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To Breed or Not To Breed
A major consideration when deciding between purchasing
a male dog or female dog (bitch) is the twice yearly occurrence
of a 'season' in bitches. Unlike cats, domestic dogs do not have
a ‘breeding season’ and may breed at any time of the
year.
If it is not intended to breed from a bitch she should be neutered
before her first season. Owning a bitch in season requires responsibility
for keeping the bitch safe from unwanted suitors.
Bitches usually have their first season, also known as being 'on
heat', at an average age of nine months.
Bitches in season should not be allowed to advertise their presence
to neighbourhood dogs. They should be kept away from gates and fences
where passing males may pick up their scent and they most certainly
should never be taken for a walk on the street. Males will be most
persistent in their efforts to get to the bitch and will climb,
dig and chew their way to the ‘love of their life’.
The bitch will remain in 'season' for approximately 21 days. During
the first 7 to 10 days of the season she will excite males but they
will usually not mate with her, nor will she readily accept them.
Most bitches are ready to mate from about day ten of the season
and most bitches are finished their season by the twenty-first day.
Before mating a bitch the owner must be prepared to commit a considerable
amount of time, and sometimes money, to the rearing of the puppies.
Breeding the bitch makes an owner responsible for caring for the
bitch and the puppies and finding caring and responsible homes for
them.
Before a bitch is bred she should be examined by a vet to ensure
she is in good health and, if possible, checked to ensure she does
not have any problems which her puppies may inherit. Most breeds
have a representative club where advice can be obtained on breeding
the bitch and caring for the puppies and many refer enquiries for
puppies to members who are responsible breeders.
Bitches must never be mated in their first season and with the
larger breeds it is generally advisable to wait until the bitch
is over two years old. Although bitches usually have two seasons
a year, spaced approximately six months apart, they should not be
bred in consecutive seasons. Puppies will be born approximately
63 days after the mating takes place.
For the first few weeks the bitch will feed and clean the puppies,
after that the owner contributes a considerable amount of time to
their care and feeding. Puppies should not go to new homes until
they are 8 weeks old and must have their first vaccinations at 6
weeks and have been regularly wormed. They must also be completely
weaned. It is important that puppies be well-handled and socialised
so that they cope with the stresses of new homes and strange experiences.
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