Notice: The following is a reprint from a handout distributed in the past by the AKC. Though some-what dated, it offers to those uninitiated in breeding dogs a synopsis of some of the terms and practices utilized even today by most reputable breeders. This material is presented to help disseminate information to the novice dog owner who is often confused or misinformed as to the proper etiquette and guidelines in the raising of pure-bred dogs, and, hopefully will help them realize that this process should not be taken lightly....
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
55 MADISON AVENUE
New York, N.Y. 10010
BREEDING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
Stud Fee-
The stud fee is a matter which is strictly between the owner of the stud dog and the owner of the bitch - the American Kennel Club does not enter into it at all, and should any disagreements arise which cannot be solved satisfactorily between the two parties concerned, the matter would have to be taken to the civil courts.
The owner of the stud dog decides what the dog's services are worth according to many things, such as what the dog is known to be able to produce, his show record, background, etc. The stud fee is actually for the breeding, but many of the breeders make a practice of offering a return service at another heat if a mating does not take.
If the owner of the stud dog wishes one or more puppies in lieu of a stud fee, such an arrangement should be fully agreed upon by the owners of both dogs concerned before the dogs are mated and, in the interests of both parties and to avoid misunderstandings when the time comes for the puppies to be born, we advise that the agreement be put in writing (covering all provisions made) and signed by both parties. Any particular specifications - (such as who gets the pick of the litter, who has sex preference in choosing a puppy, at what age the puppy is to be chosen and at what age taken from the litter, what is to happen if only one puppy is produced - or none, is there to be a courtesy return service if no puppies are produced as the result of a mating, etc.) should be part of the original written agreement. In other words, as long as both parties agree, the stud fee or agreement can be anything they wish. There is no set fee or arrangement.
Age to Breed Male for a First Time-
There is no definite "proper" age at which to breed a male dog for the first time, as much depends upon the individual dog, his breed and development - the larger the breed, the slower the development. Generally speaking, however, a dog should not be placed at public stud until he is at least a year end a half to two years old, although an occasional service may be permitted from about a year on according to the breed.
Age to Breed Female for First Time-
The consensus of opinion seems to be that the best time to breed a bitch for the first time is during her second or third heat when her bones are still quite pliant and her strength should be at its maximum. When a young and immature bitch is allowed to raise a litter too early, the strain and drain on her system is apt to arrest her full growth and development.
When to Breed Female-
The period of heat lasts from eighteen to twenty-four days. It may be divided into two distinct phases. The change from one to the other is gradual. The ninth or tenth day usually marks the point at which the second phase is well developed. The second phase is that part of the estrum when the flow is light in color and the external genital organ swells to three or four times its average size. During this part of the heat (approximately tenth to fourteenth day) the bitch is receptive and it is during this period that she should be bred, if the owner intends her to have puppies. Further information on this subject can be found in most books dealing with breeding practices.
Period of Gestation-
The normal gestation period in the bitch is sixty-three (63) days (date from day conceived until day whelped), but the time may vary a day or two either way according to the individual bitch.
AKC Rules for Registration Regarding Breeding Age; Male- Female-
As far as age limit is concerned with regard to the matter of AKC registration, we quote from Chapter 3, Section 5 of our "Rules Applying to Registration and Dog Shows" as follows:
'No dog or Litter out of a dam under eight (8) months or over twelve (12) years of age at time of mating, or by a sire under seven (7) months or over twelve (12) years of' age at time of mating, will be registered unless the application for registration shall be accompanied by an affidavit or evidence which shall prove the fact to the satisfaction of The American Kennel Club.'
Inbreeding and Line Breeding-
In dog breeding, the mating of father and daughter, mother and son or full brother and sister is considered to be inbreeding. When the relationship; is farther removed - such as the mating of first or second cousins, etc., it is considered line breeding. With regard to inbreeding, if the two dogs concerned are selected judiciously, some nice puppies may be obtained as a result of such a mating. However, the thing to bear in mind in inbreeding (and to a lesser extent in line breedIng) is that faults can be intensified as well as good points, also very careful selection should be employed in the following generation. Books dealing with breeding principles and practices will give you further information on this subject. As far as AKC registration is concerned, the relationship of the parents does not matter, but both; parents must be registered with us before their litter will be eligible for registration.
House and Pet Dogs-
Quite often a dog, after having been used for breeding purposes, is no longer as clean in the house nor as nice in his manners. This is something to be considered if the male dog in question is a house dog and especially if he is the companion of children.
Mating, for "Corrective Reasons"-
Should you feel any corrective measures are necessary,we suggest you consult a qualified veterinarian (one who specializes in dogs and other small animals) for advice regarding a possible change of diet, proper exercise, or any special treatment.
Litter Registration-
Full registration requirements together with schedule of fees will be found on the enclosed litter application blank. If you own an AKC registered dog or bitch which is not recorded in your name, we wish to point out that should they sire or whelp any litters, the certification of ownership on the litter registration application must be signed by the person who actually owns the dog or bitch. If this person is someone other than the recorded owner on our records, an application to transfer such ownership must be made before the litter can be registered. Application for transfer of ownership of a registered dog should be made on the reverse side of its registration certificate. This certificate with proper fee should then be sent to our office.
Who Takes Care of the Actual Mating-
The usual procedure is for the female to be sent to the male for mating - which is handled by the owner of the male unless he feels incapable of handling the matter and cares to engage a veterinarian or licensed handler to take care of it for him.
One or Two Services
Many people make it a practice of servicing a bitch twice with the same stud during a heat, with a day's interval, in an endeavor to be on the safe side. However, many others feel one service is sufficient providing it was done at the proper time and gave evidence of being a successful one.
Frequency in Using a Dog or Bitch for Breeding-
We are hesitant in answering questions regarding how often to use a dog for stud service. If the owner has the dog's welfare in mind and not how much he can get out of the dog, the bibliographical material enclosed includes information on this subject. Naturally the condition of the individual dog, his age, whether he is just being introduced to stud work, or is an established stud dog have a great deal of bearing in the particular case. For an established stud dog in his prime, we would say an average of once a week should not be harmful, and it would be wise for the dog's sake to give him at least a month's rest period now and then.
It is not considered good breeding practice to breed a female every time she comes in heat. Once a year is sufficient- or if she is a good healthy brood matron, she possibly could stand being bred two successive heats and then skip one. This practice seems to be the most satisfactory in the long run.
Dogs Six Years of Age or Over-
With regards to dogs six years of age or over, which have never as yet been used for breeding, or not used fairly recently, we suggest the advice of a qualified veterinarian (one who specializes in dogs and other small animals) be sought before mating.
" Registering Available Stud Dog in Stud Book"-
If you are under the impression that our Stud Book Book Register is the proper publication in which to list a dog as being available at stud,we wish to point out that our monthly magazine,"Pure Bred Dogs- American Kennel Gazette", is the source of information regarding available stud dogs not our Stud Book Register.
The old practice of publishing the names of all AKC registered dogs was discontinued with the June 1952 issue of our Stud Book Register. Starting with the following issue, December 1952, we only publish in our Stud Book Register those dogs and bitches, not previously published, which have been used for breeding and whose progeny has been litter registered. This is an automatic procedure on our part after their first litter has been registered with us. As heretofore, the addresses of owners and breeders are not published in the Stud Book Register. The Stud Book Register is a valuable aid in checking the pedigree of a dog - the Gazette is the means of finding stud dogs available for service.
Breedering Principles -