Breeding is both a rewarding and demanding endeavor that goes beyond just pairing two dogs. In our previous post “Should I Breed? What to Consider Before Breeding Dogs”, we discuss the basics, including health, temperament and soundness of your dog, as well as owner factors like time, finances and commitment level that contribute to successful breeding programs. However, there’s always more you could do! Below are some tips you might consider to up your game before breeding your next litter, as well as a handy breeding checklist.
Knowing the lineage and family history of your breeding dogs is essential for maintaining breed integrity and achieving consistency in your program, and many breeders joke they have a pedigree research addiction. Genetic testing such as Optimal Selection™ and MyDogDNA™ allow for broad testing of a variety of traits and disorders, as well as measured, not estimated, genetic diversity that give you a solid framework to work from. However, it is still not possible to genetically test for many traits and disorders, so pedigree information can be invaluable. Clearly defining your specific breeding goals, whether you wish to avoid popular sires, or want to improve structure, temperament, or working ability, enhances your focus when researching pedigrees. Pedigree research paralysis happens when a breeder tries to optimize every aspect of her dog, and can’t determine which is the one dog that will do the job. Instead, you may choose to define what your ‘minimum requirements’ for a potential mate are, and then determine what specific features you want to prioritize in this breeding instead of “everything.” By clearly determining what you wish to improve upon, you can develop a personal algorithm to identify lines that may be of greater merit to you, which lifts the burden of choosing the only “right” mate.
Depending on your goals, you may also weigh the benefits of outcrossing to unrelated breed lines to diversify and strengthen genetic health, especially if your Wisdom Panel™ breeder testing shows below-breed-average genetic diversity between your foundation dogs. There are often public, online pedigree database services favored by your breed, and sometimes separate ones depending on country, so it pays to do a little searching if you are looking to bring in new or underutilized lines. Because Optimal Selection™ is popular with breeders in North America, and MyDogDNA™ in Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond, there’s a good chance a candidate mate may already have equivalent Wisdom Panel™ breeder results to your dog for comparison or have access to testing. Additionally, consultation with genetics experts can offer valuable insights tailored to your breeding objectives.
If you aren’t already doing so, consider tracking data around your breeding program, either in a spreadsheet, or using pedigree software. Most breeders track vaccination schedules, heats, deworming, vet visits, health screening results and whelping dates. But do you track failure to breed, sperm motility, resorbed puppies, litter sizes, difficult birth, neonatal deaths, vaccine reactions, disorders, and life span? These are data points that are many times tied to heritable factors, especially genetic diversity. In the case of fertility, and you may be surprised to find trends once you start recording these data and comparing to your pedigrees and Wisdom Panel™ breeder genetic testing results.
Early socialization plays a vital role in a puppy’s future behavior and success, and as a breeder, you have a unique opportunity to shape each puppy’s experiences during these crucial formative weeks. Incorporating Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) can enhance a puppy's adaptability and resilience, giving them a strong foundation for handling new environments with ease. Gradual positive exposure to different sounds, surfaces, and gentle handling helps puppies build confidence, allowing them to transition smoothly to their future homes and adapt well to various situations. Creating a safe, clean, and dedicated whelping area that is warm and secure is also essential, as it promotes a healthy, low-stress environment for both the dam and her puppies. By focusing on these elements, you support each puppy’s early development and set them up for a positive start in life.
The world of dog breeding is constantly evolving, with new research and technologies emerging to support the health and development of different breeds. By staying informed and continually expanding your knowledge, you can make choices that enhance both your breeding program and the breed as a whole. Attending breeder seminars and workshops provides an excellent opportunity to learn directly from experts in areas like genetics, health, and training, while also allowing you to network with other breeders and gain valuable support and insights.
In the US, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has a great website listing purebred dog research grants currently underway, and puts on a National Parent Club Canine Health Conference every two years that’s well worth attending. If your club is not sending a health committee chair, you may ask if you can go as a representative and report back to your group. In Europe, the International Partnership for Dogs puts on Dog Health Workshops about every 2 years in different countries, with stakeholders from kennel clubs, veterinary groups, researchers and rescue organizations. Staying current with research and trends through events and articles, such as those on this blog, not only strengthens your confidence, but also helps support a healthier future for your dogs and your breed overall.
Here is a supplemental checklist that you may wish to print:
DNA Health Testing: Screen for breed-specific genetic variants to identify potential health risks and ensure compatibility between breeding pairs.
Veterinary Health Exams: Schedule a comprehensive exam to confirm both dogs are in optimal health.
Hip and Joint Evaluations: Check for conditions like hip dysplasia (OFA, PennHIP, BVA Hip Scheme) to ensure sound structural health.
Cardiac Screening: Evaluate for breed-specific cardiac issues to rule out any heart conditions.
Eye Exams: Screen for breed-specific eye conditions through a certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Brucellosis Test: Test both breeding dogs for Brucella to prevent infectious disease transmission.
Study Pedigree and Lineage: Review both dogs’ pedigrees to understand traits, strengths, and weaknesses in their lines.
Set Breeding Goals: Identify specific qualities you’re aiming to improve in the litter (e.g., temperament, structure, performance).
Determine Breeding Strategy: Decide whether to pursue outcrossing based on your breeding goals and genetic diversity needs.
Budget for Health Testing and Vet Costs: Calculate expected expenses for routine exams, DNA testing, and any necessary health screenings.
Prepare for Pregnancy and Whelping Expenses: Include costs for pregnancy scans, whelping supplies, and potential emergency care.
Plan for Puppy Care Costs: Budget for vaccinations, microchipping, early health checks, and socialization activities for the litter.
Prepare Whelping Area: Set up a clean, warm, secure space for the dam and puppies, ensuring it is free from stressors and well-stocked with essentials.
Stock Whelping Supplies: Gather necessary supplies, such as whelping pads, clean towels, heating pads, and disinfectants.
Arrange a Quiet, Safe Space: Create a calm environment for the dam, where she can feel secure and comfortable before, during, and after whelping.
Plan Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) Routine: Map out the ENS exercises to perform with puppies from days 3 to 16 to support their adaptability.
Schedule Gradual Socialization: Plan gentle exposure to sounds, textures, and handling to build each puppy’s confidence.
Ensure Cleanliness and Safety: Keep the area clean and sanitized to support the health and well-being of both the dam and puppies.
Develop Marketing Plan: Choose reputable platforms, breeder networks, and social media to announce your litter.
Screen Potential Buyers: Prepare a questionnaire or interview process to assess each buyer’s readiness and suitability for owning a puppy.
Prepare Puppy Information Packets: Include breed information, care instructions, and vaccination records to educate new owners.
Attend Breeder Seminars or Workshops: Seek continuing education opportunities to stay current on genetics, health, and breeding best practices.
Keep Up with DNA Testing Advances: Regularly review new genetic tests for your breed to stay proactive in addressing emerging health concerns.
Plan for Owner Support: Offer guidance to new puppy owners on breed traits, care, and training to ensure a smooth transition and long-term support.
Confirm Local Breeding Regulations: Make sure you’re familiar with any licensing or regulatory requirements in your area.
Create a Breeding Schedule: Outline key milestones, including pregnancy checks, due dates, and puppy evaluations, to stay organized.
Track Your Kennel’s Data: Record preventative care, but also reproductive data, health data, and even life span.
Although the planning that goes into a successful and informed breeding can be stressful, it is well worth the effort. Having a plan, including a checklist of applicable to-do items like the one we’ve proved above, helps to make the many steps less overwhelming. We hope you may also consider some of the additional suggestions to increase your knowledge of breeding in general, as well as your own particular lines as you continue your lifelong journey to become a better breeder.
