breeding female Aussie

[emt815]

When our male Aussie tries to breed our female he goes thru the motions but does not got into lock or tie. This is my females second cycle and she is in the standing part of the breeding cycle. Is there anything we can do to promote a positive pregnancy.

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Thank you,

[Cassiepeia]

Best thing to do is to get in contact with a reputable Australian Shepherd breeder and ask them to be your mentor. By reputable I mean someone who is a member of the national club and who shows (and possibly works) their dogs and who tests for genetic problems.
Breeding is not something just anyone should do. Your bitch could die during whelp, the pups could die or both could die. Even humans die during birth (both mother and child) so it's not something that is impossible.
It is also possible for the pups to inherit all sorts of problems from both parents, which were not apparent from a simple health check.


Cass.

[IceyBlueSibes]

*nods in agreement* Very true. I'd get into contact with someone who has knowledge in your breed of choice.

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

There are many things you can do to help ensure pregnancy. One is to have both dogs health tested by a vet (not just an exam, but full-on testing for health problems Aussies are prone to). Before that you also need to ensure that both dogs are fit and of the correct age (how old is your bitch that this is her second heat?).

As Cass said, you also should speak to a reputable, ethical breeder who can guide you through the process. They may help you decide that this is an innapropriate pairing due to genes or ages, as well.

[briarlow]

How old is your girl? I hope that she's around 2 years of age as that is the best age to start breeding, I wouldn't do it any sooner.

[emt815]

She is two years old and the male is 3 both are in perfect health. Just had their visit with the vet. I think it is due to this is the first time she has been with a male dog to breed and this is here second cycle. We have had him for three months, so they are use to each other.

[LilacDragon]

While your vet says that they are perfectly healthy - one should ask - have they had any genetic testing done? Have their hips been x-rayed and sent to OFA to be evaluated? Have they been given a clean bill of health as far as other genetic issues common to the breed? Both the bitch and the stud have been tested for epilepsy - right?

Have they both been shown to prove that they meet the breed standard? Have they been tested in any performance venues? Has there been any temperment testing?

[Punkygirl0101]

I have the same questions as Lilac, are they health CERTIFIED (Not done by vet). And have they been shown?

[briarlow]

Being shown doesn't always bother me, but when people say that they've been health checked by a vet does!! Why do vets do this? It's a shame that they don't check what health problems breeds have before saying this.

[Flutterby]

emt - Before you allow your dogs to breed and create MORE puppies to add to the world, might I suggest you take a trip to your local humane society? See how many *PUREBRED* dogs (many of which were *intentionally* bred), are waiting for a home, and even on death row, euthanized because there just aren't enough homes!

I just did a quick search on Petfinder.com. There are currently 3,060 Australian Shepherds in need of a good home. Many of those may have to be euthanized, or live a life in a loveless kennel. And this is only ONE website that lists a *fraction* of the animals throughout the US that are in desperate need of a home.

Instead of creating more puppies to add to this gross overpopulation of unwanted pets, how about steering potential puppy buyers in the direction of shelters and rescues? Save a life, rather than doom another dog to a sad, homeless existence?

Just a thought. I do tend to speak my opinion on subjects I am quite passionate about.


Lanie McWilliams
Royal Star Estates
freewebs.com/royalstarestates


PS - And if you *really* have your heart set on breeding, find a good, reputable, responsible, ethical breeder to be your mentor and teach you everything you need to know!

[roman]

I have one thing to say One thing i dont get and this is just me as a person, If a dog is health certified and NOT shown does it matter? I mean people all over says "your dog needs to be health certified AND shown inorder for this person to breed" what does showing even do other than giving a dog a fancy title as a "show dog"?

now i know im gonna be jumped at for even thinking that.

If this dog is health certified and is bred atleast the puppies are healthy with the shwoing it doesnt really matter does it? Most dogs have other jobs mabe they are actually used for herding or flyball or something and the owner wants to produce puppies with the same abilities as the parents.

i am not looking for an argument but sometimes on the forum(especially recently) we have been jumping down new members throats without giving them a chance to even explain themselves.

I am sorry if this is causing anyone to be angered ro anything but soemtimes we need to THINK before we judge.

[PawNclaws]

Originally Posted by roman

I have one thing to say One thing i dont get and this is just me as a person, If a dog is health certified and NOT shown does it matter? I mean people all over says "your dog needs to be health certified AND shown inorder for this person to breed" what does showing even do other than giving a dog a fancy title as a "show dog"?

now i know im gonna be jumped at for even thinking that.

If this dog is health certified and is bred atleast the puppies are healthy with the shwoing it doesnt really matter does it? Most dogs have other jobs mabe they are actually used for herding or flyball or something and the owner wants to produce puppies with the same abilities as the parents.

i am not looking for an argument but sometimes on the forum(especially recently) we have been jumping down new members throats without giving them a chance to even explain themselves.

I am sorry if this is causing anyone to be angered ro anything but soemtimes we need to THINK before we judge.

I agree with you that titles are not every thing. I'm pretty sure allot will agree..A Ch. doesn't mean the dog should be bred either. But remember, allot of dogs can pass their health screenings - what if one shouldn't be bred due to a disq. fault ? a person uneducated in their breed, would not notice, but a judge would/or even a well educated breeder would. Make any sence ?

[roman]

oh yes i know what you mean. Basically what im trying to say is when everyone 9not only on the forum but all over) start sayng "you need to show your dog" it gets annoying because some one might feel "they are saying my dog isnt good enough" you know.

[LilacDragon]

The original purpose of showing dogs was to "show" that they met the breed standard.

This is still the purpose today. I have a pomeranian that would probably pass every single one of his health screenings. However, he has a lousy coat, is large according to the standard, is way too long in the body and has other issues that would disqualify him in the show ring - ie. he does NOT meet the breed standard.

An ETHICAL breeder breeds to IMPROVE the breed. This means that the goal is to breed dogs that meet the standard as closely as possible. The best way to make sure that you are doing this is to compare YOUR dogs to other dogs of the breed, under the watchful eye of someone who knows the breed standard intimately (the judge) and can tell you which dogs best meet the standard.

[Novel]

There are three things required before you breed....

A good pedigree -- that means titles and lineage, the parents must be good specimens of the breed and it needs to be proven through attained titles.
Health Testing -- means through OFA, not just your vet
A breeder/mentor -- this means a knowledgable person who is going to be there for the life of your dog and beyond and who comes with a contract and guarantee that they are going to be responsible enought to stand behind.