The more info, the better!

claire_88 · #1 22-07-11, 09:45 PM

This may seem very premature as my gsd bitch is still only 4 months old, but i want to use the time to find out everything i possibly can about potentially breeding her.

When's the right age if there is one?
What to expect from start to end: the labour etc...
What sort of tests need to be done?
Has anyone experienced bad labours? What happened and how was it resolved?
Alot of questions but the more information i can gather will help me decide whether it is the right thing to do and if both my girl and myself can do this.

This is my first female gsd so basically know very little about breeding and the pregnancy.

hippychickuk · #2 22-07-11, 10:04 PM

is there any reason why you would want to breed her. IMO there are so many dogs in shelters. i personally wouldnt want to add to that problem.

claire_88 · #3 22-07-11, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hippychickuk

is there any reason why you would want to breed her. IMO there are so many dogs in shelters. i personally wouldnt want to add to that problem.

Heard it was good for them to have at least one litter......... but this was the point of the thread, to find out peoples opinions on this. Maybe a totally different scenario but i really regretted getting my male neutered. Which is why i'm probably doing my research for my girl.
Yes shelters are crammed pack. That will go as a tick in my con box.

hippychickuk · #4 22-07-11, 10:19 PM

im sure someone will come along soon and let you know what relevant tests, and what ever else you need to know, or do before you breed

Otto 's Mutter · #5 22-07-11, 10:27 PM

Personally, I would leave breeding to the experts.

Sorry if this is not the answer you want to hear but for a start there are so many health issues to take into consideration.

Enjoy your little girl without feeling the pressure to breed from her. There are plenty of healthy and happy bitches that haven't had pups

claire_88 · #6 22-07-11, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otto 's Mutter

Personally, I would leave breeding to the experts.

Sorry if this is not the answer you want to hear but for a start there are so many health issues to take into consideration.

Enjoy your little girl without feeling the pressure to breed from her. There are plenty of healthy and happy bitches that haven't had pups

I don't take offence to people's opinions and am grateful that people take the time to offer their advice.

J&J · #7 22-07-11, 10:41 PM

Allowing a bitch to have a litter is a load of rubbish and a complete urban myth...

In the past I had a look at the possibility breeding and done some research into it even though I have a very good breeder as a friend who would have helped with advice, support and would ensure that I picked a very good candidate puppy form a very good line etc...

But breeding isn't about whether you've got a nice looking dog with a nice temprement that has passed all the health checks, hip score, elbow scores etc.. You have to research all their lines to ensure these are sound and nothing lerks in their past they could effect the healt and welfare of not only your pups, but any future puppies that are linked to your dog.. Very time consuming to do probably I did a runner and decided against it..

As you've already got your puppy your first port of call would to check out her ancestory and research her lines to see what this turns up, you should also be speaking to her breeder and check the contract you purchased her with, as you may find that the breeder has put a cluse on the contract that either prevents you from breeding either no reversable or only if lifted by them! Which would mean that any puppies wouldn't be accepted by the kennel club for registration..

Truthfully speaking, you should have done your homework about health tests etc, then spoken to breaders about breeding done your research into the lines all before you even decided to buy a puppy..

With this one, just enjoy her as your companion and friend, not something as a possible breeding possiblity..

Caryll · #8 22-07-11, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claire_88

Heard it was good for them to have at least one litter.........

As already said, that's actually a myth.

Personally I'd try to dissuade you from breeding, but if you really do want to go ahead the first thing you should do is get an honest expert opinion as to whether your bitch is good enough to breed.

That's not to say your bitch isn't absolutely beautiful, but all dogs have faults & lets face it, we none of us can really see them ourselves! You would need to get a breeder who has consistently produced good dogs, or an experienced judge to look at her and give you their honest opinion, warts & all.

Then you would need to get all the necessary health tests done (someone else would be better able to tell you about those) & then try to find a stud that would correct her faults & enhance her virtues.

Try to sound out how many good forever homes would be available. Have a few hundred pounds put aside for vets bills if something goes wrong. Be prepared to keep any pups that don't sell, and take back any that don't settle for one reason or another.

If you can't do all of the above, don't even consider it!

zetstaff · #9 22-07-11, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caryll

As already said, that's actually a myth.

Personally I'd try to dissuade you from breeding, but if you really do want to go ahead the first thing you should do is get an honest expert opinion as to whether your bitch is good enough to breed.

That's not to say your bitch isn't absolutely beautiful, but all dogs have faults & lets face it, we none of us can really see them ourselves! You would need to get a breeder who has consistently produced good dogs, or an experienced judge to look at her and give you their honest opinion, warts & all.

Then you would need to get all the necessary health tests done (someone else would be better able to tell you about those) & then try to find a stud that would correct her faults & enhance her virtues.

Try to sound out how many good forever homes would be available. Have a few hundred pounds put aside for vets bills if something goes wrong. Be prepared to keep any pups that don't sell, and take back any that don't settle for one reason or another.

If you can't do all of the above, don't even consider it!

So many so called breeders don't

wildmoor · #10 23-07-11, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claire_88

This may seem very premature as my gsd bitch is still only 4 months old, but i want to use the time to find out everything i possibly can about potentially breeding her.

When's the right age if there is one? 2 years +
What to expect from start to end: the labour etc... it could be an easy birthday and happen quickly or the bitch may get into difficulties and require a ceasarean section
What sort of tests need to be done? at a minium hip and elbow scoring with low score on hips (plus being fairly even) 0 elbows
Has anyone experienced bad labours? What happened and how was it resolved?
as above with ceasarean section - you could also end up with no living pups or dwarfs if your bitch is a pd carrier and the sire is
Alot of questions but the more information i can gather will help me decide whether it is the right thing to do and if both my girl and myself can do this.

This is my first female gsd so basically know very little about breeding and the pregnancy.

Did you inform the 'breeder' that this was your intention when you purchased?
What bloodlines is the dog from?