Breeding dogs is a delicate process requiring careful planning and veterinary knowledge. This complete canine breeding guide walks you through every step—from mating to whelping—to ensure the well-being of both mother and puppies.

1. Choosing the Right Breeding Pair

Before mating your dogs, make sure to check the following:

• Health exam: Recent full veterinary checkup.
• Body condition: Neither underweight nor overweight.
• Temperament: Choose dogs with stable, balanced personalities.
• Genetic assessment: Review pedigrees and hereditary disease risks.
• Health screening: Test for genetic disorders (e.g., hip dysplasia, heart murmurs) and transmissible diseases (e.g., brucellosis).
• Vaccination and deworming: Ensure both dogs are up-to-date at least two weeks before mating.

2. Mating: When and How

Proper timing and method are crucial for success:

• Female’s age: Breeding starts at around 18 months, during the second heat.
• Optimal timing: Typically on days 9, 11, and 13 of the heat cycle.
• Breeding frequency: Limit to one litter per year to protect the female’s health.

3. Pregnancy Monitoring and Diet

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days (range: 58–71 days). Key steps include:

• Diet changes: Around day 50, transition from adult food to puppy food gradually.
• Ultrasounds and X-rays: Confirm pregnancy at 21 days; count and position pups between days 50–55.

4. Pre-Whelping Signs

Look out for these signs before labor begins:

• Swollen vulva and milk production
• Behavioral changes: nesting, panting, restlessness
• Drop in rectal temperature (~1°C) 24 hours before labor

5. Whelping: Process and Complications

Normal labor lasts 24 to 36 hours:

• One placenta follows each pup (sometimes not expelled).
• Dystocia (complications): If no puppy appears after 30 minutes of contractions, or pregnancy exceeds 70 days, seek veterinary help.
• Seek help if there’s intense pain or abnormal discharge.

6. What If the Mother Ignores the Puppies?

If the dam doesn’t care for her pups:

• Stimulate breathing: Break membranes manually and rub the pup to stimulate breathing.
• Bottle feeding: Use puppy milk replacer every 3 hours.
• Safe environment: Keep puppies warm and protected.

7. Post-Whelping Follow-up

The dam may have vaginal discharge for a few weeks. Pus-like discharge is abnormal and needs veterinary attention.

8. Puppy Care: Growth and Health

Early life is critical:

• Senses: Pups are born blind and deaf; eyes and ears open gradually.
• Deworming and diet: Start deworming at 2 weeks, continue until 6 months. Introduce solid food at 4 weeks.
• Weaning: Begin at 6 weeks; pups can be adopted at 8 weeks after their first vaccine.

9. Drying Up Milk After Weaning

Once the last puppy is weaned:

• Reduce food and water gradually to help stop lactation.
• Drying protocol: Fast the dam for 24 hours, then slowly reintroduce food.
• Veterinary follow-up: If the mammary glands remain full, consult your vet to prevent complications.