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This article is from the Breeding, Whelping, and Rearing Puppies FAQ, posted to rec.pets.dogs newsgroup. Maintained by Liza Lee Miller.

006. Okay, I'm satisfied that she's a quality bitch, worthy of breeding,what's the next step?

Hold on there! Not so fast! This is a long process, remember? There is another reason you need to wait until your bitch is over two years of age. Health Checks! You'll need to have various health checks done in order to determine whether or not your dog should be bred. The necessary health checks vary from breed to breed and you should consult a good book on your breed or a knowledgeable breeder to determine what tests you'll need to have done. The most common tests are: _Hip X-rays_: Have a veterinarian x-ray your dog's hips and submit those x-rays to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for evaluation. If your dog's hips are rated Fair, Good, or Excellent, your dog is normal and can be bred. If they are rated dysplastic, please discuss this diagnosis with your vet and spay your bitch as soon as possible. Hip Dysplasia is an often painful joint disorder that can be treated in various ways. It is hereditary and no dog that is dysplastic should be bred. _Elbow X-rays_: Recently, the dog community has become aware that elbows are also at risk of becoming dysplastic. Most responsible breeders are also having elbow x-rays done and evaluated by the OFA. _Eyes_: In many breeds, a disease called PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) is a serious problem. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist can examine your pets eyes and ensure that they are normal. This test must be done on an annual basis. Since PRA is a progressive disease, a dog can be fine one year and show symptoms the next. Eye examinations can then be sent on to CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) for certification which must be renewed annually. There are other eye diseases (such as cataracts) common to different breeds as well; you will need to research to find out what is applicable for your breed. _Brucellosis_: This is a canine venereal disease that can be transmitted in other ways as well. Even virgin dogs or bitches should be tested prior to breeding. Most stud dog owners require recent brucellosis tests before allowing breeding to occur. They will generally have tested their dogs within the last six months. If they haven't tested their dogs in the last six months, ask that they do so before breeding to your bitch! You should require all of the above testing from the stud dog owner as well as providing it to them. More on choosing a stud dog, below.

 

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• prev: 005. Okay, but what about showing and working, how can those have anyeffect on her qualities as a brood bitch?
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• next: 007. Choosing a Stud Dog

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breeding, whelping, rearing, puppy