Breeding

CONSIDERATIONS FOR OWNERS THINKING ABOUT BREEDING

Having a litter of puppies can be very rewarding and a lovely experience.  However, there is lots of things you must consider before you embark on this adventure. It is a huge responsibility but can also be very rewarding.

  • Responsible dog breeders believe that each litter that they breed, should be an improvement on the parents.
  • Responsible dog breeders give careful consideration to health issues, temperament and soundness.
  • Responsible dog breeders plan ahead of each mating so as to ensure that each puppy produced will be bred in the best possible environment.
  • Responsible dog breeders accept responsibility for a puppy which they have bred, and make themselves available to give advice, help and information to new owners.

Here are some questions to ask yourself and seriously consider before deciding to breed or not. Click each question for more points to consider.

Do I need a license?

Please look at the latest legislation for breeders, 1st October 2018, and speak to your local council about the requirements for a Breeder’s License. For more information go to the Kennel Club’s (KC) website.

Can I give the time and attention my bitch and puppies will require for at least 8 weeks?
  1. Do I have the knowledge of what whelping will require?
  2. Do I know what the puppies will need, i.e. feeding, cleaning, training and socialising?
  3. Have I spoken to people who have bred a litter of puppies?
  4. Am I prepared for any possible vet expenses?
Will I be able to find suitable homes for my puppies?
  1. Do I already have any demand for new homes for my puppies?
  2. What new homes do I want that will ensure permanent loving homes?
  3. How do I ‘vet’ prospective new owners to ensure they get good homes?
  4. Could I take back a puppy if things go wrong, or rehome one?
Is my bitch of suitable quality and temperament to be having puppies?
  1. Is she a good example of the breed?
  2. Is she fit and in good health?
  3. Does she have a good temperament?
  4. Have I spoken to her breeder, asked their opinion about breeding and have their support?
  5. Do I know the Von Willebrands Disease (vWB) status of my bitch for sure? Check registration document or DNA certificate.
Have I seriously considered which dog would make a suitable sire for the litter?
  1. Discussed with your bitch’s breeder and sought advice.
  2. Do I know what I like in a sire and what would improve the puppies?
  3. Seen possible dogs and seen pedigrees for matching.
  4. Will this dog with my bitch help me improve my puppies?
  5. Considered health tests and vWB status.
  6. Considered the inbreeding coefficient? For more information go to the KC website.
Do I know the Von Willebrands (vWB) status of the bitch and stud dog?

You must know your bitches and the stud dog’s Von Willebrands Disease (vWB) status before mating.

You can only know this for sure if;

  1. The vWB status is on the official KC registration document.
  2. The test result is stated on the KC website.
  3. The breeder gave you a certificate of the DNA test. (results were not always given to KC)

If you don’t know your dog’s status, contact the breeder. If they do not know, and you are a member, you can get a DNA test kit from Carol Dunford, BMTC.

T: 01539 535107
E: c.dunford225@btinternet.com

Alternatively you can arrange your own DNA. A list of laboratories that provide DNA testing can be found on the KC website.

It is of no detriment if you find your dog is a carrier, you can still breed if you wish but you must use a breeding partner that is clear of vWB.  You would also be responsible for getting DNA tests for all the puppies produced.

More info from the KC

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-breeding/first-time-breeders/introduction-to-breeding/

Having considered all of the above and if you have been able to answer yes to all the points we wish you every success with your breeding plans. If you have not been able to say yes to the above questions  breeding may not be for you

PUPPY SOCIALISATION AND NEW FAMILY

So you have taken the plunge and you have a lovely litter of puppies.  Congratulations and well done. You now need to prepare your puppies for their future lives with their new forever homes.

Puppy Socialisation Plan

It’s very important to start the puppy training process of socialising and housetraining so that your puppy has a good start for moving to their new family. In partnership with Canine Trust the KC has developed Puppy Plan – The Puppy Socialisation Plan website. We recommend that you read and create your own plan.

Picking the Right Homes for your Puppies

After all your hard work and love you have given to your puppies, we are sure you will want them to all go to loving, suitable and forever homes. Please check the potential owners carefully, the last thing you want is for a one of your puppies not being well cared for or being returned to you.

A Few Tips

How serious are the callers about caring for a new puppy?

How well do they know dogs and their needs and specifically knowledge of the Manchester Terrier breed?

Test their commitment for long term lifetime and their work/life balance.

Is someone home to look after the puppy?

Is the home safe, i.e. enclosed garden?

Check any children are ok with your dogs.

Check why do the family want a dog and the possible lifestyle.

How are the potential owners with your adult dogs?

Are they open to learning about caring for a Manchester Terrier puppy?

Do they understand the importance of puppy socialisation and training and have the time to do it?