Are you wanting to get into toy poodle breeding but don’t know where to start? If so, Poodle Me Up, a website for toy poodle breeders, has a few tips to keep you and your dog safe while doing so. Breeding and studding dogs is a big deal and if you do it incorrectly there can be some serious consequences. We are here to give you the essential information you need so you avoid mistakes and can get it right the first time and every time.
Suitability Testing
Suitability testing is important because it helps you find the perfect breeding match possible and ensures your litter is full of healthy puppies. So how is this testing done? Suitability is usually determined after a full health screen with a vet or a health screening service like Embark. A suitable dog will be in good physical shape and free from any illnesses or faulty genes. DNA health screen testing depends on the dog breed but includes testing for common genetic risk factors, as well as genetic mutations linked to your dog’s breed breeds and the diseases your dog may be at risk for in the future.
In addition to DNA health screenings, breeding pairs should have reputable veterinarians perform the following tests:
- Hip Scoring – This test determines the likelihood they will develop hip dysplasia in the future. Hip dysplasia, a deformity of the hip, can eventually cause lameness and arthritis of the joints.
- Elbow Grading – This test determines if Elbow dysplasia, an inherited disease, is present in a dog. Elbow Dysplasia causes elbow instability in a dog and can lead to degenerative joint disease.
- Eye Testing – An ophthalmic exam is an examination of your pet’s eyes, as well as the surrounding tissues. Some eye conditions can have genetic contributions. A vet should screen both breeds for cataracts, ulcers, dry eye, inflammatory conditions, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.
- Hearing Testing – Like eye conditions, hearing problems can also be inherited. Some breeds are more prone to hearing loss than others. Some of these breeds include Toy and Miniature poodles, Australian Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Jack Russell terriers, Maltese, and West Highland white terriers.
- Thyroid Testing – Canine thyroid testing screens for hyperthyroidism in dogs. Hyperthyroidism in dogs creates a reduction in a dog’s metabolic state. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, and skin and ear infections.
- Heart Testing – Cardiac testing is especially good for breeds that are at increased risk for developing heart problems. This testing can identify both congenital (a malformation of the heart) and adult on-set heart diseases that may affect your breed later in life.
A stud should also be “proven” which means he is experienced and has sired at least one liter of healthy puppies. However, there is always the choice to use an unproven stud in breeding which can result in a reduced studding fee but this could cause failed breeding. This can be caused by the stud dog being used being too young or even infertile. This means you have to wait for another full cycle(6 months) for your female dog to once again be able to be bred again. So using a proven stud increases your chances of getting the healthy litter of puppies you are looking to have. You also would want to have a progesterone test for your female dog which tells you when your dog ovulates and in so doing tells you the best time to breed your dog.
Common Poodle Health Problems
All dogs have their fair share of health problems that run in their bloodline. For poodles of all sizes, their health concerns are:
- Addison’s Disease – An immune-mediated disease in dogs (and humans) where the body attacks the adrenal glands. Dogs often present with poor digestion, a finicky appetite, or generalized lethargy. In some cases, dogs present to veterinarians in a state of shock, which can be life-threatening.
- Bloating – When a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid. While some cases of bloating can resolve themselves, bloating can lead to stomach twisting which is a medical emergency and may require surgery.
- Thyroid Issues (both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid) – A metabolic disease that can lead to hair loss and weight gain.
- Hip Dysplasia – A deformity of the hip, that can cause lameness and arthritis of the joints.
- A Collapsed Trachea – This is a disease that often affects smaller breeds. A collapsed trachea is caused by the weakening of the cartilage rings of the trachea and results in the collapse of the windpipe. This can be a congenital disorder.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – An inherited eye disease affecting Toy Poodles. PRA leads to vision loss.
- Sebaceous Adenitis – A hereditary skin disease in which the sebaceous glands become inflamed. This disease often leads to progressive hair loss.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – A painful hereditary disease causing deterioration of the femoral head which causes a dog to limp when bearing weight on its limbs.
- Epilepsy – The most common neurological disorder seen in dogs. Epilepsy is characterized by recurring seizure episodes.
When breeding with toy poodles you need to watch out for these issues as the puppies could be born with these defects if not prescreened for genetic abnormalities.
Inbreeding
Inbreeding is mating together two related dogs to make puppies. For example, this could be two siblings, a mother, and her son, or a father and his daughter mating. This seems so wrong to do right? But it was used for years to make champion dogs for centuries. In fact, many breeds that so many people have as part of their family today are the results of inbreeding. Some examples include golden retrievers, pugs, boxers, English bulldogs, labrador retrievers, and many more. How is inbreeding bad if these well-known breeds have been around for so long? Inbreeding can produce “healthy” pups, but Inbreeding can also cause painful and life-threatening disabilities, including hip dysplasia, blindness, deafness, heart defects, skin problems, and epilepsy.
Crossbreeding
What is Crossbreeding in dogs you may ask? A crossbreed dog is one whose parents are of two different breeds, or a mixture of several breeds. So why worry? Different types of dogs have different traits so if you mix those traits it may get one or the other. It could have a temperament you don’t want or have physical appearances you don’t like or may have health issues you didn’t consider. So it is important to make sure that you are ready to take on the responsibility of the breeds you choose to mix.
Resource Concerns
A question that must be asked is do you have the time and money to start your breeding journey? There’s always the initial cost of purchasing your pet, which can run into thousands of dollars. Add in the stud fees, food, housing needs, and veterinary visits and the total cost can price some would-be-breeders out of the market.
An additional expense, but one which can increase pregnancy rates and litter size is AI (Artificial Insemination) and TCI (Trans-Cervical Insemination) done by a trained and trusted veterinarian. These procedures will add significant costs to your breeding adventures, but they also can lead to a bigger, healthier litter.
Conclusion
Follow these toy poodle breeding tips and you’ll likely end up with a successful dog pairing. Understanding this essential information can help you not only avoid breeding mistakes, but create a beautifully healthy litter of puppies that will add joy to any forever family home! Comment your thoughts below.