If you are thinking of breeding a litter from your pet dog, there are a few things you may need to think about first.
It's an old wives tale that a bitch benefits in any way from having a litter. In fact, each litter she has may actually reduce her lifespan and there are risks involved in pregnancy and whelping. Also, using a male for breeding can make him more difficult to handle if bitches are around.
Before breeding it's important to make sure that your bitch/ dog is fit and healthy and doesn't suffer any health problems which could be exacerbated by breeding or are likely to be passed on to the pups. Depending on the breed, hip/ elbow X-rays, eye tests and hearing tests may be advisable in order to avoid passing on hereditary diseases. Pups bred from Kennel Club registered parents with all the appropriate tests done for their breed are always far more likely to find good homes than those bred from a mongrel or an unregistered/ untested dog - however sweet that dog's personality.
So - don't be put off if breeding is what you have in mind, but do pick up the phone and make an appointment so we can check your dog over and advise you further.
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