BREEDING: HEALTH CLEARANCES
Male dogs, not used in breeding programs, risk testicular cancer.
Female dogs shouldn't be bred until they're fully grown, usually at two years old. Breeding too soon often means that nourishment necessary to develop the bitch is going, instead, to the pups. This means TROUBLE for both the mother and the pups.
Once a decision to breed is made the dog (male or female) should be given a complete veterinary exam, including blood tests. X-rays should be used to rule out hip displasia. (Click here for information on "Hip Displasia")
If you do not own either the bitch or the dog included in your breeding, you should ask his/her owner to produce evidence of a healthy animal.
These health checks were not invented by Vets as a means to get rich. Rather, these tests are the results of long-time, reckless breeding by owners who have little regard for a puppy's health and quality of life. Breeding without knowing what problems or potential problems are being passed to the litter is irresponsible ownership, regardless of the reason that conception occurred. By making sure dogs have their health clearances owners can make informed decisions about breeding.
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