posted 01-12-2004 10:15 PM         

We are working on an informatative site called The American Bulldog Super Information Highway at: http://www.geocities.com/americanbulldoginfohighway

It will include a 'Breeders' corner, loaded with all kinds of Breeding, Whelping, And Care tips for mother and pups.

Please be patient, I will have the site up and going in a few more days. I just finished up the health section..

posted 01-12-2004 11:46 PM         

One sentence I've always known to be true - "A Responsible Breeder lives for his dogs not off his dogs"

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Breeding is so much more than mating two dogs. [It includes knowing] the [pedigree] background and history of the sire and dam and whether the match of the two dogs is desirable. I would be extremely concerned about health [problems in the breed, learn about the health certifications most breeder in your breed test for]. Many of which are not apparent until the parents have well matured. Plus a wait list of homes should be in order before hand (not including selling to friends and family - something to be cautious about).
Use a websearch to search for articles about breeding and genetics [here is one] http://66.101.7.11/article_menu.htm I always stress that breeders (especially new ones) should belong to their breed club, and find someone willing to mentor you [Breed Clubs often have] a list of willing mentors to answer all your questions!). Do you belong to your breed club? Plus it should put you in contact with owners/breeders who will be as careful and selective about breeding as you should be. Breeding is not to be taken lightly and a "healthy" dog is much more than a vet check it involves clearances and certifications like OFA - hip & elbow, CERF, BAER, Cardiac, These tests are absolutely essential, breeding without having these [and other] clearances is irresponsible - one could be passing on health problems to the puppies, even if it appears the sire/dam are healthy they could still be carriers. Even if breeding is a one time deal for you, a breeder must be well informed and prepared because you will be responsible for life for these 4,6, 8 or 10 puppies YOU are creating. More advice - Books books and more books!!! Get your hands on breeding, breed, genetics, conformation & anatomy books, ALL OF which will be of great value to you as a breeder. Also attend some dog shows, learn to talk to other owners of your breed.

There is also a link to a thread in Auspet's PB forum called "Future Breeder" http://www.auspet.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/000230.html It has some very good information/links posted by Goob.

Here are some further links that should help you. http://www.dog-play.com/ethics.html
http://www.akc.org/breeds/breederinfo/breeder.cfm
http://www.doggiedoor.com/tobreed.shtml
http://www.cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/general/breeding.htm
http://www.dachshund-dca.org/articles/Standard_Book_of_Dog_Breed.html

To name some of the things a reputable breeder will be well informed about:
-how to select the best foundation dogs for breeding
- Cost of Heath testing their breeding animals
- Time and expense of breeding
- best representative of the breed (showing in conformation)
- mentor to follow under
-knowledge of canine diseases and genetics
- care of b*tch pre & post preg.
- Care & feeding of pups
- waitlist of buyers *before* breeding takes place
- contracts
- Vet care, check ups/ vaccination
- registration
- cost of tattoos (pups)
- cost of microchip "
- Someone to be there 24/7 for birth & raising of pups
- Cost of whelping box
- Supplies for birthing
- knowledge of temperament testing & evaluation
- On going support for puppy owners ALWAYS
-being prepared to take back a puppy or dog if necessary and rehoming

Jas