Get Your FREE eBook ($27 value)

"The Secrets to Raising a Happier Dog: Common Questions & Answers!"

Just use your first name and valid email - then click the “Free Instant Access!” button to enter.

I take your privacy very seriously and will NOT share your information.

Things to Consider When Breeding Hunting Dogs

January 20, 2010 | Filed Under: Dogs And Family

Breeders of hunting dogs are seldom in the breeding business for money. More likely, they are interested in the dogs and that is how they got involved in breeding. Most hunting dogs are purebred, though they have many certain needs that must be met that are not inherent to breeding other dogs. Many overlook the difference between a dog that is “pet-quality” versus “show-quality” and this is often significant. Good hunting dogs require training and trainers are looking for certain characteristics in their hunting dogs.

The first thing you should do is learn everything you can about the dogs. You need to know which traits are prized, what trainers look for in a good hunter, and especially the difference between show-quality and pet-quality dogs. Show-quality dogs have special qualities in their appearance, for instance a straight tail, a proportionate head, and certain coloration or markings. People who wish for a show dog will know just what to look for in a hunting breed. Good hunters are prized for their intelligence and temperament rather than their appearance. Pet-quality dogs only need to be able to play nice and socialize well.

Show-quality dogs are hard to come by. In a litter of pups where both parents are of show-quality, you may get one or two that are also show-quality. In a litter where the parents are not quite show-quality, only one of the pups may be show-quality if you’re very lucky. The only certainty is that all of the pups will make great pets, and some of them will be excellent hunters too.

{Because show-quality dogs are so rare, it is important that their pedigree be kept in order. If your dogs do not have papers, you’re not going to get the same price for them as you would if they were. If you are a good trainer as well as a breeder, you may be able to get a high price either way. Fine-tuned instincts, fearlessness, a sense of adventure, and a desire to please are all traits of a prized hunter.}

A clear pedigree is not the only requirement. Both parents must have all the qualities you want in your pups. If you own a bitch, be sure the father has everything you’re looking for. If he is difficult to find, artificial insemination and many breeding services can offer alternatives. But however it happens, the big day will arrive when the puppies are born.

Being well-prepared in advance can help insure the safe birth of healthy puppies. Have a veterinarian on call as well as another dog handler who has had experience, in case of any emergencies. Natural instinct has prepared your bitch to be able to handle the birth herself, but you may need to offer reassurance or help, especially if it is her first litter. She should be compelled to take care of the puppies as soon as they’re born. If not, there may be a problem and you will need expert advice.

All puppies should be fully weaned before they are sold. Most feel that the ideal time is about eight weeks, and of course at that time they should also have begun having their shots. Since the ideal time for training a hunting dog is about four months old, you want to make sure that they have found their human companion by this time. Almost all hunting dogs are fully trained by the time they are a year old.

It is easy to become attached to the dogs you have bred, but it’s not always easy to sell them. Who you sell them to is your business. You have every right to deny a sale for whatever the reason. Every dog deserves a good home, even if it’s not show-quality or won’t make a good hunter. The love you have for the breed is the reason you decided to become a breeder in the first place.

Hunting dogs are a lot of fun and great pets, but you have to make sure you have all the proper training supplies. some great products out there, include Astro 220 tracking collars and Innotek ADV 1000 Dog Training Collars.

Share and Enjoy: