How to Breed Show Dogs

Show dog breeding is an endeavor for individuals who are committed to the betterment of a breed. Show dogs are essentially dogs that embody the breed standard and have a strong, genetic background. Get informed about conformation shows, breed standards, and dog breeding. Enter your dog into shows to establish it as a high-quality, American Kennel Club-registered purebred. When it is ready, breed your dog with a genetically-suitable stud. Take care of the female and puppies, and register your new purebred litter with the AKC.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Highlighting Your Dog’s Pedigree

  1. Buy a purebred puppy . You should purchase a purebred puppy from a reputable, AKC-registered breeder. Note that a good breeder will ask you a lot of questions, and make the effort to ensure that their puppy is going to a suitable home. Make sure to:
    • visit the breeder
    • ask detailed questions
    • see the condition of the litter’s mother
    • request proof of health for mother and puppies
    • ask for references
  2. An important part of show dog breeding is understanding breed standards, as established by the American Kennel Club. The true purpose of dog shows (also known as conformation shows) is to evaluate breeding stock. Dogs are judged based on established criteria for what is considered the best of the breed; to better understand the best attributes of your dog’s breed: [1]
    • attend dog shows
    • read books, articles, and other reputable source material about breed standards
    • look up your dog’s specific breed on the American Kennel Club’s website: www.akc.org
    Advertisement
  3. Whether you learn by attending local dog shows, watching them on television, or reading about them, it is a good idea to get informed before you participate. Dog breeds are generally grouped into seven categories, based on the jobs they were initially bred for – “sporting,” “hounds,” “working,” “terrier,” “toy,” “non-sporting,” and “herding.” Show dogs are also grouped into different classes at shows – “puppy,” “twelve-to-eighteen months,” “novice,” “bred by exhibitor,” “American-bred,” and “open.” There are a series of different ribbons presented to participants that judges choose as the best of a class (e.g. a blue ribbon is awarded for first place in any regular class).
    • Many AKC clubs offer conformation handling classes for owners wishing to show their dogs. The classes show owners how to present their purebred dog to judges at a conformation show. Local AKC clubs offering these courses will be listed on the American Kennel Club website.
  4. If your dog meets breed standards, is older than 6 months, and is not spayed or neutered, you can enter it into a conformation show. If you do not feel ready for this step yet, consider entering your dog into a match show first; match shows are informal shows where dogs and owners can socialize and get accustomed to the procedures for official conformation shows. Alternatively, you can hire a professional handler to present your dog to judges at the conformation show, for a fee that should be established upfront before the show. [2]
    • The American Kennel Club Registered Handlers Program promotes professional handlers who meet a specific criterion of responsibility and knowledge. [3]
  5. Most dogs entered in conformation shows are competing for championship points, which are essentially credits earned towards championship status. Dog shows are essentially a process of elimination leading to one dog being named “Best in Show” at the end of it; other dogs are able to earn points along the way. Either way, you dog’s participation signals that it is an AKC-registered purebred, whose parents and ancestors are also purebred.
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Facilitating the Breeding

  1. Show dog breeding is a very precise tradition, and the people who participate tend to be very committed to it. Find a mentor who can show you the ropes, share their experiences, and walk you through the different aspects of breeding show dogs. People entering into this new world often find mentors in the breeders they buy their puppy from; good breeders look after their puppies well after their sale, which means that a long-term relationship with the puppy’s new owner is often developed. [4]
  2. The best time for your female to start breeding is between her second heat cycle and the age of 7; because of health risks, dogs older than 7 should not be bred. The female will make it clear whether or not she’s ready for breeding by how she reacts to the male – if she is not ready, she will avoid him, and if she is ready, she will move her tail to the side to communicate her consent.
  3. Show dog breeding requires a general understanding of genetics and a desire to better the breed. You can search for studs in the classifieds of dog breeding magazines, online, or by putting up flyers in your area. Look for a stud that is certified healthy, and that offers genetic attributes that will complement your female. Work out a stud contract with the stud’s owner, outlining the details of breeding times, fees, payment, expectations, and guarantees. [5]
  4. Both dogs should be tested for genetic disorders, parasites, and possible infections. The female should receive a full pre-breeding exam from a veterinarian about a month before breeding to ensure her health and readiness to breed. Both dogs should be up to date on their vaccinations. [6]
  5. It is usually best to bring the female to the male for breeding, as females handle new environments better. Depending on your stud contract agreements, you can either bring the female for multiple visits, leave her in the custody of the stud owner for the duration of the breeding period, or stay with your dog throughout the process to observe. Though the process should come naturally to dogs, some assistance from the owners might be needed. [7]
    • For instance, dogs usually remain “tied” after mating, staying together for anywhere from 2-30 minutes. This process is integral to conception, but if your dog is new to breeding, it might get nervous and try to pull away. In this instance, stepping in to reassure your dog can rescue the breeding attempt.
    Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Welcoming Your Puppies

  1. A veterinarian can confirm your dog’s pregnancy around day 28 of a typically 63-day gestation period. Your vet can advise you on breed-specific care for your pregnant dog. Start setting up a whelping box (i.e. a box for your dog to give birth in) a few weeks before the expected due date to ensure that your dog is comfortable with the spot. In general, make sure that your female remains comfortable and healthy during her gestation period. [8]
  2. Approximately 24 hours before whelping begins, the female will begin to show symptoms – her temperature will drop and she will usually stop eating and drinking. When whelping begins, she will show signs of distress (e.g. whining, visible restlessness). While dogs are generally capable of giving birth without assistance, it is best if you are present to monitor the situation and call a veterinarian in case of emergencies. [9]
  3. After whelping occurs, monitor your female closely. Make sure she receives adequate Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous in order to avoid post-natal eclampsia. She will also need two or three times more food to provide sufficient nutrition for her puppies when nursing. Experts recommend giving the female a period of rest and regeneration instead of breeding her again at her next possible breeding cycle. [10]
    • French bulldogs have food allergies. It can be due to kibble and the way of making kibble.
    • Raw diet is appropriate for these animals.
    • They make kibble using the hot press method. So they are not many nutrients in it. If you give it to your dog, you give them a filler that causes several issues with allergies because Frenchies have a delicate digestive system.
  4. You should check and weigh the litter every day to make sure they are healthy and developing properly. Keep the puppies warm (with a heating pad or heat lamp, if necessary) and make sure that they are nursing properly. Once the puppies are weaned, you will have to feed them and begin to socialize them. [11]
    Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Looking After Future Show Dogs

  1. A few days after whelping, you should register your litter with the American Kennel Club. This will allow you to provide new owners you buy your puppies with a registration application, and establish you as a responsible breeder. You can register your litter online at http://www.akc.org/register/?pre=breeder&activity=litter , or print out a form and mail it in. [12]
  2. An integral part of breeding puppies is finding good owners for them by interviewing potential buyers and choosing the right person, or family, to give one of your puppies a good home. Look for people who are knowledgeable about your dogs’ breed, and who have the time and means to provide a dog with the best care possible. An ideal candidate would be someone who is passionate enough about the breed to participate in dog shows, allowing one of your puppies to reach its full, show dog potential. Screen potential owners with questions like:
    • ”Why did you choose this specific breed of dog?”
    • ”Who will be the dog’s primary caretaker?
    • ”How much time can you devote to exercise, obedience training, and feeding a dog?”
  3. Convincing your puppies’ buyers to register them with the AKC is a step towards ensuring that your litter grow into show dogs. While the AKC funds many initiatives devoted to canine health, safety, and rescue, it also sanctions more than 20,000 competitive dog events each year. Dog shows shows can be a fun, educational experience for pets and owners alike, but a dog must be registered with the AKC to participate.
    Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does it take for a dog to get pregnant and give birth?
    Cricket Proctor
    Community Answer
    Dogs may become pregnant after having intercourse one time. Once the breeding has been accomplished, the normal gestation period is 63 days till birth.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Should dogs be fed before mating?
    Community Answer
    Dogs may eat as normal before mating.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Can you induce heat in the female artificially?
    Community Answer
    No. The female will have to go into heat naturally. This will happen every 5-6 months in small dogs and every 7-9 months in large dogs. Some dogs have irregular heat cycles, though this is unlikely.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Dog Stop Biting
      How to
      Stop Cat Bullying: Recognizing the Signs and Stopping the Behavior
      How to
      Remove a Tick from a Cat
      How to
      Identify a Dutch Shepherd
      How to
      Leash Train a Puppy
      How to
      Recognize Distemper Symptoms in Dogs
      How to
      Trick Your Dog Into Drinking Water
      How to
      Tame a Feral Cat
      How to
      Identify Canine Ear Mites
      How to
      Prepare Home Cooked Food for Your Dog
      How to
      Get Dog Poop Out of Your Carpet in 8 Easy Steps
      How to
      Help an Older Dog Grieve the Loss of Its Owner
      How to
      Give an Insulin Shot to Dogs
      How to
      Breed Betta Fish
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.akc.org/events/conformation-dog-shows/#
      2. ↑ http://www.akc.org/events/conformation-dog-shows/getting-started-showing/
      3. ↑ http://www.akc.org/events/handlers/
      4. ↑ http://www.akc.org/events/conformation-dog-shows/#
      5. ↑ http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Dog_Stud_Service
      6. ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding/#genetics
      7. ↑ http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Dog_Stud_Service
      8. ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding
      9. ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding/#
      1. ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding/#
      2. ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding/#
      3. ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding/#register

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to breed show dogs, start by attending local dog shows or watching them on TV to learn everything you can about them. Once your dog is 6 months old, you can try entering it in an informal match show, which allows dogs and owners to get accustomed to the procedures for official dog shows. Remember that there are usually seven different breed categories you can enter your dog into, which are sporting, hounds, working, terrier, and toy. Once you enter a show in a certain category, do your best to accumulate points, since points help you get closer to Best in Show! To learn how to facilitate breeding for show dogs, read more from our Veterinary co-author!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,905 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 30, 2016

        "How many times they breed helps."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement