dog breed

Dogs are called man’s best friend, probably due to their vicious loyalty to their masters. As dogs have been tamed around 15,000 years ago, it makes the dog a perfect pet. There are various dog breeds such as Terrier and Mastiff, and dog types. These two terms should not be used interchangeably as dog type means to classify the animals by the function it performs. Allowing specifically chosen types of dogs to mate in order to get puppies with particular qualities is referred to as the practice of breeding dogs.

The qualities of the puppies are left for nature to decide when dogs mate without human involvement. Getting an enhanced new generation of dogs would thus be the motive of many dog owners who breed dogs. However, breeding dogs is not an easy job. It’s vital that you have a good idea of the intended purpose, genetics and the health condition of the dog in question so that breeding dogs could be done in a fruitful manner. In addition, dog breeders generally record the birth of puppies in stud books of associations like kennel clubs, where the information about the dog as well as, the dog’s lineage and special achievements are entered. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is one such famous association.

Properly maintaining data about dogs is vital for breeding dogs. Once an owner has informationregarding the dog, he/she could study them and determine what qualities can be expected and what should be avoided. The decision regarding whether to inbreed or to outcross is one that should be taken by the dog breeder. In addition, there are certain set of laws that have to be adhered to when breeding dogs. These rules may differ depending on the breed, kennel club and country. Normally, the rules are made for the well being of a certain breed or several dog breeds and dog breeders have to stick to the laws of an association to be recruited in their breed programs. Different test might have to be done in addition to come to a decision regarding the health condition and qualities of the dog in question in accordance with these regulations and an evaluation by and expert breeder might also be necessary.

Although breeding dogs is a popular thing, there are certain groups who resist and criticize the practice. Animal rights groups state that breeding dogs to be sold is immoral and claim that most breeders care only about the profit while totally disregarding the welfare of the animal. In addition inbreeding has also come under attack as this might cause the inherent genetic disorders of the dogs to continue into new generations.

Thus, breeding dogs can be thought of as a very delicate matter. A comprehensive knowledge is required by anyone who wishes to perform it.

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If you have thought that you might like to get into dogs, but have not yet purchased your first one, allow us to give you a word of advice.  There are so many wonderful breeds, each with its own particular charm, that I’m sure you can find just the right breed for you.  However, decide on one whose size and temperament fit into your life.  Don’t get a Great Dane if you live in a tiny apartment, and don’t get a tiny dog if a high-pitched bark grates on your nerves.

Once you have decided which breed you want, please do some studying about what is right and what is wrong for a dog of that particular breed.  Read a book on your chosen breed, go to shows, watch the judging, talk to the breeders.  Be sure you don’t buy a dog which has a disqualification for his breed and, you will be ever so much happier in the show game if you at least start out with a dog which has no serious faults.  I cannot tell you here what the disqualifications or faults are, as there are more than one hundred breeds for you to choose from and each breed has its own particular faults.

When you are ready to buy, go to a reliable breeder and tell him that you intend to show.  A sincere breeder would not sell you an inferior animal if he knows it is to be shown.  Many people when they are buying a dog ask for “just a pet,” thinking they will get the animal cheaper. 

A good breeder wants his stock shown and does not want to be embarrassed by having a dog of his breeding with a serious fault show up at a show, and by the same token he does not want to sell a top dog to someone who will never show it, as for all practical purposes the dog would be lost to the show and breeding world.  He would rather sell you a good dog for less money if you promised it would be shown.  If he is a big breeder, he cannot possibly get all the dogs he raises to the shows under his own name, and he is always looking for someone to come along who is interested in showing.  He will not give the dog away, because experience has taught him that the dog receives better care if he has been purchased and he has a much better chance of actually getting into the show ring when the new owner has paid something for the dog.

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