How to Breed Dogs - Choosing Which of Your Dogs to Breed

1. Choose your dog. You need to choose which of your dogs you are going to breed. You need to choose a dam, which is a female dog capable of having puppies. You also need a stud, which is a male dog you want to breed with a dam. You need to make sure they have the discussed characteristics.
- You can also get a stud from a different breeder if you don't have one. Hiring a stud or purchasing semen costs money. Sometimes the arrangement allows the owner of the sire pick of the litter. Make sure that all agreements are written and signed so that there is a contract between all parties involved with the litter.

2. Determine their genetics. You should look into the dogs' genetic backgrounds. Examine the bloodline of your dogs to make sure they have good qualities in their bloodline. For purebred dogs, you can obtain their bloodlines from the American Kennel Club or other registering authority. You must also ensure the pair are not directly related to prevent genetic defects of inbreeding.
- You should have your dog and the dog you want to breed them with tested for genetic problems associated with their breed. The Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) manages a database of dogs and their test results for genetic problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, patellar luxation, and heart problems. You do not want to breed dogs with health conditions that can be passed on to the next generation.[4]

3. Observe their temperament. Watch the dogs you want to breed to examine their behavior. This should be with each other as well as other dogs. Breeding friendly, well balanced dogs tends to increase the chances of the puppies having similar temperaments. Aggressive and overly fearful dogs should not be bred. They are dangerous.[5]

4. Check the dogs' ages. You need to be sure that your dogs are breeding age. Most dogs need to around 2 years old. Many genetic issues will show up by 24 months of age. You can have these screened in specific tests. For example, the OFA will not accept the x-rays of dogs until 24 months for hip dysplasia evaluation and grading. To breed successfully, your dogs will need permanent identification in the form of a microchip or a tattoo to be able to submit testing data for evaluation by the OFA and other entities. They want to make sure there is no way to falsify the results.[6]
- Dams begin their heats, or estrus cycles, between 6 and 9 months. They go into heat every 5-11 months after their first cycle. Most breeders do not breed a dam until she is 2 years old and has had 3 or 4 cycles. This is the point where she is fully mature. She is also physically able to endure the stress of carrying and delivering pups.