Dog Thyroid

The Art of Dog Breeding

Dog breeding can be an interesting challenge, and if you are seriously considering it, you should know that it may take 15 or 20 years to see if you have bred a finer quality of animal over time because of the "selective breeding" decisions you made. Although you will never achieve Breed Standard, it should be your guide all through the course of your business.

How dog breeders succeed

Besides being in the business for the long haul, successful breeders enjoy spending time and energy with the breed they have chosen because they really love what they do. Also, their choice of breed is based on many factors, including the climate they live in and the amount of space they have for breeding. Remember, too, that every breed has its own set of potential health problems.

The most practical approach is to begin your breeding stock with the best quality dogs you can find. Research those reputable breeders who show their dogs and can list American Kennel Club (AKC) titled champions. Since a dog's temperament (which is closely related to genetics) is an important consideration, look for one that seems self-confident, mellow rather than high-strung, and lovable.

To start, learn as much as you can about the breed you have chosen, and become totally familiar with the Breed Standard, because that will be your guide. You can talk things over with established dog breeders, study the want ads to see what the market is like, examine pedigree charts, read some good books on the topic, and spend some time at dog shows as part of your preparation. Finally, you will need to develop your own "kennel philosophy" (which is like a company's mission statement) and complete the task by putting your standards and goals in writing.

Expenses and investments in dog breeding

Be sure that you don't underestimate these items when you calculate the cost being a professional dog breeder. Also, plan to work with a veterinarian in caring for them, and see if a monthly payment policy can be implemented when that becomes necessary. Remember to include advertising, the cost of building, outfitting, and electrifying a kennel, liability and property insurance premiums, zoning approval, property taxes, and maintenance.

Here are some other factors to consider:

? A veterinary specialist who is board-certified must examine your dogs' eyes for hereditary defects for a fee, and this will be updated periodically.

? A heart evaluation (generally at a university) must be done by a specialist who is board-certified.

? A one-time blood test of the dogs' thyroid function is also required, and it can be administered at a nearby veterinary hospital.

? Both microchip and DNA must be registered with the AKC, and they are essential if you plan on using artificial insemination in breeding your dogs.

? A brucellosis test is ran prior to every breeding to show if either the male or female is a carrier of this disease, which is sexually transmitted.

? Before breeding, bring your dogs into the veterinarian for a preventive worming treatment and the required vaccinations.

For more information on dog breeding, visit http://dogbreed.tv

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