1 - Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter
Breeding dogs has been a passion for people through many centuries. Part art, part science, and total devotion, breeding will show you all the best in the human-and-dog bond. It is exciting and challenging.
Breeding purebred dogs is also time consuming, expensive, and, occasionally, heartbreaking. If you go forward, your underlying purpose should be to improve the breed-not just increase its numbers-and you must be prepared to accept full responsibility for the puppies from the moment they are born until the day they die.
Breeding a litter should begin with knowledge. Responsible breeders devote lifetimes to learning as much as they can about their breed, about canine health and training, and about AKC rules. How can you become an expert?
Study your breed standard. This is the official version of the "perfect" breed specimen, and should be the starting place for any breeder. The AKC offers breed videos with real-life examples, and many parent clubs offer amplified, illustrated versions of their standards for more in-depth research.
Attend dog events. Watch dogs in action and learn the pedigrees of those you like. Ask questions of exhibitors in your breed.
Join a dog club. National parent clubs and local specialty clubs are devoted to specific breeds. If your interest lies in breeding for obedience, tracking, agility, or performance events, consider joining a club specializing in these sports. All AKC clubs sponsor educational programs and events designed to help you increase your expertise.
Read, read, read! Your library and bookstore are invaluable sources of information about canine health and breeding. Some books, including the Complete Dog Book and American Kennel Club Dog Care and Training, are available in the AKC Store. The AKC Gazette and other dog magazines have informative articles about breeding as well.
