How to Start Dog Breeding: Part 1
By: Responsible Group Australia Posted October 3, 2023

Dog breeding is a complex venture demanding unwavering dedication, deep knowledge, and an authentic passion for dogs. This guide aims to illuminate the journey for those aspiring to breed responsibly, ensuring they tread with care and a commitment to ethical practices.
Preparing to Breed a Litter of Puppies
Breeding isn’t merely about pairing two dogs. It’s a careful process involving the health and well-being of both the parent dogs and their future puppies.
Health Evaluations
Health is paramount. Potential breeding dogs must undergo thorough health screenings to ensure they do not carry genetic disorders. Tests for conditions like hip dysplasia, breed-specific eye issues, and other inheritable ailments are essential. Regular health assessments, beginning early in life, help monitor ongoing well-being and catch potential issues before they worsen.
Mental Well-being
Temperament holds as much weight as physical traits. Breeding dogs should embody the desired characteristics of their breed without signs of aggression, extreme timidity, or other behavioral concerns. Since temperament is inheritable, selecting dogs with stable, sound temperaments is crucial.
Knowledge of the Breed
A responsible breeder must be well-versed in the breed standard, typically defined by recognised kennel clubs and breed societies. This standard outlines the ideal traits, appearance, and disposition of the breed. Breeding should aim to not only meet but enhance these standards.
Age Considerations
Dogs should not be bred too young. They need to mature both physically and mentally before handling pregnancy and parenting. Conversely, breeding them too late increases health risks. Consulting veterinarians to determine the breed-specific optimal breeding age is vital.
Environment
Providing a secure, clean, and calm environment for the expectant mother is critical. This involves not just the whelping area but the entire living space. Stress can adversely impact the health of both the pregnant dog and her puppies, so creating a peaceful atmosphere is key.
Financial Readiness
Breeding incurs significant costs. Expenses range from health checks and potential emergency care to quality food for nursing mothers and essential equipment like whelping boxes. Additionally, unexpected complications during birth, such as the need for caesareans, can be financially burdensome.
Post-birth Commitment
Once the puppies arrive, they require vaccinations, deworming, and regular health checks. Socialisation is equally important to ensure they grow into well-adjusted pets. This phase demands time, patience, and a strong grasp of puppy development.
Education and Mentorship
New breeders should seek mentorship from experienced counterparts. Their insights and lessons are invaluable. Moreover, there are numerous courses, books, and seminars available that delve into the nuances of puppy breeding.
Legalities
Understanding the legal framework around breeding is crucial. This includes adhering to state regulations, becoming a registered breeder, and ensuring compliance with microchipping laws and other local mandates.
Why Breed to Improve the Breed?

Breeding should never be undertaken casually or solely for profit. The primary goal for any conscientious breeder is to elevate the breed. This involves striving to produce dogs that not only exemplify the breed standard but also address known weaknesses or issues.
For instance, if a breed is predisposed to a genetic condition, responsible breeders select pairs that do not carry the harmful gene, gradually working to reduce its prevalence in future generations.
Temperament is equally significant. If a breed standard calls for gentleness but a particular dog displays unprovoked aggression, that dog should be excluded from breeding, even if it meets all physical criteria.
The Commitment of Being a Dog Breeder

Being a breeder isn’t just about facilitating a mating and selling puppies. It involves a lifetime commitment to the well-being of the dogs you produce. RPBA breeders, for example, are obligated to take back or rehome any dog they’ve bred if circumstances change, regardless of the dog’s age.
Additionally, a breeder is responsible for ensuring each puppy is healthy, socialised, and placed in a responsible home. Screening potential buyers is crucial to ensure they provide a stable and loving environment.
Choosing A Suitable Mate for Your Dog
Choosing a suitable mate is fundamental in responsible breeding. Start by researching potential partners thoroughly, aiming to find a dog that complements your dog’s strengths and compensates for its weaknesses.
Understanding lineage is critical. This involves examining several generations, recognising any health issues, temperamental concerns, and evaluating how previous litters have turned out. Visiting potential mates offers an opportunity to assess not just the dog’s condition and behavior but also the environment they’re raised in, providing insights into their overall well-being.
The Genetics of Dog Breeding
At its core, dog breeding hinges on genetics. Understanding genetic principles allows breeders to make informed decisions when pairing dogs.
Genetic testing has become essential in responsible breeding. These tests identify whether a dog is a carrier or affected by specific genetic disorders. By avoiding the mating of two carriers, the risk of producing affected puppies is minimised.
Beyond physical appearance, understanding dominant and recessive genes helps predict characteristics in litters. For example, coat colour in some breeds is controlled by dominant traits, making certain shades more likely to appear in offspring.
However, genetics extends beyond looks. Behavioural traits, health predispositions, and temperament are all shaped by a dog’s genetic makeup.
RPBA members benefit from discounted Orivet DNA testing, providing them with comprehensive information on their dogs’ genetic profiles.
Conclusion of Part 1
Breeding dogs is a profound responsibility, not a pursuit to be taken lightly. With the right knowledge, unwavering dedication, and a genuine commitment to improving the breed, it can be an immensely rewarding endeavor. Stay tuned for part 2 of this series, and always uphold the highest standards of ethics and care, keeping the welfare of the dogs at the heart of every decision.
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