Breeding dogs today seems to be on everyone's mind. Responsible owners go over the question again and again in their head should I breed my dog, or should I get him/her neutered. The first thing you should consider about breeding is is your dog BREEDING QUALITY.

If ALL your answers fell in the first column, then yes, your dog is of breeding quality. But you still have a lot of decision making to do! First and foremost, what is it like out there for your breed, what's the market like? Are there too many of your breed to know what to do with? Dalmatians seem to be popping up all over the place, many of them are going to shelters and many breeders are not able to get Good, proper homes for their dal pups. So would it be better to wait a year or so, or is your dog of strong type, matching the standard, and will have a positive impact on improving the breed? This is very important. Your dog should be overall sound and matching the standard. If your dog has three really awesome traits, but one really strong fault or disqualification then it may be best not to breed. For example I heard someone say "I'd breed a Golden with outstanding hips even if it had purple eyes". I almost fell over! You, I hope, can understand why! That's like saying I'd breed an unbalanced, straight shouldered, patched, aggressive Dalmatian as long as it could hear! Of course I'd never do that! The goal of your breeding program should be to produce well-balanced, outstanding in ALL areas, free of genetic diseases, dogs! I know I've repeated this over and over, but it's a point I can't stress enough!

If you are breeding to make money, FORGET IT! First of all, the market is not so great for Dals right now. There are so many of them being produced it's sad! But secondly, the initial breeding costs money and stud fees are not cheap! Plus you may have to travel a ways to the stud. Also, if you A.I., that costs money too. Then, the care of your bitch during her pregnancy is no easy, cheap task either! There is of course an increase in her food intake, and an ultrasound and X-rays should be done. The ultrasound is done generally to see if she's pregnant. The X-rays should be done to get an idea of how many puppies to expect. Also to make sure there are no problems. These are not required, but they are a very good idea! In some instances a caesarian section needs to be done. This is very costly. Raising the puppies is no easy task and gets to be very expensive! You will go through tons of dog food! Plus, you need to get their dew claws removed, get their vet exams, and get them BAER tested. Not to mention ALL the time involved! So, responsible breeders generally do not make money, they basically just break even!

You must also be prepared for complications such as losing one or more of the puppies, losing the mother, or producing deaf or deformed dogs that need to be put down. Are you up for that? It is very a very sad thing to hold a dead puppy in your hands trying everything possible to revive it, but nothing works. You must also be prepared to take a puppy back if it does not work out with the pups new home. Are you prepared for that? Do you have the room to house another Dal for a few months or more until you find him/her another home? Dogs are for life, you must make sure new owners are aware of all the responsibilities of owning a dog (Dal).

Breeding is an issue that should not be taken lightly. Remember, each time you breed, the FUTURE of our breed is at stake! Only the Best dogs should be bred! Carefully examine your dogs blood lines and become well educated! Education and dedication is the key!
 

Text written by Michelle Jarus © 1998 table © 1992, Esther Finding Buffalo NY