Considering breeding.

[Lauren Lou Lou]

Hi ya,

I have always grown up around dogs and had a few myself. They have always been rescue dogs and/or I have fostered for over crowded shelters. Lauren is my first 'from new' puppy. All other dogs have been aged 10 months +.

I am considering Lauren having 2 or 3 litters. From what I have researched 2 yrs is a good age to start, two seasons consecutively and break for a season is best for the health of Lauren. I know my insurance plan can be extended to pregnant bitches and provides what seems to be an excellent care plan with support and advice. But, I would not receive this advice until Lauren was pregnant and upgraded.

At the moment it is something I would like to try. I will continue studying from home for another 2 yrs...so would be on hand.

Anyone any general advice or core things to consider? Or excellent reading material for research on this?

Also, is there health implications for only having one litter?

Thank you for reading this!!

[Lucky Me]

#1- do you have permission from the breeder?
#2- You will need to test hips (preferrably Pennhip), elbows, Eyes CERF tested by a doggy ophthalmologist, and at least a DNA test for VWD & PRA.
#3- Take your parents pedigree info and go the Poodle Health Data base & check for any medical issues or genetic disease within at least the 5-6 generation pedigree.
#4- You will need to find a health tested stud with clean health testing too, that is not related.

No health implications in having one litter, and it is okay to breed back-to-back if mom recovered quickly.

Things to consider? after 3 weeks old, you will be tied down for at least the next 6 weeks. I LOVE when I have pups but it is so much work to do it right!
I lost 10 lbs with my first litter of 11 pups!

Poke around on this site- the Doodle Breeders Forum. Lots of valuable information and stuff that will scare you, but it can be a real reality check!
It is not cheap to do it right....
As one breeder said "Guess this is why my coffee tables are made of plastic and my end tables are made of plastic & have wire front doors that look remarkably like Vari-Kennels".. LOL
Doodle Breeders' Discussion Forum