Breeding dogs...

[l4dy_h]

Having never owned a bitch till now, not had the pleasure of seasons and all that! How often does a cocker spaniel have seasons, and if I wanted to breed her when is the best time to do so???

[kita1]

A bitch usually comes into season every six months.

Is your bitch registered with the KC? Have you done all the health checks on her? Do you have homes waiting for the pups? Can you take all the pups back if necessary, for their lifetime? Have you entered her in a show? Is she a champion bitch? Are you going to keep any of the puppies? What if you breed a pup and it has a genetic fault and the pups new owners end up taking you to court?

I have just been talking to a girl who has a dog and a bitch spaniel, the dog mated the bitch on its first season. The bitch had 8 puppies, three were born dead, three more died over the next week. She has been in tears over the dead pups every day, wondering if she has done anything wrong. She is sleeping downstairs with the bitch. She has two puppies left, they are now 2 weeks old. She also has a massive vet bill (because she is so inexperienced). Her children are really upset.

When is the best time to breed from your bitch? - sorry if this answer offends you but I would say the best time is NEVER.

[lankeela]

Every six months, twice a year. No bitch should be bred from until at least her second season, or preferably over 2 years of age.

As kita says, this is not something to be taken lightly, and cockers particularly suffer from several health problems that need to be tested for.

I would also say you need to do a lot more homework before even considering breeding, as knowing when a bitch has seasons is one of the most basic requirements, and although it might seem like a good idea, it is definitely not a money making game and can be heartbreaking - what would you do if you lost your bitch while whelping?

If you want another one, why not buy one in, and save yourself all the grief that goes with it.

[poopy]

Some bitches only come into season 1 a year - they all either have 1 a year or 2 a year so you'll have to wait and see what your bitch does. My cocker is a once a year. We have just had her lined with a field trial champion and have 3 weeks to go! But they recommend 3 years old or on the 3rd season.