Responsibilities Of A Good Breeder


The following 7 procedures and practices are recommended for breeders in order to help minimize the suffering by both dogs and their owners stemming from unwise breeding practices.

1. Select a male and female of at least 2 years of age. Both must be free of physical defects and obvious behavioral deficits such as hyperactivity, aggressiveness, shyness, excessive excitability or inhibition, or hyper-reactivity to sound or movements.

2. Examine the parentage and grand-parentage of the male and female for health and behavioral problems. If negative factors are found, do not breed the descendants.

3. Investigate the environmental history of the male's and female's parents and grandparents. Do not breed them if they are from strictly kennel environments or puppy mills.

4. Have blood samples analyzed. This analysis should be performed by a reliable veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The female must not be in estrus at the time of blood testing.

5. Do not breed the female dog if the blood analysis uncovers any abnormalities.

6. Have the male's semen analyzed by a qualified veterinary reproduction laboratory.

7. Do not breed the female dog more than once every 2 years.

These procedures help to assure reputable breeders that they are preventing further spread of heritable problems that may plague their breeds.