posted 10-06-2003 04:20 PM         

In addition to those on the list (and there are probably a few I'm missing), some colors have other health problems associated with them... white dogs should have their hearing tested (BAER)- for breeding stock and you really SHOULD test any white or predominantly white pups before they are placed. Dilute colors (blue, fawn) can have a disease called Color Dilute Alopecia, which causes thin and/or patchy coats in affected dogs.

There are other health problems which are genetic, but either cannot be tested for, or are easily diagnosed without professional tests. Dogs with Allergies should not be bred. Dogs that have or had generalized Demodectic mange as pups should not be bred, as this is a sign of a weak immune system.

In addition to all the health concerns, temperament also needs to be considered. Dogs with shy, nervous, aggressive, overly dominant, or unpredictable temperaments should NOT be bred. All breeding stock should be able to pass either a CGC test or Temperament Test.

Breeding stock should also be checked for doggy STDs before bred. Some of those diseases are fatal to dogs, and can be passed to pups or even to humans handling the pups after whelp.

Here are some links to direct you to more information:

OFA website: http://www.offa.org/

PennHIP website: http://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers/pennhip/

CERF website: http://www.vet.purdue.edu/~yshen/cerf.html

Hip dysplasia: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/medical-info.02.html#HD

More links on HD and Elbow Dysplasia: http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0090.htm

Luxating Patellas: http://www.pawfectchihuahuas.com/LuxatingPatella.html

PRA: http://members.tripod.com/cockerpages/progress.htm

Heart disorders: http://www.cah.com/library/cardiac.html

Thyroid imbalances: http://www.mirage-samoyeds.com/thyroidofa.htm#background

A site that lists genetic disorders by breed: http://www.siriusdog.com/genetic.htm

Info on deafness, white dogs, and BAER testing: http://www.deafdogs.org/faq/

CDA: http://www.italiangreyhound.org/cda.html

Allergies: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/canine-allergies.html

Demo: http://www.geocities.com/schlosser44/Demodex.html

CGC test site: http://akc.org/love/cgc/index.cfm

TT site: http://atts.org/

posted 10-06-2003 04:33 PM         

First become involved with your local/national breed club. Then speak with several known reputable breeders and find someone to help mentor you. Usually best to go to someone with many years of experience who breeds to maintain/better the breed. This will also be someone who breeds selectively - not excessively, tests their dogs for genetic diseases and someone involved in conformation/performance sports and one who takes breeding seriously ~~ this should be your goal to become this type of breeder too. Remember you are responsible for the little lives created and a good breeder will stand by their pups for the life of the dog.

The Reality of Breeding: http://www.geocities.com/learntobreed/

This link goes into many aspects of breeding and a good place to begin: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/whelping.html

Here offers more info about grasping the basic foundation of breeding:
http://www.dachshund-dca.org/articles/Standard_Book_of_Dog_Breed.html

Get your hands on as many resouces as possible. Invest in breeding books as well as books about canine structure, anatomy and prepare your self for all aspects - the good & bad.