Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase. The following is the fifth part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are similar to puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part Five

Once the bitch is confirmed to be pregnant, it is a good idea to have an ultrasound done to see how many puppies are in the litter. This is a wise precaution so that when she whelps, you are assured that all the puppies were born. It is not unknown for a puppy to remain in the uterus and die, causing the bitch to die as well.

Be sure that you are clear about your breeding terms with the stud dog owner if the bitch does not conceive. What if the puppies are born dead or the bitch miscarries? What happens if you were not careful and the bitch has a mixed litter? One sperm fertilizes one egg and the bitch releases eggs over a period of time, so it is possible for a bitch to have a litter where some puppies are purebred and others are mixed breed, especially if she is bred by a roving romancer. What will you do if the some or all the puppies are breached? What if your bitch cannot pass the puppies and needs a caesarean? What are your plans if the bitch will not nurse the puppies? Are you prepared if your bitch dies while whelping the litter?

If the litter is born without major issues, you will still need to take your bitch to the veterinarian for a checkup and to get a hormone and antibiotic shot. You will want to bring the puppies to the veterinarian as well to be sure that they are all healthy and can nurse.