To Breed or not to Breed: That's the Question.
By Paul Jensen

It's natural that if you own a bitch, (please don't be offended, I am using the word in this article as defined by Webster's dictionary as an acceptable terminology for a female dog) you'll ask yourself, one day, "Should she have puppies?"  I know.  I did.  And my answer was "Yes!"  But I didn't reach the conclusion without asking some more questions -- and so should you.  You should ask yourself, as I did:

  *  Is our bitch of such a QUALITY that she should procreate?
  *  Is our bitch's TEMPERAMENT good?
  *  Is our bitch HEALTHY & DISEASE FREE to risk having puppies?
  *  Is our bitch certified free of HIP DYSPLASIA?
  *  Is our bitch's DENTITION correct?
  *  Will we have the two breeding animals tested for BRUCELLOSIS?
  *  Do we know the BREED STANDARD?
  *  Do we have the TIME for puppies?
  *  Do we have the SPACE for puppies?
  *  Do we have the MONEY for puppies?

Let's discuss these questions one by one because your decision to breed should not be taken lightly.  The world doesn't need more puppies, just better ones.  There is really only one reason to breed and that is to improve.  I would like to emphasize that breeding is a combination of art and science.  To breed is also a privilege and not a means of making money.  Many an amateur breeder has found that getting the house filled with seven-week old puppies is no picnic and especially not if new homes have not been found for them yet.  Many of these breeders may have to give several of their puppies away because there is no way that they can keep them all.

Quality of the Dog
Breeding should only be attempted if your dog is considered a "good" dog.  By good I mean that she descend from a line that has demonstrated its ability to produce to type.  Your bitch should conform closely to the breed standard, be free of any disqualifying faults, have a good temperament and in be good health.  She should be easily trained and have proven herself either in the show ring or in the field.  Your views of the bitch should be confirmed by qualifying results obtained under unbiased judges at shows or in field events.

Temperament and Health
Does your bitch have the temperament to make her a good mother?  Is she healthy?
These are important questions.  A shy or nervous bitch should never be bred, no matter how good she may be in all other respects.  A shy bitch will not become more trusting or confident after having puppies, and a nervous bitch will not become calmer.  Nervousness, in particular, is hereditary; a bitch can and will pass this trait on to her puppies, they will be restless, noisy animals all their lives.
Are you certain about your bitch's health?  Her general good condition determines the healthiness and good quality of her puppies and also ensures that the birthing will be easy and without complications.  Of course, she shouldn't be bred if she is sick or overweight.  Even if she is sound and of the right weight, she should have a history of good health, and of good nutrition. She should have regular exercise before she gets into heat for the number of eggs that will be fertile depends on her health.

How old is she?  Ideally, I believe, a bitch should not be bred until after she reaches the age of two years.  She shouldn't be bred at her first heat, because she isn't fully developed, and breeding at that time could cause irreparable damage.  On the other hand, she shouldn't be too old.  A bitch that has reached the age of six should not be bred for the first time until you have consulted with a veterinarian and received a go-ahead from him or her.