Breeding puppies

Health Tests and Breeding Advice

Most breeds have some health concerns and genetically-linked conditions, so the next step is to check your bitch for these, before starting to choose the sire!

The Kennel Club’s website will give you advice for your particular breed and on which conditions you should have your bitch screened for.

The main tests are:

Eyes

Some breeds need to undergo an KC/BVA/ISDS Eye scheme examination, to screen for inherited diseases. We can give you the contact details of our local veterinary Ophthalmologists, who perform these screens.

Hips and Elbows

Hip and elbow dysplasia are still major problems in some breeds and all dogs and bitches of these breeds should be x-rayed and scored. The radiographs are sent to the British Veterinary Association for assessment by an independent panel of experts.  Your dog will need sedation in order that the x-rays can be taken safely and be of good quality.

Genetic Tests

Some gene tests can now be carried out for certain breeds on blood samples or mouth swabs.

Next Steps

Once a match has been decided we offer progesterone testing for your bitch to determine when her ideal fertile window would be during oestrus. We can then ultrasound bitches for pregnancy diagnosis at day 28-30 onwards from mating.