
This book may not seem like the usual ones you read but it does have all the essential marketing information you need to become a successful marketer as a dog breeder. Yup, breeding dogs is a business, and just like any other business, you have to have an excellent marketing scheme.
Well, this book may not talk specifically about marketing your dog business but it will walk you through the many techniques you can apply when selling your puppies online.
If you notice, there’s a tough online competition in dog breeding, and the battle isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s quite an ocean of pictures and videos of dogs and kennels being sold, almost on a daily basis. You have to make sure you stand out.
Successful dog breeders focus on their audience, building a solid-rock relationship and the rest will just flow. You can achieve this when you got the right copywriting skills. In fact, sales copywriting is often overlooked by many dog breeders/owners, thinking that it’s just another waste of effort and resources.
However, in this book, Sean Vosler revealed 11 powerful methods that will bring out your marketing skill seamlessly. And that includes not having to do any hard-selling anymore!
Don’t just leave your buyers hanging by simply presenting the different dog breeds you own, and posting pictures and videos. Create a community where your audience feels needed, heard, and that somebody out there cares for their pets.
Perhaps tag yourself as the dog owner who perfected dog breeding and tripled his profit in just 2 cycles. Very interesting isn’t it? Once you got their attention, find out what’s appealing to them, and look for ideas that will let them take necessary actions, and this is where you can subtly market your kennel and your dogs.
If you desire to become a master of this niche or business, you need to arm yourself with much information including updates about marketing and advertising especially those that will help you determine what works best in your breeding business and of course, the quickest way for the return on investment.
Happy breeding and happy reading!
FAQs
10 Best Dog Breeding Books Every Breeder Must Read!? ›
Responsible breeders will ensure that female dogs are bred no more than once per year, and typically will breed no more than two, maybe three litters per year so they can ensure they have enough time to dedicate to raising them properly. Any more than that is indicative of a commercial operation or puppy farming.
How many litters should a breeder have at one time? ›Responsible breeders will ensure that female dogs are bred no more than once per year, and typically will breed no more than two, maybe three litters per year so they can ensure they have enough time to dedicate to raising them properly. Any more than that is indicative of a commercial operation or puppy farming.
What is the best breeding schedule for dogs? ›For most females, the best time for breeding is between the tenth and fourteenth day of estrus. However, some females ovulate as early as the third or fourth day or as late as the eighteenth day. It is normal to arrange for two matings (also called stud services) for your dog, often 24 to 48 hours apart.
What apps do dog breeders use? ›Herobreeder is your digital personal assistant which facilitates your dog breeding activities. You can now efficiently plan, organize and record activities via one central location.
What is the most litters a dog should have? ›A best practice is 4-6 litters per dog
Most reputable breeders will cap even their fittest, best mothers at around 4-6 litters so that she can be spayed while she is still young and at her healthiest.
Canine gestation is only 63 days, but nine months for humans. A dog having a litter every six months is akin to a woman having a baby every two years, which is fairly common in the human world, and most active, healthy women handle that timing fairly easily.
How many days will a female dog let a male mount her? ›The sperm will last inside her for about five to seven days, so if you breed her as soon as she is willing, then breed her again every two or three days until she is no longer willing to allow the male to mount; this means all of her eggs will be fertilized.
What is the rule of 7 breeding dogs? ›Eaten from at least 7 different containers • Been held and petted by at least 7 different people • Taken at least 7 one-mile car rides • Been in a crate at least 7 times • Played with at least 7 different kinds of toys • Walked on at least 7 different substrates (grass, gravel, concrete, etc.)
Should you skip a day in between breeding dogs? ›Breeding, pregnancy, labor, and delivery are very hard on your dog. She needs as much time as you can give her to recuperate from her experiences. At the bare minimum, we recommend allowing her at least one heat cycle in between every breeding.
What is most expensive dog breed? ›The Tibetan mastiff is considered the most expensive dog, as it has sold for thousands and even millions.
How do breeders sell their puppies? ›
If a breeder is USDA licensed that means they sell their puppies to brokers or pet stores. Truly responsible breeders do not sell their puppies to pet stores; they want to meet their puppy buyers in person and do not sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand.
What are the best dog breeding sites? ›| Compare Reviews for Pet Breeders and Adoption Websites Best Rated Best Rated Most Reviewed Highest Rated | |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Puppies and Kittens | Read 290 Reviews |
| Palm Beach Puppies | Read 19 Reviews |
| Puppyfind.com | Read 328 Reviews |
| Gold-Rush Kennels | Read 16 Reviews |
The person who applies first is at the top of the list and gets first pick when a litter becomes available. Then, the second person to apply gets next pick, and so on. In other cases, breeders order their waiting lists according to their own preferences.
Is the first litter of puppies the best? ›The first born tends to be a more focused or a one person type of pet. First-borns are usually the choices of professional dog trainers. Runts, on the other hand, may need more nurturing, but they are fun, frisky pets.
How many puppies can a first time dog have? ›A normal litter size can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being average across all dogs. But just as every breed of dog differs by size, function, and personality, they also differ when it comes to litter size, according to AKC registration data.
Is it better to get a puppy from a large or small litter? ›Big litters can be dangerous to the mother dog (dam) due to delivery problems, especially in smaller dogs. Some of the puppies may be delivered stillborn, and the dam may become exhausted during delivery.
Is it OK for a dog to have two litters in one year? ›They can usually have two litters a year. However, the answer to how many litters the vast majority of dogs should have is none. Most female dogs (called dams when they are mothers) can generally produce two litters yearly, although some can go into heat thrice, having three litters.
Can I put 2 dog litters together? ›Most training professionals strongly recommend against adopting two pups at the same time. The biggest challenge of adopting two new puppies is their tendency to bond very closely with each other, often to the exclusion of a meaningful relationship with their humans. They can become inseparable.
How many times can you breed a female dog? ›It's possible for a female dog to have a maximum of three litters a year. Female dogs can go into heat between the ages of six to 12 months and do not go into menopause. Assuming a dog lives to the average age of 11, this means a dog could have up to 30 litters.
How do you unstick a dog after mating? ›Dogs new to mating may experience a bit of anxiety at being locked together, but it's a natural process. Help your dog to remain calm and stand still until the two can safely separate. This will occur on its own once the male dog's arousal subsides.
What happens if you pull dogs apart when mating? ›
It's totally normal for dogs to get stuck together after mating. It's called a “copulatory tie”. Don't do anything to try to separate the dogs, especially pull them apart by force, which could hurt them! Stay calm and wait for the dogs to unstick themselves.
What does it mean when a female dog is flagging? ›Once she is fully in heat, your dog's tail will often move or curl to the side. This is known as flagging and lets male dogs know she is ready and available for mating.
How close is too close to breed dogs? ›The European Union Responsible Dog Breeding Guidelines and the Dog Breeding Reform Group state that breeders should avoid breeding from individual dogs whose combined coefficient of inbreeding (the combination of both parents), measured over at least 10 generations, is greater than 6.5% [5].
Do dogs have more puppies the more they mate? ›Since each female dog may have six or more puppies with each mating and they may mate twice a year, the pet overpopulation problem can only be resolved through spaying and neutering programs.
Is it OK for a 1 year old dog to get pregnant? ›Some smaller breeds can go into sexual maturity at four months, while larger breeds may need to wait until they are two years old. The best age for a dog to get pregnant will depend on when she reaches sexual maturity.
Is back to back breeding better? ›Most, if not all, reproductive veterinary specialists now recommend doing back to back breeding as long as the mama recovered quickly and easily from the previous litter. Then they recommend retiring a dog early. A dog goes through the exact same hormonal changes and their uterus wears out with every cycle.
Can a male dog penetrate a female not in heat? ›Not only are they not fertile, but their reproductive organs won't open for penetration unless they are in heat so they can't even engage in intercourse. If you discover that your female dog has engaged in intercourse, chances are that her heat symptoms were minimal or silent, so you did not realize she was in heat.
How much is a stud fee for a dog? ›A stud fee can be paid in cash, which roughly costs from $250 to $1,000. It would depend, of course, on how many times the stud became and produced champions. Others would charge an equal price for one puppy. For stud owners who prefer getting paid by having the first pick on the dam's litter, aim for the best.
What is the cheapest purebred dog? ›- Treeing Walker Coonhound $500.
- Miniature Pinscher $500.
- American Foxhound $475.
- Parson Russell Terrier $400.
- Plott Hound $275.
- Black and Tan Coonhound $350.
- Rat Terrier $350.
- Harrier $300.
1. Border collie. According to The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dog breeds in terms of their relative intelligence, the border collie is the smartest dog breed known to man.
What is the royal dog? ›
The first corgis joined the royal family in 1933 when the Duke of York, later King George VI, acquired two for his daughters Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Queen Elizabeth II owned many corgis including Susan, who was an eighteenth birthday present and from whom all future royal corgis have been descended.
What happens to unsold breeder puppies? ›If the puppy still doesn't sell, stores will often cut their losses and give puppies away to employees, friends or rescue groups.
What age do most breeders sell puppies? ›However, most veterinarians and breeders would put the optimum age to bring home a puppy somewhere between 8-to-10 weeks old.
What do breeders do with returned puppies? ›The breeder will rehome the animal with someone who will love and care for it properly. A good breeder will never put up with abuse or neglect from any owner; if anything like that happens at all, they'll take action right away and make sure those owners can't get another puppy from them ever again.
What is the number 1 akc breed? ›As the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, the AKC uses our registration statistics to rank the most popular breeds of the past year. And for the first time in history, 2022 found the French Bulldog taking the No. 1 spot. This ends the Labrador Retriever's 31-year reign as the most popular dog breed in America.
Is there good money in dog breeding? ›However, if managed correctly, a dog breeding business can be quite profitable. There is a high demand for puppies and well bred dogs. Dog lovers often buy puppies as pets. There are also many different dog breeds, which means that there is a lot of potential for variety in the types of puppies that can be bred.
What is the success rate of dog breeding? ›Surgical Insemination
The dog must be anesthetized for this procedure, and semen is injected into the uterus. It has an almost 100% success rate.
The pup will explode in a sudden display that often consists of a snarl, a bite, and snarling with lip curling and a deep growl. This is clearly a red flag and needs to be considered seriously as a disqualifying characteristic for taking a puppy home.
Which puppy to pick from a litter? ›Selecting (or having the breeder select) the puppy who is neither first or last when called, is neither shy nor a bully with littermates, and is neither outstanding or underwhelming in the litter will often be the best match for a happy family: easy to train, travel with, manage, and adapt to your daily life.
Should a breeder pick your puppy? ›Puppy Selection is an Important Part of the Breeding Process
Puppies can move into new homes as early as 8 weeks of age, but it may be best to wait until they are 12 weeks old, when their development and socialization will be more advanced.
How do you pick a calm puppy from a litter? ›
Is he comfortable around people or does he cower when you approach? See if the puppy will roll over on his back for a belly rub. Pups that will remain in that position are typically easygoing, while pups that resist being rolled onto their back often have a more independent nature.
What is the personality of a runt puppy? ›Runt Puppy Personality
Runt of the litter personalities are usually very positive. Runt puppies often get handled more and loved on more, so they are usually well socialized and happy. They still need to learn boundaries, however, so don't spoil them. Let their dam handle interactions if she is a good mother.
The biggest or fattest puppy in the litter can turn out to be the greediest one - he probably pushed the other puppies away to get the most food. The smallest one often can't fend for itself and consequently doesn't get enough food.
What do you feed a mother dog after giving birth? ›- Feed a nutrient-dense diet such as puppy food.
- Without increasing the amount of food offered at a meal, increase the number of meals throughout the day.
- Free-choice feed them, offering unlimited access to dry food throughout the day.
I believe if she recovers fully by 12 weeks post whelping, then you can breed her again next heat. If she struggles to put weight on or her coat isn't recovering, then that would be cause for me to consider skipping a heat cycle.
Do most puppies in a litter survive? ›How many puppies survive in a litter depends greatly on the size of the litter. The fewer pups are born at once, the more likely they are all to survive; however, with large litters, for example, eight puppies, it is not uncommon for only 4-5 to survive.
Why did my dog have all male puppies? ›In other words, if there is a large age gap between the sire and dam, you get litters full of males, while if the sire and dam are approximately equal in age you get litters containing more females.
What is singleton syndrome in dogs? ›Along with lack of bite inhibition, typical problems in singletons include being unable to get out of trouble calmly and graciously, an inability to diffuse social tension, inability to handle frustration, lack of social cues and skills, lack of impulse control, and touch sensitivity.
How many breeding dogs should a breeder have? ›So it's up to the Clubs and the ASPCA to try to cap unethical breeding and prevent puppy mills. The United Kennel Club limits the number of litter per dam to 4 to 5. The American Kennel Club doesn't accept puppies from a dam below 8 months or above 12 years. Remember that even if a breeder is registered, be wary.
What happens if a dog has too many litters? ›Multiple litter also pose the risk of hygiene concerns and deadly viruses and parasites such as parvovirus and hook worm which are rapidly spread. The mother can be severely affected by malnutrition, hypocalcaemia (potentially life-threatening low levels of calcium), uterine infections, and mastitis.
How many puppies can a dog have in their first litter? ›
A normal litter size can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being average across all dogs.
How many times should you let a dog breed? ›Although a dog can get pregnant from one mating, most stud dog owners will recommend the dogs mate two (or even three times), usually 24 – 48 hours apart each time, but this may depend on whether a tie or a slip mating has been achieved.
Is there a lot of money in dog breeding? ›How much a dog breeding business can make depends on the quality of its dogs and how many litters it breeds in a year. A high-end breeder may have just four litters a year, but sell their dogs for $2,500 each. If each litter had six dogs, the business would have an annual revenue of $60,000.
What is the most overbred dog? ›- Cataracts.
- Cleft lip/palate.
- Corkscrew tail (deformed vertebrae)
- Corneal ulcers.
- Dystocia (difficulty giving birth)
- Ear infections.
- Elbow dysplasia.
- Entropion (eyelid disorder)
The quick answer is that dogs can have puppies nearly for the entire duration of their lives. Dogs as old as 12 years or older can theoretically become pregnant. However, these late pregnancies are often associated with complications for both mother and pups.
What is the oldest age a female dog can have puppies? ›Can a dog be too old to have puppies? Technically, both female and male dogs can have puppies their whole lives. However, a dog's fertility drops after the age of seven, and most female dogs can't become pregnant quite as often as they used to.
What determines number of puppies? ›Usually, the size of a dog litter is mainly based on the dog's body size — simply because biologically, bigger bodies are able to carry a larger litter size than smaller bodies. The litter size also depends on the breed of the female. Some small dog breeds will only bear one puppy at a time; we call these singletons.
Do puppies take after mom or dad size? ›Generally speaking, puppies inherit their size from their parents. If you know how big mom and dad are, you'll have a good idea of how big your puppy will be. This is a good place to start if you're trying to estimate your puppy's future size.
Does litter size affect temperament? ›Furthermore, the temperament was affected by litter size and season of birth. One possible interpretation of this would be that it could be possible to affect adult behaviour of dogs by adjusting litter sizes and birth times, but the present data do not allow this conclusion.
How successful is slip mating? ›The fertility rate in a slip mating is not quite as good, as there is often some spillage of semen when withdrawal occurs prior to the locking phase. However, conception is still possible and even likely, providing ejaculation occurred prior to the dogs' separating.