How to Breed UKC Purple Ribbon Dogs

When you register a dog with the United Kennel Club, or UKC, your registration may come back labeled Purple Ribbon Bred. This is the way that UKC classifies dogs that have at least three generations of ancestors registered with UKC. Dogs classified as "PR" or Purple Ribbon Bred are usually more expensive.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look at your dog's pedigree. It is important to note if all of the dogs in the first three generations are UKC registered. In some cases, a dog owner can get a dog registered with UKC from another kennel club. When this happens, some dogs in the pedigree may have only an identification number instead of a registration number. If you are unsure about the dogs in your dog's pedigree, you can contact UKC via phone at [phone] or by email at [e-mail] to get help deciphering your dog's pedigree.

2. Check the dog's pedigree that you want to breed your dog with to make sure it is eligible. In order to be Purple Ribbon Bred, all dogs in the first three generations on the dam's side and the sire's side must be registered with UKC.

3. Have the dam and sire both checked for health problems before the dam goes into heat. If either dog has genetic problems that may be passed on to the puppies, the breeding should be passed up. Knowingly producing dogs that may have serious health problems is a sign of an irresponsible and unethical breeder.

4. Wait for the dam to go into heat. You can talk to your veterinarian to determine when she will be fertile and accepting of the sire during her heat cycle. This varies by breed. It is generally one to two weeks after the first day of bleeding.

5. Allow the two dogs to mate. It is best to leave them alone and check on them periodically as long as neither dog is showing aggression. Dogs who are stressed will have difficulty breeding. They can breed more than once during her cycle.

6. Take the dam to the veterinarian to verify pregnancy. Different veterinarians will do this at different times. Generally, it is two to four weeks after the breeding took place.

7. Watch for signs of labor. Dogs stay pregnant for about 60 days. Be on the look out for the dam preparing a place to have the puppies. She will tear things up and place them in a pile, usually in a dark spot. When labor starts, she will begin panting and will either get really restless or lay down. She may become frantic right before a puppy is born.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice any signs of distress during labor, take the dam to the veterinarian immediately.
• Contact your veterinarian if it has been longer than 30 minutes since the last puppy was born if the dam still has puppies in her. A puppy may be stuck in the birth canal. This can cause the dam and remaining puppies to die if medical attention is delayed.