How to Breed Pedigree Dogs

Breeding pedigree dogs takes a lot of research. Ancestral lineage, coat and eye color, bone structure, head size, genetic and other health conditions, temperament and breeding costs are all factors to consider when planning a breeding. Read on to learn how to breed pedigree dogs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check the registration papers of both dogs to be sure that they are from the same kennel club. Some kennel clubs will not recognize dogs from certain other kennel clubs. If the dogs belong to kennel clubs, find out if you can dual register both dogs so you will have a dual registered litter.

2. Scrutinize the pedigree of both dogs. It is important to check for compatibility of all ancestors in the lineage. If you are dealing with a breed of dog with specific blood lines, check that all dogs in the pedigree are part of the blood line.

3. Take the dam and sire to the veterinarian to have a complete health check. This should include blood tests for sexually transmitted diseases and x-rays for hip dysplacia. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations of any other tests for your breed of dog.

4. Look at the breed conformation standards for your dog. Make sure that both the dam and the sire comply with the breed conformation standards. Breed conformation standards are available from each kennel club.

5. Introduce the dogs before the dam goes into heat. Some dams will reject unfamiliar males when she is in heat.

6. Watch the female closely to determine when she is ready for breeding. Ask your veterinarian for guidelines for your specific breed.

7. Get a copy of the registration and a certified copy of the pedigree for both dogs at the time the breeding takes place. This will help make the litter registration process easier when the puppies are born.

Tips & Warnings

• When you look at the registration or pedigree for the dog that your dog will be breeding with, check the coat color listed on the papers to ensure that the dog is the same one that is listed on the papers.
• Have a muzzle available for each dog during breeding. Dogs can get nippy during mating.
• Don't breed your pedigree dog with any dog unless you see a copy of the registration and pedigree of the other dog.
• Never breed a pedigree dog with any dog of a different breed. This will only produce non-pedigree puppies.