An introduction to dog breeding

The Kennel Club does not keep general information relating to breeding from bitches as this can vary tremendously from breed to breed. However, the following information may be of some help to you when planning to breed from your bitch.

Breed Specifics:
There are a number of general books on breeding currently available. Additionally, you will find that there are many breed specific books that contain chapters, which relate to breeding. There are a variety of relevant titles available from the Online Shop.

Before breeding from your bitch, the Kennel Club advises that you check with your veterinary surgeon, your breed club and/or your dog's breeder to find out whether there are any possible inherited conditions that may affect your breed, for which there is an available test (e.g. hip dysplasia and eye conditions). There are several health schemes currently in operation to assist in the prevention or control of some diseases (including DNA tests), and where these exist, the Kennel Club strongly recommends that both sire and dam are tested.