Breeding designer puppies can produce strong, healthy dogs if done correctly.
Mixing dog breeds to create hybrid or "designer" dogs is done regularly, with the Labradoodle, a common hybrid, enjoying much popularity. Mixed breed dogs have advantages over pure breeds because of the incidence of weaknesses in many breeds. The mixing of two breeds can balance genetic faults and give you a dog that is healthier than either of its parents. Selecting the right dogs for the exercise requires careful planning and knowledge of dog breed standards.
Instructions
1. Identify the breeds to mix. Investigate the breed standards carefully, noting the genetic strengths and weaknesses of each. Speak to a veterinarian or an experienced breeder of each breed to understand how the breed weaknesses are spread and how the mixing may affect the puppies.
2. Find your breeding pair. Seek out healthy, strong dogs and speak to their owners or breeders to find out what their individual physical traits are. Evaluate whether the mix is likely to improve on all aspects of their bodies and temperaments, and whether there are potential negatives that can result.
3. Plan for the characteristics you want to see in the offspring. For example, if you are mixing a golden Labrador and a Poodle and want a golden Labradoodle, you will need to use a white Poodle. A darker color fur on the Poodle may dominate the golden color of the Labrador and you could end up with a brindle or a brown.
4. Plan for the body type. For a muscular dog, choose two breeds that are both of stocky build. If you want a dog that is lean and graceful, then select parents that have this type of frame. Breeding a stocky dog to a lean dog could result in a framework that is not strong enough to support the weight of the muscles.
5. Make sure the dogs you choose are suitable breeding specimens. If you plan to mix a smaller breed with a larger, choose the female from the larger breed as a smaller female may struggle to carry puppies from a large male. Get both dogs checked by a veterinarian to determine that they are fit for breeding, and have them screened for potential genetic hip, eye and joint disorders.
6. Spread the word about your breeding program. As a responsible breeder, have homes lined up for the puppies before they are born to avoid increasing the burden on animal shelters.
7. Mate the dogs and prepare for the puppies by making a suitable whelping box in which the mother can give birth. The box should have sides that will prevent the puppies wandering about; line it with old newspaper and blankets and place it in a warm, sheltered area. Ensure that you have vitamins and dietary supplements to keep the mother in top condition while she is feeding.
8. Once the puppies are born and are old enough to be handled, examine them carefully to see which have the characteristics you planned for. It is likely that some puppies will will resemble one parent more than the other.
Related posts
Breeding should only be done to improve the breed.Breeding dogs takes considerable responsibility. Reputable and responsible breeding begins with an honest evaluation of both parents, and you must...
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their soft, beautiful coats and energy. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are one of the most popular breeds. But before breeding this type of cani...
Originally known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon is one of the oldest known toy dog breeds. Small and fined-boned, they are lively companions ideally suited to apartment life. Papillo...
So, you've decided you want to breed dogs but you aren't quite sure where to start. Whether you want to be a full-time breeder or just approach it as a hobby there are things that can make the exp...
Designer dogs are the result of small dog breeders combining one or more different breeds of small dogs and creating a whole new breed. One breed of designer dog that is gaining popularity is call...
