Reproduction Animals for breeding should be excellent representatives

Reproduction • Animals for breeding should be excellent representatives of their breed • Decision to breed should not be made without a specific goal in mind

Myths and Considerations Regarding Breeding of Dogs and Cats • People breed dogs and cats for many reasons • Decision to bring new life into the world should be made following serious consideration • Being a responsible breeder requires deliberate thought and effort

Myths and Considerations Regarding Breeding of Dogs and Cats • Many myths and "faulty" reasons – Breeding dogs/cats is a good way to make money – My children should see the miracle of birth – My dog/cat is really great, and I want to have another dog/cat just like her – Raising a litter is so much fun – My pet will miss out on an important part of life if is not given the opportunity to reproduce – We can find good homes for the puppies/kittens

Canine Reproduction • Four phases in females (not spayed are called bitches) • Typically have 2 estrus or “heat” periods per year (about 6 months apart), each lasting about 2 to 3 weeks • First heat occurs between 6 and 15 months of age, depending on the size of the dog (later in larger breeds; earlier for small breeds) • Females can become pregnant during their first heat or any later heat period

Canine Reproduction • Proestrus - Start of heat. Lasts 7 to 10 days. Vulva swells and blood flows. Females attract males but will not allow mounting • Estrus - Mating period. Lasts 5 to 10 days. Blood flow lessens and then stops. Females attract and accept males. Ovulation occurs during this time, usually 2 to 3 days after mating • Diestrus - The period 10 to 140 days after heat, when the dog is either pregnant or in a resting phase • Anestrus - The resting period between diestrus and the next heat cycle

Canine Reproduction • During estrus there is variation within dogs – smaller breeds release fewer oocytes resulting in smaller litter sizes than larger breeds • Polytocous = ovulating multiple oocytes and bearing multiple offspring or litters

Canine Reproduction • Breeding management of dogs – Gestation length • 63 days from first breeding • Ranges from 58 to 68 days – Imminent delivery • Drop in rectal temperature • Will drop from 100ºF to 98ºF - 99ºF about 8 to 12 hours before labor

Canine Reproduction • Intact males do not have a cycle • Will respond to females in heat any time of the year • Most fertile when full grown

Canine Reproduction • The swelling of the bulbus glandis, once inside the female reproductive tract, causes the copulatory tie • After intromission, the male steps down from the mounting position • During the tie, the two animals are physically unable to separate – lasts 5 -60 minutes, and will separate after this time – damage can be done to the reproductive tracts if separated unnaturally