Can someone answer some questions about dog breeding?

Question

I have 2 lovely AKC show quality Shelties and we want to breed them. Finding homes for the pups isn't a problem, we already have homes lined up. However, we are new at this. All our previous dogs have been fixed but since these 2 are such wonderfully intelligent, friendly, and excellent examples of what a Sheltie should look like, we'd like to breed them. The female is nearly 2 and the male is a year and 3 months. Is he too young? I know she is okay to breed. I believe she just went into heat. This is only her second cycle that I know of. Her vulva has swelled but isn't red yet. I haven't noticed blood but our carpeting is dark. However, she is licking ALOT down there, is that a sign? I have been doing a lot of reading and I have read that she will accept the male in about a week if she started yesterday. Is it true that she has 8 days to conceive? Our male hasn't tried to mate her yet. She is also acting abnormally affectionate, is that a sign? (Continued)

They are around each other all the time so they should just breed when they are ready, right? They also should have enough time to mate and conceive as well, correct? They share an extra large crate at night but we will have to change that when she becomes pregnant? We will keep the male away from her while she is close to labor but when is it safe for him to be around the puppies? Also, she does agility. Can we still practice up until maybe a few weeks till the due date? I'm sorry about all the questions but the books don't answer much and they are very technical. Please don't be critical about us breeding, all breeders were new at one time, right? I also realize there are many unwanted dogs in shelters because I've had several lovely mixed breeds from shelters in my life. I just am very passionate about Shetland Sheepdogs and since I've decided not to have children, I have a lot of time to devote to their care. I also have enough money, space, and most importantly, love!

Answer 1

Wait till she's had her 3rd or 4rth heat cycle. THEN you can breed her. The male should be about a year old.. You seem to know what your doing. don't forget to have a genetic test done by a vet. Your shelties should have won a comformation show not just be show quality.

Answer 2

You say they are show quality...how do you know??? Have they been shown and pointed?? Have they been evaluated by at least 3 knowledgable people/judges? If not then they need to be.
Since neither one is 2 years old yet then they haven't had and passed genetic testing (not just simple vet exams)..it is VERY important that you get these done BEFORE even considering a breeding program with them. They need CERF/PRA on eyes (Shelties have a high rate of eye problems), OFA/PennHip on hips/elbows and knees, thyroid (very, very important in breeding Shelties).
Both of your dogs need to be two years old before breeding.
You need to seperate the two dogs, get health testing done, get both either shown or evaluated and wait until the next heat cycle...in the mean time study more about your breed and about breeding.
Also as for agility..not a good idea while she is pregnant.

Answer 3

First things first, ask your vet what tests each should have to rule out any genetics abnormalities that would be passed onto the pups (not too familiar with shelties myself, not sure what their common health issues are). These types of tests are generally not suggested until 2 years of age. The male is physically capable at this point, but still too young....he should be at least 2 as well.

'Google' to find a sheltie club near you that will help you evaluate your dogs to see if they're up to breed standard AND to learn common issues that arise when breeding this breed. You really should try to find another sheltie breeder to mentor you.

One other thing- do you have the FINANCES to raise a litter? Quite expensive, especially if any emergencies arrive during labor or after the pups are born- you need at least $1500 easily at hand in cash or credit card so you can properly handle anything that comes up, from your girl needing a csection to an injured or underweight pup who needs attention.

Ok, I lied- one MORE thing- pups are cute, pups are fun...and a TON of work, sometimes round the clock for weeks on end if you end up bottle feeding. Even if Mom is a great mom, be prepared to spend countless hours cleaning and disinfecting, and generally looking after the pups. It is NOT for everyone- some of us are up to the task, many others arent' and find that out the hard way. THANK YOU for trying to research this, instead of just jumping into it like so many idiots do.

Answer 4

Shelties are marvelous dogs...I understand your passion for the breed. I bred them for conformation showing for decades...did obedience, some herding and got into agility (am an instructor now as well as serious competitor). And I commend your thoughtfullness.

But, please wait and do not breed yet. There are important things you need to research and consider first.

Both dogs need to be cleared of common inherited problems to the breed; Hip dysplasia, VWD, PRA, CEA. This is for your peace of mind...wanting to produce healthy puppies for good, loving homes.

Another thing, loving the breed, is to make sure your dogs suit the "standard" of the breed.....so they have the beautiful physical traits that distinguish them as true Shelties. You can search for the ASSA (american shetland sheepdog association) for the standard and photos. Shelties should be 13 -16 " tall measured at the shoulder....ears should tip...they need to be structurally sound.

Also, you did not mention the color of your dogs...there are certain colors of the breed that should not be bred together for health reasons......

Please, make sure your dogs are separated this time around...do some more research.

Answer 5

Your dogs do sound lovely, but your boy might be to young to reliably screen yet for healthy issues. Can you get any advice from the breeder of your dogs? One person her suggested a mentor, maybe your breeder would be better able to answer your questions and tell you how to judge the breeding qualities of your dogs? They would be able to tell you lots about the testing your dogs need to breed healthy pups, and how to get your dog confirmed and titled. Talk to other sheltie breeders first before you breed so you know what to expect and to have someone to call if you run into any problems. It DOES sound like your girl is in heat, but a bit more planning and info might be better for you to do first, your girl will have more heats.

Answer 6

I agree. Even if you don't title them in breed, they should be at least titled in agility if that's what you're going to do with them. You need to prove that your AKC show quality Sheltie is better than all the others out there. This can't be done until you title them. As the other person stated....it's just breeding dogs if you haven't done that. Also, have you had them screened for diseases and had them OFA'd? If the hips and elbows aren't certified...there's also no point in breeding them. Responsible breeders have to put out a lot of money and time to show their dogs are worthy of breeding...not just have an AKC dog.

Answer 7

Most likely the male you have is not the best possible male to breed the female to. Just because they were sold to you as 'show quality' doesn't mean they are -- most likely not since any knowledgeable breeder would have sold them as 'show potential' not show quality -- show quality is a dog that is a finished champion. It doesn't sound like either of the dogs have had health testing done - thyroid panels, chemestry panels, hips/elbows, vWD, cardiac, etc., you would need to check with a knowledgeable breeder in Shelties to know any of the other breed specific issues in the breed. And it doesn't sound like you have had them temperamentally evaluated - no, you are not knowledgeable enough to do this - 'they are sweet' doesn't count. Have you trained and obtained performance titles on them? Just because they both have sex organs that function doesn't make either of them worthy of breeding and certainly they are most likely not the best matches for one another. What are her faults and assets structurally, temperamentally and healthwise? What are his? Why would he be the best possible male that you can find in this country to take her to in order to correct her faults and maintain her good aspects? What does she have (or he for that matter) to offer the breed and what breeding strategy are you planning on using to insure you obtain these goals? Basically if you breed them at this point in time with the ignorance you have of the breed, you are simply another of the millions of back yard greeders exploiting intact dogs to make puppies for personal gain and gratification. Please educate yourself a WHOLE lot more than you are before making yet another unneeded litter of puppies. The 'homes' you have lined up you can assist with adopting a dog that would end up in a body pile at the end of the week instead. I am not anti-breeding but I am anti-ignorance based puppy making.

Answer 8

Please don't take this the wrong way - please read.

I understand your passion, and good intention are not always a savign grace. Layman answer to your quesiton of your male. Techinally yes he is physically able to breed, BUT... he is NOT old enough for his OFA hips and elbow checks. 4.8% of Shetlands submitted to OFA are dysplastic. Another "large" problem with Shetlands is thyroid problems. Matter of fact, rank 3rd in OFA in the highest precent with problems.

PLEASE for the sake of the breed, you need to have the health checks done, and this can NOT be done right now. The female should have time after the heat cycle for the hips to be done, Esterus can effect the reading, so to get the best possible reading you must wait at least 2 months after the heat cycle.


See link below for the Shetland Sheepdog Association of America, it is set for the KNOWN HEALTH PROBLEMS for your beloved breed.

I am not saying DO NOT BREED... I am saying do a little more homework, and wait for your homework to be done.

Good Luck.

Answer 9

Your dogs sound beautiful, but I have to advise you that it is pointless to breed them unless they are both titled Champions. Breeding dogs without titles is no different than breeding mixes, IMO. Title your dogs first, and while you are working on that, you will have time to do some extensive research on the ins and outs of dog breeding. Also, I would reccomend that you get a mentor.

I would keep your furkids apart while your female is in heat.

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