Considerations Before Breeding a Litter of Puppies

Before you commence breeding your dog, it’s good to ask yourself some basic questions to determine whether or not you are ready to begin the process:

• Is the dam healthy enough to have a litter of puppies?
• Have you had health tests for hereditary disorders performed for the dam, and are you prepared to have the same tests done for her litter?
• Do you have enough experience or knowledge about whelping to assist the dam if necessary?
• Do you have a veterinarian who can perform a caesarean if the dam has difficulty during whelping?
• How large of a litter are you ready to care for until they find new homes?
• Are you prepared to have the litter vaccinated, wormed and socialised?
• Do you have enough free time to spend taking care of the litter until the puppies can be released to new owners at 8 weeks old at the earliest?
• Do you think you can say goodbye to puppies you spent 8 weeks raising?
• Can you advise the new owners about the care and raising of their puppies?
• Will you be able to take back or rehome the puppies if necessary?
• Have you researched pet insurance providers to ensure you’re covered, or put aside enough money to cover some of the worst-case scenarios?

If you are unable to answer these questions, you may not yet be ready to begin breeding your dog. We encourage you to do more research into the aspects of breeding mentioned above so that you are more prepared for the experience.

The most successful breeders carefully consider the health, temperament, and physical traits of the dogs being bred. They are also aware of their responsibility to support and guide new puppy owners so that their puppies can live happy, healthy lives.