Giving gundogs gusto
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- Gundogs
- Gundogs
What makes a responsible breeder?
Responsible breeding requires a great deal of time, commitment and an inherent passion for the breed.
A breeder not only has a responsibility to the health and wellbeing of their bitch and any puppies in a litter but also to their ‘chosen’ breed and improving its standards.
Is breeding right for you?
I am sure we’ve all had that special bitch and thought that we’d love to carry on her lines with the hope of similar qualities in the offspring. However, many factors must be considered before then. Can you commit the time, effort and considerable expense to breed?
While there could be some income from a litter this isn’t a given and there are plenty of unforeseen costs to consider. There are also specific rules around providing and selling puppies, which means you could meet the requirement to be registered as a commercial breeder.
The cost of raising puppies
It’s not just the stud fees, health tests and checks, routine vet bills, microchipping, food and accessories, or heating costs and registration fees – the potential list is endless and expenses soon add up.
These costs are there if everything goes well. However, if things don’t and further vet treatments, such as a caesarean, are required, then costs increase considerably. It is a good idea to work out whether you can afford the worst-case scenario costs.Â
If your bitch is insured for having litters, some of the potential risks will be covered. Likewise, with the puppies, if you have breeders’ risk insurance in place (such as the one provided by Agria Pet Insurance), you will have funds available for any treatments required. Don’t forget to utilise BASC Breeder Club, too, so the puppies leave you with the initial cover in place.
Commitment to responsible breeding
For those having the very first litter, you need to be realistic about the level of commitment required. The quiet time is usually when the bitch is pregnant, and all is going well. However, once the pups get to a few weeks old, they become increasingly demanding. You will have many tasks to tackle such as weaning, regular feeding, and socialising.Â
Puppies require almost constant focus until they move on to their new homes. You will need to invest a lot of time and effort into the puppies if you wish to replicate all the good qualities of your bitch, especially in a puppy you decide to keep. But what happens if you cannot find homes for all of the pups straight away? Will you be able to keep them indefinitely?
In some rare situations, someone may have to return a dog to you due to personal reasons. Thankfully such occasions aren’t common, but you do need to be prepared to take any of your dogs back, no matter how old, or at least help find a new home for them.Â
Can you cope with the demands of breeding?
Also, even with great preparation such as getting all the necessities, such as a whelping box or a quiet place for the bitch to whelp, in place, a contingency plan for when things don’t go as they should is an absolute must.
Make sure you have your vet’s details on standby and a mentor (such as an experienced breeder) to help and advise you. Don’t forget to ask yourself whether you are mentally prepared to cope with the stresses of your bitch giving birth and the ongoing care needed for the puppies.Â
Is breeding right for your bitch?
This is an essential area to consider and another not to be swayed by sentiment. There are many aspects which you will need to think about. Does your bitch have a great temperament, is she a good worker, etc.? And how will a potential stud dog’s attributes complement and enhance hers?
This, along with relevant health checks and screening tests of both parents, should be considered if you want to produce a litter of strong and healthy puppies.
Finding new homes
Hopefully, everything has gone well, and the pups have new homes lined up. Before they leave, however, a proper handover must be done, which should include:
- feeding regime, along with some food to get them started,
- information about how to socialise the puppy,
- details of routine treatments, such as worming and vaccinations,
- documentation, such as Kennel Club registration, microchipping details (a legal requirement), and free five-week insurance via the BASC Breeder Club. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Expert support for responsible breeders
BASC working dog insurance is managed by Agria Pet Insurance, one of the world’s leading animal insurance specialists. Established more than 125 years ago, Agria exclusively insures dogs, horses, cats and rabbits in the UK. Its policies are designed to be the best for you and the new owners.
Agria have put together the perfect package to support breeders at every stage, including a specialist BASC Breeder Club.
BASC Breeder Club five weeks’ free insurance
BASC Breeder Club five weeks’ free insurance includes up to £4,000 towards vet fees and free expert veterinary advice 24/7 through the Agria app. This offers protection for the first weeks while puppies settle in their new homes.
Puppy owners are introduced to the benefits of BASC dog insurance, and you will be rewarded every time one of them takes out a BASC Dog Insurance Lifetime policy. This provides peace of mind for everyone.
BASC Direct Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Agria Pet Insurance Ltd who administer the insurance and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring.
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Gerald Hunston
Gerald Hunston is BASC’s gamekeeping and working dog advisor.
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