Breeding Your Labrador Retriever

It is certainly an idea that many Lab owners will have at some time or another but there are a number of things to consider before deciding to take the plunge into canine breeding.

Of course there are two distinct reasons why anyone would want to begin breeding their Labs.

The first is to produce a litter for themselves and family, the second is as a commercial operation.

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.

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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.

The temperament of the breeding pair is just as important as their health. Labradors inevitably end up in a family home so it is essential that they are temperamentally suited to sharing a home with children as well as adults.

Another essential point to consider when breeding your Labrador Retriever 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 your Labrador Retriever 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.

Taking care of the bitch during pregnancy can take a lot of work as can the whelping process.

After the mum has produced her litter taking care of the puppies, and finding good homes for the puppies is a time-consuming and potentially expensive undertaking.

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.

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More Breeding Labrador Retriever Information

Caring For Labrador Puppies

Dog Pregnancy

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