Breeding Labrador Retrievers
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.
Whatever your motivation it should be remembered that not all pregnancies result in a happy, healthy litter. And, if you have the female dog, breeding a litter at home can be a great experience for the first time breeder or it can be an unmitigated disaster. It is obviously very important to make sure you have the best possible pairing of dogs. Each dog must have a good temperament, be in top physical shape and free from disease. Each animals lineage should be checked to ensure there are no inherited problems such as hip dysplasia.
Labradors are usually kept at home with the family, so it is crucial they have the temperament to live alongside children as well as adults. To that end, the temperament of the breeding pair is as vitally important as their health.
Another essential point to consider when breeding Labrador Retrievers is to check the pedigrees of each of the breeding pair to ensure the dogs are not too closely related. The implications of using closely related dogs are poor health in the puppies, questionable temperament and a weakening of 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.
The care of a Labrador retriever during pregnancy and also the whelping process can prove to be hard work. Once the pups are born that hard work will most certainly continue. The puppies have to be cared for and finding new homes for them can be time-consuming and expensive.
Of course the last point, finding good owners, should not be underestimated. Rest assured there is no way you will let the puppies go to just anyone. Be prepared to reject potential owners if you are not satisfied that they will offer a caring and loving home to a puppy.
Looking for the best guide to Labrador Retreivers – look no further than the Labrador Retriever Guide an online resource for all Labrador lovers with a complete history of the Labrador Retriever
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