Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackbrooks  Hello there,
I have decided to plan on breeding my beautiful girl Tilly on her next heat. She is from one of the best lines of Yorkshire terriers and is of show quality.
Firstly I am not wanting to breed for finical gain, I simply would like to add to my family and also hopefully produce a lovely boy for show.
As this would be my first time there are alot of things I do not know. I have read two books that include big chapters about breeding, but still feel not 100% about how everything happens. I would really appreciate any help and advice anyone could pass my way.
My concerns are as follows.
1. The day when the dam should be bred. ( what if I do not notice her being on heat for a few days?)
2. Best foods for pregnant dams? Inc calcium and vitamins ?
3. Birthing stage, I asked the breeder of my dam if there was a history of any of his dams from this line of any birthing problems I.e c sections that were needed. He said he never had any problem with this line. Only with a past different line. Is there anything I could do with my vet to check if she is a good candidate for producing?
4. As a first time breeder should I let my dam give birth at home with just me or should I get a vet to come to the house?
5. What things will I need? |
If you go to the library here on YT it is the second forum down, there are many good articles on breeding that will cover the answers to some of your questions. For example the article entitled: Dog Breeding your Questions answered.
I don't know the common practices in Spain on health testing and what health databases might be available for your research; but your bitch should be health tested to see if she is affected with the any of the common various health problems of Yorkies. To whit; PRA, hip dysplasia, Luxating Patella, Liver Shunt (BATS tested), thyroid, heart. I refer you to
www.ytca.org, in specific look up their Health committe and see the recommendations there for testing. Plus any sire you may end up using should have all the aforementioned as well.
Plus prior breeding tested for STD's ie: brucellosis.
Unfortunately there are no shortcuts to responsible breeding. I understand from your post that your female is not yet a champion? This means that she has yet to be evaluated by judges and perhaps more importantly by experienced breeders of her breed worthiness. You and your breeder may think she is of show quality, but you will want several unbiased opinions about that; hence showing your girl. Apart from this; what quality of stud will you be able to attract with an unchampioned female?
You will want to find a vet experienced in reproductive practices (whelping, etc), not all vets are and are interested in this specific arena of practice. And yes beside some basic blood tests ie a CBC and BATS testing, your vet can do a structural exam to assess for pelvic structure and integrity. How-ever this is no guarantee that a C section won't be necessary for any other number of reasons.
Breeding and whelping are risky enterprises. The bulk of the risk resides with your female. You definitely put her life at risk. Are you prepared to lose her? You also need to be prepared financially to provide the best of medical care to your dam and the puppies.
I understand from a later post that your breeder only speaks Spanish and you english?. One solution would be to find a translator to help you question your breeder. Who knows maybe your breeder would be willing to mentor you, if you have a translator in place. While not perfect, communication via email, where you use a translator program might be of assist to you.
Should you elect to go forward with breeding your female, then yes I would highly recommend a vet be present at your home for the birth.