The rules about mating dogs...?

[clipclop1]

I have a gorgoues black lab from Sandringham which we are thinking about putting together with a cute little lab bitch. Although I have no experience at all about mating dogs.. the fees... etc. And was wondering if anyone knows the score with it all... in dummy proof terms that is!
Thanks!

[Redrum]

Hi ClipClop1, now this is a very big decision to make, if you are sure you want to breed, breed from the best! Are both your dog and this bitch pedigrees ? If so that is a good start, you will need to get both of them hip and eye scored by a vet as this is proof both dogs are up for the job, it really is not a good idea to breed labs with poor hip scores (as some labs suffer badly from hip displaysia)...i cant stress enough to do your research first before you contemplate an actual mating....its just not worth the upset in the long run as so many things can go wrong, not to mention the expense.

[lankeela]

Okay I know yours is the male, but please read this and then consider whether the owner of the bitch is likely to be aware of any potential problems. Fairly sure I also have a similar one for potential stud dogs, will try to find it:

http://www.dogstuff.info/to_breed_or_not.html

[lankeela]

Good bit at the end of this one on stud dogs:

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeding.html

[woofgang]

Why do you want to breed your boy?

[clipclop1]

To get cute little babies ofcourse! they're both beatuiful dogs, plus a bit o extra cash is always good... :)

[jules77]

Why exploit your dog for money?

Read this - http://www.collienet....Stud%20dog%20work.pdf

[boxtops]

Good link jules, sensible advice.

[kita1]

There will not be any 'extra cash' if she happens to go into labour on a Sunday afternoon, has problems and you end up taking her to the vets!

After all the costs of rearing a litter until they are 8 weeks old, advertising the pups, running any unsold pups on until they are say 6 months old, plus taking any back that end up being bought as a 'mistake' I doubt you will make any money at all - in fact it will probably cost you!

That is not taking into account somebody taking you to court because their pup develops HD or some other hereditary condition that makes it 'not fit for purpose'.

Do you really want to risk loosing your girl? Or watching the pups die one by one? That is what could happen.

[kita1]

This posting says it all:

http://www.theanswerb...e/Question887422.html

[jules77]

Kita, the difference is clipclop has the stud dog, so wont have the problems with whelping and puppies. But the OP said it all 'I have no experience about mating dogs'.

Leave it to the experienced breeders, it isnt just a case of leaving them to get on with it.

[clipclop1]

Man kita.... u wanna chill out big time! I ask for a little bit of informtaion to then make my final decision and you bang on about puppies that will most certainly die! get a grip...!

im well aware of vets fees and extra costs as we have a vet in the family... so if people dont have friendly helpful advice then dont bother posting an answer!

But thanks for the lovely, helpful answers at the top! very helpful indeed! :)

[jules77]

clipclop - in your own words, you have no experience of mating. Best advice is to speak to the breeder of your dog or the bitch, who will probably tell you the same as we have. Do you want to risk the health of either dog to get some extra cash?