TO BREED OR NOT TO BREED?
I frequently have individuals calling me or e-mailing me looking for
a mate for their beagle. I start by asking a few questions such as why
do you want to breed you beagle, do you know about the parents and grandparents
of your beagle, what health problems did they have (if any)? The majority
of individuals do not know anything about the grandparents and maybe even
the parents of their beagle. The one thought I try to impress on everyone
is DO NOT BREED. After 20 years in
beagles I have only bred 8 litters. There are just too many unwanted, homeless
animals being put to their death or worse yet starved and killed by cars
each year.
Breeding beagles is not as simple as mating a male to a female. Did you research their backgrounds? Have you considered Knock-Out Factors in your breeding program? If you don't know what Knock Our Factors are then research them!!! Are you ready to provide a safe place or the mother to have her puppies? Are you prepared to lose your beagle with birthing problems or rush to the vet and pay for an expensive c-section? Are you prepared to bottle feed puppies around the clock when the mother's milk goes bad? Yes, this paints a bleak picture but these things DO HAPPEN.
Below are links which I hope will help to educate you about breeding. Remember there are too many puppies and dogs put to sleep for lack of good homes.I personally have spayed and neuter many Champions-only the best should be bred. I encourage all pet owners to Spay and Neuter.
Canine Reproduction. This section is on another web site, but it is one of the best I have found!!! Very comprehensive overview.
Things To Think About Before Breeding Your Dog
ABC's of Breeding-Genetics 101
Evaluating Your Puppies for Show Prospects
Jean Dills System forEvaluating Your Puppies
Grading Your Puppies for Conformation (PDF)
So You Want To Use Your Dog At Stud
Impressive Syndrome-Popular Sire Syndrome
Pet Overpopulation-Please Read!!
Pet overpopulation is a serious problem. One female dog and her
offspring can add 67,000 dogs to the general population-in just 6 years.
Be a responsible owner--spay and neuter. (from the Show Lead)
Visit our next page to learn all about showing your dog!!! Let's
go to the show. Dog Show that is!!
SITE DIRECTORY
Author--Ruth Darlene Stewart.