Becoming a Reputable Dog Breeder

SELECTION OF A BREEDING DOG:

We are going to assume  you have done all the research on breed, selecting one that is right for you and in demand as far as puppies go.  You will want to start with a good quality dog, one who is worthy of being bred. The dog must be a registered purebred. Dogs purchased in pet stores are pet quality, not breeding quality. Look for a breeder who takes their dogs to shows prior to breeding them, thus proving their dogs are excellent quality, worthy of passing on their genetics. The breeder will have ensured both parents were checked for breeding soundnesses as related to the breed. Typically hips, eyes, and ears.

Make sure the breeder can demonstrate that both parents have earned championship titles and passed the genetic vet checks. This will mean your pup has a much better chance and being a quality animal, and therefore worthy of being allowed to breed. You should be able to meet the mom of the litter, make sure she is friendly and approachable.

Most good breeders have waiting lists for pups. If you are serious about becoming a dog breeder you must be willing to wait. Ideally you want first or second pick of the litter. Never take the runt. If the breed has certain standards for color, be sure you check the pup for color and markings. Have the breeder mark which puppy is going to be reserved for you, and get a written contract.
Reputable breeders always offer health guarantees on the pups. They always have the pups vet checked, vaccinated, and dewormed before selling them. Good breeders will not let their pups go before 6 weeks of age, and many wont let them go until 8-10 weeks of age, especially for smaller breed pups. Do not accept a puppy under 6 weeks of age. Never pay for an unvaccinated pup, who has not had a vet check. You could be in for a nightmare of expense.

GET YOUR DOG READY

You must properly socialize and train your pup.  Formal lessons have the advantage of teaching dogs how to socialize with other dogs and how to pay attention to you in the midst of distractions.

As the dog matures, you will need to take it to shows to prove its worth as a breeding animal. It should not be bred until it is two-years-old and has proven itself to be an excellent example of the breed worthy of passing on its genetics. As you attend shows you will meet contacts, who may be interested in future pups from your dog, or be interested in breeding their dog to yours. If after 2 years your dog has not been able to earn any titles, then you have to resign yourself to the fact that the dog is not of breeding quality, and you should spay or neuter the dog.

You must take the dog to the vet to get the proper checks done prior to breeding. Depending what country you are in these checks are referred to by different names, but they basically check things like hips, ears, and eyes.

SELECTING A MATE

Select a mate who has also attained show credentials and proven themselves to be an excellent example of the breed. Try to select a dog who makes the best of any weaknesses your dog has. You will have learned this from showing. Make sure you have a written breeding contract, and both of you should have signed copies. Decide on the stud fee, which sometimes is “pick of the litter”, have this in writing, and include what happens if there is only one puppy born.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Millions of dogs and pups are euthanized every year in USA alone simply because people do not put any thought into breeding their dogs. By making the decision to become a breeder you are potentially contributing to a problem. The bulk of the problem lies with people who breed simply “because they can”. People who do not make sure their dogs are of breeding quality and breed because their dog is “cute”. As a reputable breeder you will not get rich. Breeding dogs is solely for the purpose of improving the breed, reputable breeders breed because they care about the breed and are passionate to improve it.

Breeding is a risky business, at any moment you could have a problem. A reputable breeder is always willing to take back any unwanted pups, and will offer health guarantees against any genetic defect. They do not breed until they have a waiting list ready for people who want pups.   They will not push the female to have litter after litter after litter.  Ultimately the dog is a pet. 

A litter of pups, photo from Wikimedia Commons