1. Is Breeding Right for You?

Ask yourself whether you’re breeding to improve the breed, not simply to produce puppies. Responsible breeding requires planning, money, and the willingness to do things properly.

• Breed standards & genetics: Do you understand conformation, inheritance, and common breed risks?
• Financial readiness: Can you cover health tests, vet bills, whelping supplies, and puppy rearing?
• Welfare commitment: Are you prepared to keep puppies until the right homes are found?

2. Pre-Breeding Health Checks

Both dam (female) and stud (male) must be in excellent health before any mating is considered.

Vaccinations & Worming

• Ensure vaccinations are up to date and an appropriate worming protocol is followed.

Health Testing

• Complete breed-specific health screening and genetic testing (as advised by your vet and breed club).

Temperament & Fitness

• Select dogs with sound temperament and suitable overall fitness for breeding.

3. Understanding the Heat Cycle

The female’s cycle has four phases. Timing matters for welfare and successful conception.

Proestrus (approx. 7–10 days)

• Characteristics: Swollen vulva; bloody discharge; attracts males but not receptive.
• Hormones: Oestrogen rising.
• Behaviour: Restlessness; may be nervous.

Estrus — Fertile Period (approx. 10–14 days)

• Characteristics: Reduced swelling; lighter discharge; receptive (“flagging”).
• Hormones: Oestrogen drops; progesterone rises; ovulation occurs.
• Behaviour: Actively seeks males.

Diestrus (approx. 60 days)

Follows ovulation (with or without mating). Hormonal profile shifts to support pregnancy or return to baseline.

Anestrus (approx. 4 months)

Resting phase before the next cycle; vital for recovery and long-term reproductive health.

4. The Mating Process

Mating must always be supervised. Natural mating is preferred where appropriate. Artificial insemination can be considered when necessary, but should be carried out by a qualified veterinarian and in line with UK regulations and welfare guidance. Consult your vet for breed-specific advice and timing (e.g., progesterone testing).

5. Pregnancy & Whelping

• Gestation: Typically around 63 days.
• Nutrition: Feed an appropriate diet for pregnant dogs; adjust portions as advised by your vet.
• Whelping space: Prepare a clean, quiet whelping area well in advance.
• Veterinary care: Schedule routine check-ups and have an emergency plan.

6. Caring for Newborn Puppies

• Temperature: Keep the area warm and free from draughts; monitor ambient and surface temperatures.
• Feeding & weight: Ensure pups latch and gain weight daily; record weights.
• Health monitoring: Watch the dam and pups closely for any signs of illness; seek veterinary advice early.

7. Rehoming & Finding Suitable Homes

1. Screen buyers: Assess suitability, lifestyle, experience, and commitment.
2. Provide support: Share care guides, vaccination/worming records, microchip details, and a contract.
3. Stay connected: Keep in touch for follow-up advice and aftercare.

8. Ongoing Breeder Responsibility

• Don’t overbreed: Allow adequate rest between litters and respect welfare limits.
• Retirement planning: Know when to retire dogs from breeding based on health, age, and welfare.
• Continuous learning: Keep up with best practice, breed club guidance, and veterinary advice.

Need More Information?

For authoritative guidance, consult your veterinarian and UK bodies such as The Kennel Club. They provide advice on health testing, welfare standards, breeding endorsements, and responsible rehoming.

Responsible breeding always prioritises the health, temperament, and welfare of both parents and puppies. Every decision you make shapes the future of the breed—make it a positive one.