The Complete Book of Dog Breeding: The A-Z of Canine Breeding, Including How and When to Breed Dogs, Pregnancy, Puppy Care, Registration, and More, Written by a Veterinarian

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The complete guide to dog breeding―from a canine expert!

The perfect dog guide for experienced dog breeders, novice dog breeders, potential dog breeders, or dog lovers, The Complete Book of Dog Breeding is the ultimate canine breeding resource. Written by a veterinarian with years of experience, this dog book offers guidance on a variety of useful topics, including:

Canine Health Information (CHC) surveys and dataHelpful color photos and line artHow and when to breed dogsPregnancy duration, nutrition, and stages of laborPuppy care, from nutrition to training and socializingPedigrees, registration, and titlesAnd much more!

Written using accessible, non-technical language, this comprehensive pet guide covers all stages of breeding and rearing.

From the Publisher

About the Author:

Dan Rice, D.V.M. is a retired small-animal veterinary practitioner from Colorado. He has always been particularly interested in the interaction between clients and their pets and the healthful benefits that result from client knowledge and understanding. He continues to pursue his lifelong writing avocation and has added needed information to bring the second edition of this book up-to-date.

The Complete Book of Dog Breeding

Filled with color photos and instructive line illustrations

This book provides practical, usable information. It explains, defines, describes, and offers guidelines. It is not an academic text, but a how-to book. The information contained in this book is gleaned from a lifetime of personal involvement with dogs and dog breeding. The most current veterinary literature on the subject was reviewed as this book was written. This volume, written in nontechnical language, covers all aspects of breeding and raising healthy dogs. This books will benefit:

Experienced, established dog breeders Novice dog breeders Dog owners with accidentally or unintentionally bred dogs Potential dog breeders and dog lovers of the world

Here is just some of the practical yet fascinating information you’ll find in this book:

When to Breed

Females can be bred during any normal heat cycle, including their first. It is a generally accepted precept that first-heat breeding is a poor practice. The best rule to follow when intentionally breeding a female is to be sure she is physically mature and mentally stable. That means she is over a year old, and depending on the breed, perhaps closer to two years, by which time she should be in her second or third heat period.

Introducing the Mates

Avoid a circus atmosphere. Although it is a good idea to witness the breeding act, the fewer humans present at mating time, the better. If one or both animals have previously mated, the process will probably proceed smoothly. If both are inexperienced, help may be necessary. Usually, however no encouragement or participation is required or advised.

Litter Size

Generally, smaller dogs have smaller litters, but in practice that doesn’t always hold true. Hunting dogs often produce larger litters, and it isn’t uncommon to see ten Labs or setter puppies in a litter. Pomeranians usually average two or three pups, and many teacup-sized toy breeds routinely have only one. Average litter-size data for individual breeds is usually available from breed clubs.

After Whelping

For the first few days following whelping, your female should be left with her puppies as much as she wishes. After that time, take her for a walk several times a day, even if for only a few minutes. Fresh air and exercise are very important for her general health and optimum milk production. During times she is away from her brood, be sure no one disturbs them. If a nursing dam suspects strangers are disturbing her puppies, she may refuse outdoor exercise to protect her litter.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2008
Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764138871
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764138874
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.9 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 0.48 x 7.88 inches