Many Labrador owners will at some time or another considered breeding their Lab Retrievers, but there are many things to consider before taking the plunge into canine breeding. There are various reason why owners would want to breed their Labs. One of the main reasons is to produce a litter for themselves or their family, the second is to be able to sell the pups commercially.
No matter what the reasons are for wanting to breed Lab Retrievers, you must understand that not all the litters likely to be produced will be healthy and happy. If you are a first time breeder who owns a female dog, the pregnancy will be a time of joy, or dreadful disaster. To ensure a successful experience for you and your Lab, it is vital you bring together the best pairing of dogs possible. The pair need to have a good temperament, be in top physical shape as well as disease free. It is also vital you check each dog's lineage to eradicate the prospect of inherited problems and disease such as hip dysplasia.
Labradors usually end up living with a family so it is crucial they have the temperament to live in the family with both children and adults. So the breeding pair must be of the right temperament. It is as important as their health.
The pedigrees of the breeding pair should be carefully checked to ensure they are not too closely related. That is essential to avoid the danger of inbreeding. If inbreeding does occur, it can damage the health of the offspring, lead to poor temperament as well weaken the bloodline.
Before mating it is advisable to let the dogs get to know each other and, ideally, each dog should be over two years-of-age. By this time any temperamental or health issues should be apparent. Breeding Labrador Retrievers is not a decision to rush into but it should be remembered that finding the right pair of dogs is only the beginning of the process. Once the mating has taken place and pregnancy is confirmed the real work begins.
Looking after the Lab bitch during pregnancy and the whelping process can take a lot of hard work. Once she has given birth, care of the puppies and finding good homes for them can be a time-consuming and expensive business.
On a final point, you should not underestimate the importance of finding good owners for the pups. You will not let them go to just anyone So if you are unsure that potential owners can offer the pups a caring and loving environment, be prepared to turn them down. - 29895
No matter what the reasons are for wanting to breed Lab Retrievers, you must understand that not all the litters likely to be produced will be healthy and happy. If you are a first time breeder who owns a female dog, the pregnancy will be a time of joy, or dreadful disaster. To ensure a successful experience for you and your Lab, it is vital you bring together the best pairing of dogs possible. The pair need to have a good temperament, be in top physical shape as well as disease free. It is also vital you check each dog's lineage to eradicate the prospect of inherited problems and disease such as hip dysplasia.
Labradors usually end up living with a family so it is crucial they have the temperament to live in the family with both children and adults. So the breeding pair must be of the right temperament. It is as important as their health.
The pedigrees of the breeding pair should be carefully checked to ensure they are not too closely related. That is essential to avoid the danger of inbreeding. If inbreeding does occur, it can damage the health of the offspring, lead to poor temperament as well weaken the bloodline.
Before mating it is advisable to let the dogs get to know each other and, ideally, each dog should be over two years-of-age. By this time any temperamental or health issues should be apparent. Breeding Labrador Retrievers is not a decision to rush into but it should be remembered that finding the right pair of dogs is only the beginning of the process. Once the mating has taken place and pregnancy is confirmed the real work begins.
Looking after the Lab bitch during pregnancy and the whelping process can take a lot of hard work. Once she has given birth, care of the puppies and finding good homes for them can be a time-consuming and expensive business.
On a final point, you should not underestimate the importance of finding good owners for the pups. You will not let them go to just anyone So if you are unsure that potential owners can offer the pups a caring and loving environment, be prepared to turn them down. - 29895
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