Posts Tagged ‘breeding dogs’
Breeding Dogs
Dogs are called man’s best friend, probably due to their vicious loyalty to their masters. As dogs have been domesticated 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 these two words shouldn’t be confused as dog type means to classify the animals by the role it performs. Breeding dogs is the practice of allowing specially selected specimens to mate in order to preserve or create certain qualities or traits.
The characteristics of the offspring are left for nature to decide when dogs reproduce without human intervention. Thus, many domestic dog owners would be breeding dogs to obtain an improved new generation of dogs. However, breeding dogs is not an easy task. One needs to have a rather comprehensive knowledge about the genetics of the dog, health and its intended purpose in order to be successfully breeding dogs. In addition, dog breeders usually record the birth of puppies in stud books of associations like kennel clubs, where the data regarding the dog as well as, the dog’s lineage and special achievements are recorded. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is one such well known association.
It’s crucial when it comes to breeding dogs that correct records are kept about dogs. Once an owner is in possession of dataconcerning the dog, he/she could study them and determine what qualities can be anticipated 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. According to the breed, kennel club and country these regulations may vary. Usually, the rules are formulated for the betterment of a specific breed or several dog breeds and dog breeders have to follow the rules and regulations of an association to be enlisted 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 very famous thing, there are specific groups who oppose 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 been criticized as this might cause the inherent genetic disorders of the dogs to continue into new generations.
Thus, breeding dogs can be considered a very delicate matter. You would need to have a good understanding of the subject if you wish to perform it.