We received our GSD female pup Sari vom Arolser Holtz from Germany nine months ago. She is now some 14 months old and we would like to have some puppies. Sari- we call her Soraya, has an excellent pedigree and we would like to mate her with a GSD male with very good ancestral lines (preferably German). Does anyone know how one goes about doing this? We-my husband and I, are absolute amateurs!

Many, many thanks in advance for any tips and information you may give us!

Kathryn & Arun

 Quote: Kathryn Allen

We received our GSD female pup Sari vom Arolser Holtz from Germany nine months ago. She is now some 14 months old and we would like to have some puppies. Sari- we call her Soraya, has an excellent pedigree and we would like to mate her with a GSD male with very good ancestral lines (preferably German). Does anyone know how one goes about doing this? We-my husband and I, are absolute amateurs!

Many, many thanks in advance for any tips and information you may give us!

Kathryn & Arun

What is there about this very young dog that has convinced you that you should breed her?

Dang it!!!

I thought somebody FINALLY started a thread about me.

Easy Mike. It's about an under-age female.

I agree with Connie, other then her pedigree, what makes you think that she is breeding material? Does she have ANY kind of title? Also, she should not be bred until she is at least 2 years old. Have you had her hips pre-limed yet, her elbows? You can't even OFA a dog until they are at least 2 years old. I don't know anyone with a well bred, titled stud that would want breed to a non-OFA's or non titled female except BYBs. Also, if you need to ask these questions, then you are not even close to experienced enough to be considering breeding. Just some food for thought.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

Dang it!!!

I thought somebody FINALLY started a thread about me.

If it makes you feel better, I had the same assumption!


In all seriousness though, what are the goals for this breeding? For the puppies? Have the hips and elbows passed? Have other genetic tests been done? What sort of nerves does the proposed mother have?

If you this new to breeding, I suggest you not breed at this time. If you're truly serious, find a breeder (working line, not breeding pet dogs as a goal) that you respect and ask if they can mentor you and show you the ropes. If your dog truly is breed-worthy, wait a bit and learn some more.

Hi Kathryn,

I would recommend you and your husband sit down and do a bunch of research before breeding your girl. Here is a decent article to start that off:

http://www.dogstuff.info/to_breed_or_not.html

Breeding is not for the faint of heart. My good friend says that when she considers breeding one of her bitches she looks at the big picture and says to herself, "Is this litter worthy enough to risk the life of my bitch?"

Because that is what breeding can be - risking the life of your bitch. Things can go wrong in an instant and thousands in vet bills is only the tip of the iceberg.

Your girl is still way too young to breed. She needs to get her hips and elbows checked for dysplasia at the age of two at a minimum. Use this time to research breeding and whether breeding your girl will improve the breed or if it is not.

I have spent nearly 13 years in my breed. My intention has always been to breed to improve the breed. I have spayed and neutered more dogs that did not make the "cut", so to speak, than not and am finally at the point where I will be breeding my first litter.

There is should be no rush to have puppies. Until you have the knowledge and experience to do right by the breed, please satisfy your puppy urges by purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder. Believe me, getting a puppy that way is win win - it is cheaper and you don't have to clean up after the puppy (and its siblings) for its first 8 weeks of life :-)

Hi Connie,

We are in no hurry to breed her for, as you yourself say, Soraya is rather young. I was inquiring as we might consider doing so in future.

Kathryn

 Quote: Kathryn Allen

Hi Connie,

We are in no hurry to breed her for, as you yourself say, Soraya is rather young. I was inquiring as we might consider doing so in future.

Kathryn

That is good to hear. In the meantime find yourself a working line mentor who can show you the ropes, help you get titles on your girl and teach you all the ins and outs (especially the outs/risks) of breeding.