Over the last few weeks, we have been discussing very many questions associated with companion animal breeding, mostly related to dogs. Today, I am applying a “Question and Answer” format to reiterate and reinforce what I would have documented before in order to provide those enquiring minds with greater clarity to direct questions that often are asked in relation to the mating of their dogs.
QUESTION: When exactly should the caregiver (breeder) bring the male and female animals together?
ANSWER: You may recall that, in recent articles, I had written that the actual mating should take place, 7, 9 and 11 days after the bitch has exhibited her first droplets of blood. (Actually, if you are a keen observer of the bitch and you were able to see the droplets of blood at the very first moment when she deposited the blood, then you could mate her 8, 10 and 12 days later). It all has to do with those different phases of heat which I had previously explained. Mating her three times has all to do with the vagaries of biology. In biology, all values are within a range and there are always many exceptions.
Having said all of the above, the best way to ensure pregnancy is to let the bitch and stud dog do their job. They will know exactly when to mate. She will allow him when she is receptive, and he will effect the “tie” at the right time.
QUESTION: Following up on the last part of the previous answer, is it advantageous/advisable to bring dogs together even before the 7th day after the droplets of blood have first been observed emanating from the vagina of the female?
ANSWER: Yes, the advantage may be that the bitch is often more amenable to “settle’ in her new environment (the bitch is usually taken to a stud dog). And, of course, if she is a bit “abnormal” and is receptive on the fifth and sixth day, then the male dog will do his business opportunely. This does not occur very often. There is one disadvantage in carrying the bitch earlier than the 7th(8th), 9th(10th) and 11th (12th) day for mating. During the proestrus phase (onset of the heat cycle), the female will not accept the male. He will, however, constantly make advances – thwarted and repulsed though they might be. It is then harassment for her (yes, sexual harassment in dogs exist too) and constant, undiminished excitement for him. This is not a happy state of affairs. In the end, the two breeders should play it by ear (trial and error) – whether to bring the dogs together prior to or on the 7th (8th) day after the first droplets of blood are observed.
QUESTION: Should the breeders establish a CONTRACT between themselves relative to sharing of the offspring (puppies resulting from the mating)?
ANSWER: Yes. Right about the time when the dogs are being brought together (if it was not done before), the formal “arrangements” (contract) should be made between the bitch’s owner and the owner of the stud dog. This is important, so as to avoid misunderstandings, quarrels and even litigation later on.
There are various options:
1. The stud’s owner has the choice of a specified number of puppies in the ensuing litter. The gender of the puppies that he will choose should also be agreed upon.
2. The male owner is paid a specific sum for the mating – whether or not the “tie” is successful
3. A combination of a) and b) above.
Breeders may wish to include in the contract, clauses that cater for eventualities such as liabilities relative to injuries the dogs may sustain during and after the mating. Also, you need to consider whether, in the case of unsuccessful mating, monies (or part thereof) should be refunded, or provision is made for a second mating attempt, gratis. Lastly, you will have to agree on the age of delivery of the puppies and the time of payment, and whether they will be fully vaccinated and dewormed on release.
As you can imagine, genuine breeders of top-class dogs are dealing with valuable assets. Purebred puppies are being sold for astronomical sums. A large litter of pedigreed puppies can benefit the owner in the realm of hundreds of thousands of dollars (perhaps that is the reason why so many quack breeders are emerging). It may therefore be advisable to seek legal advice relative to the establishment of a contract between the two parties whose dogs are to be mated. Of course, among common breed dogs of friends, a handshake might suffice!
