So you’ve decided to breed dogs? The first step to success is taking it seriously. Think of it as rearing a family. It will involve just as much patience, dedication, and hard work – and will likely be as rewarding.

You probably have some experience with dogs, which is why you've decided to become a breeder in the first place. In case you don’t, it is vital that you have at least the fundamentals of dog-care in place before you start.

Step 1: Research

Once you know the breed you will be focusing on, read all that you can about them. It isn’t enough to have basic knowledge at this stage. Save yourself a lot of trouble in the future by doing your research right – and make research a continuous process even after you gain experience

Start by learning about the dog breed’s:

• History
• Appearance
• Feeding habits
• Temperament
• Illnesses they are prone to

Dogs are usually easy to look after as pets, but if you mean to take up dog breeding either as a hobby or as a profession, you will be expected to put in more effort. Purebreds require more attention, grooming, and training than domestic pets. Remember that your dogs will be compared to those of other breeders, and must meet the standards.

It is usually smarter to focus on one or two breeds. If you choose more than that, you may not manage to become an expert on any of them. Subscribe to a magazine or newsletter to help you.

Step 2: Know the standards and requirements for dog breeding

Your dogs will have to meet the required standards if they are to be accepted by the professional dog breeding community. It would be unfair to yourself and to your dogs if you allow them to fall short of established standards because you were unaware of a certain requirement.

In a competitive sphere, your dogs will be judged by the breed standard. It helps if you are a member of a local or parent club or interact in some way with other dog breeders. This is so you can exchange information and hear about the upcoming events in your locality.

You should attend dog shows before you actually plan to enter one. This will give you an idea of the kind of issues you need to consider, and will allow you to interact with experts and learn what is expected of you.

It will also give you a perspective of your dog’s capabilities and intelligence when you see what other dogs are judged on. Once you are clear about this, you should be able to evaluate your dog fairly and without bias.

Step 3: Evaluate your dog

Evaluating your dog is necessary for a number of reasons. Before trying to train, mate or groom your dog, you need to know all there is to know about it. Consult experts who are involved with the same breed for problems that may be breed-specific. Talk to your dog breeder to learn about its history and hopefully predict and prevent any problems.

Get your dog professionally assessed. This could mean taking it to someone experienced or entering it in events in which it will have to compete against other dogs. You could learn a lot from watching your own dog, and other dogs with their owners.

Ensure that your records and documentation are accurate and up to date. Medical histories, proof of registration and other details should not be delayed. The pedigree of a dog is important and you will need proof of it at some point. Also, when the time comes to sell your puppies you will need the documentation for each pup.

Step 4: Understand your obligations as breeder

If you have undertaken dog breeding, you are responsible for them whether they remain with you or not. Be prepared to deal with medical emergencies, unpleasant situations or loss.

Breeders plan the birth of a puppy after considering the health and traits of its parents and therefore know most about it. Instead of being a pet for the family, the puppy represents your effort to perfect the breed as much as possible. You will be called upon for answers, solutions, and help and must be aware of this before you start breeding dogs.

Don’t be tempted to let a third party sell your pups for you. A good breeder will ensure that each puppy goes to a good home where its needs will be met and where it can be watched over.

Be prepared for these issues and others. The rewards of seeing a healthy litter of pups, a prize-winning dog, or a family happy with their new pet are the positive sides of breeding. That’s the part that doesn’t need any preparation.

Resources:
Dog Breeding Forum