Whether you’re a newcomer to breeding or have been part of the industry for a while, it’s crucial to consistently educate yourself and assess the ethicality of your practices. Pregnancy and birth can pose significant challenges for certain breeds, often necessitating medical intervention. Therefore, breeding should not be taken lightly, and careful consideration of the risks to both the animals and their offspring is paramount. Equipping yourself with knowledge about the appropriate actions for your dogs is essential, which is why we’re presenting Part 1 of our two part series on Ethical Breeding Practices to encourage critical thinking.

Breeds Prone to Health Risks

Dog breeds can be categorized based on their skull shapes: Brachycephalic, Dolichocephalic, and Mesocephalic. Each type has distinct characteristics:

• Brachycephalic breeds, like French bulldogs and pugs, have a wide but short skull.
• Dolichocephalic breeds possess an elongated skull.
• Mesocephalic breeds have a skull shape resembling a pyramid.

Over the past century, these skull shapes have undergone significant changes due to selective breeding practices. Notably, Brachycephalic breeds often face severe health issues, including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which can lead to life-threatening complications during pregnancy and birth. However, it’s important to acknowledge that all breeds are susceptible to certain medical conditions, each with its own set of inherent issues. While Brachycephalic breeds are notorious for breeding challenges, Dolichocephalic and Mesocephalic breeds also present genetic concerns. Therefore, before breeding any female dog, regardless of breed, it’s essential to prioritize her health and consider various factors:

• Is she at a healthy weight and age? Breeding a dog before she reaches maturity or a healthy adult weight is ill-advised as she may not be physically prepared for pregnancy.
• Are her worming treatments up to date? Preventing parasitic infections is crucial for embryo health.
• Are her vaccinations current? Vaccinations help prevent the transmission of diseases during pregnancy and post-birth.
• If she’s had previous litters, were there any genetic predispositions like umbilical hernias or cryptorchid males? These conditions can be hereditary and may affect future litters.

Similarly, the selected stud dog should undergo basic health checks and genetic screenings specific to their breed to ensure the overall health and well-being of all animals involved. It’s imperative to remember that each dog is unique and requires thorough evaluation before proceeding with breeding endeavors.

Umbilical Hernias & Cryptorchidism

As mentioned earlier, umbilical hernias and cryptorchidism can be hereditary conditions within certain breeding lines. Umbilical hernias can be classified into two types:

• Reducible hernias, which are typically smaller and can often be pushed back into the abdomen.
• Irreducible hernias, which are larger and may contain portions of abdominal organs, posing a higher risk of complications.

Cryptorchidism, associated with a DNA marker, involves one or both testes failing to descend from the inguinal canal by six months of age. Breeding dogs with a history of these conditions should be avoided to prevent passing on genetic predispositions.

Pregnancy Health Checks

Regular veterinary check-ups and appropriate nutrition are vital to support a bitch’s pregnancy. Health checks, including scans (which can be done at home with your own scanner, preferably after training), should be conducted to monitor the pups’ and mother’s well-being and address any concerns promptly. Owners should also observe for signs of complications, adjust exercise routines, and consider dietary changes as pregnancy progresses. Medication administration should only occur under veterinary supervision to ensure the safety of the bitch and her puppies.

Common Breeding Complications

Miscarriage and dystocia are potential risks during pregnancy and birth, necessitating immediate veterinary attention if symptoms arise. Factors such as age, obesity, and breed predispose dogs to these complications, highlighting the importance of vigilant monitoring and proactive management throughout the breeding process.

Join us for Part 2 of Ethical Breeding Practices next week, when we will be looking at birth- what to expect and how to give the best possible care.