General indicators of good health include a glossy coat, bright eyes, lack of body odor, and eyes, nose and ears that are free from discharge. A should be able to exercise without coughing, and be free from vomiting or diarrhea. Both dogs should be up to date on their vaccinations.
For example, border collies, Briards, Shetland sheepdogs, and rough collies are all at increased risk of hereditary eye problems. Regardless of how energetic and healthy your dog seems, every breed has genetic health risks. For example, Lhasa Apsos are vulnerable to inguinal hernias and kidney disease, while German Shepherds a prone to hereditary hip dysplasia. [3] X Research source If you have a pedigree for your dog, investigate the medical history of the bloodline. Do not breed any dog that’s deaf. A deaf dog is extremely likely to pass the trait on to multiple pups. [4] X Research source L
Many common breeds have specific temperament tests, such as a Working Aptitude Evaluation for Dobermans. [6] X Research source You should breed a dog who is happy, confident, and obedient around both animals and humans.
Smaller dogs mature faster than larger breeds. A Chihuahua might mature around 6 months, while an Irish Wolfhound might need 2 years to reach maturity. As a rule of thumb, the male dog (the sire) will perform best around 1. 5 years of age, while the female dog (the dam) will be healthiest for breeding after their 3rd heat cycle. Do not breed older female dogs (over 4-6 years of age or so). It’s too dangerous.
Curving her tail to the side when you scratch her backside (revealing her vaginal opening). Twitching or swelling of her vulva. Bloody discharge from her vagina. Note that a bloody discharge in a female that is not due in heat should trigger an urgent vet appointment, because it can be a sign of womb infection and can be serious.
If the two dogs live close to one another, have the female visit every 2-3 days. Be alert to behavior that suggests she’s open to his attention. Many breeders will use progesterone test strips to determine when a dog is most breedable. A dam is ready when their blood levels reach 5-6ng/mL. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Take your dog to the vet every 2-3 days for a vaginal cytology if the dam’s mate lives far away. The cytology will let you know when they’re ovulating. [11] X Research source
You may want to explicitly ask the groomer to shave the area directly under the tail if either dog is a long-haired breed.
You could set up a small enclosure outside for the dogs if it’s nice out, or use a carpeted basement or garage. Normally, only two handlers need to be present—preferably you and the owner of the other dog. Don’t bring in any strangers who might distract the dogs.
Don’t force the dogs to get close if they seem upset, anxious, or on edge. You may find that the dogs get along just fine, but “as friends. " In this case, it’s likely the female dog is either not ovulating and not ready to mate, or is not psychologically ready to mate.
Talk to the dogs in a soft, encouraging voice to help them feel secure or comfortable. Never yell at them if you are frustrated or annoyed by any failed mating attempts. An unneutered sire and a dam in heat should make this easy. If one (or both) of the dogs isn’t playing nice, separate them, take them for a walk, and try again. In rare cases, two dogs just may not be right for one another. If they keep refusing to play nice, you may just need to find a new mate for your dog.
If the dogs don’t start mating, it’s a major sign something is seriously wrong. Either the sire can’t perform, or the dam isn’t ovulating. Try again in 2-3 days. This whole process usually takes at least 45 minutes (20 minutes at the absolute earliest), so don’t rush it.
The dogs may scoot or reposition themselves. The female may yelp or the male may look like they’re out of energy. Just let them be. After the sire ejaculates, the swelling will subside and the dam’s vagina muscles will relax. The dogs will then be able to release safely.
Keep in mind, the dam may not be pregnant after a single mating session. You may need to repeat this process multiple times.
