Breeding Heeler Dogs

[dainerra]

also, you will want to do STD testing on the dogs. Females can even pick up Brucellosis from the grass when she is going potty. It is also transmitted by cattle and some wildlife so testing is important.
When a vet says that a dog is healthy to breed, they mean that there are no signs of physical abnormality that would hinder mating or conception and that there are no visible signs of deformity or disease that could create a greater than average concern of losing the b**ch or the litter in gestation or whelping.
When a breeder says that a dog is healthy to breed, they mean that all possible genetic tests have been done to insure that sire and dam are unlikely to pass on any of the abnormalities or diseases common to the breed. (most vets don't even know what these are unless they are personally involved in showing/breeding that breed). They have studied the pedigrees of both dogs to make sure that there isn't a history of missing teeth, retained testicles, allergies, early onset arthritis, cancer and numerous other things. Since no dog or pedigree is perfect, you will of course find some dogs in the history that have some or all of those things. You then must match the pedigree of the male to your female to try to insure that you aren't going to double-up on any potential issues.
You must also know what lines are a good match for your girl. Even a dog that is perfect on paper may have issues when crossed with certain bloodlines which are also perfect on paper. Other dogs that are less "perfect" are known to produce exceptional dogs when crossed with other bloodlines.

 

[LexsPeeps]

Thats wonderful advice, I'm pretty certain the vet our dogs goes to is experienced in those tests. If not I will find one who is regardless of the cost, my goal is not just to make a little extra cash but first and foremost to have healthy puppies and dogs. I know alot of people breed "irresposibily" and I'm not just using her to pump out babies left and right. She is a great dog, has a great personality on so many levels, that I believe many people would find excellent qualities. But like you all have said it does go beyond that, health wise, and thats what I want to learn. I have her papers with her bloodline so I have to check her ancestry. And of course have the male checked out as well when I find one

 

[dainerra]

when it comes to temperament, how she acts at home shows absolutely nothing as far as breeding quality. Does she actively work? As in help herd cattle, move goats/sheep or other livestock?
How is she in a new environment? Around lound unexpected noises? Around strangers?

That is a problem often encountered in GSDs. "he's so protective" No, actually your dog is extremely fearful and lacking in confidence.
"he's a great pet" Sure, as long as you never take him off the property or allow strangers to come into the yard.
Etc etc Then you will need to work on a breeding contract.
Will there be a stud fee paid or will it be "pick of the litter". If the latter, who gets to pick? What if there is only 1 puppy? What if she doesn't take or there are no live births?
Then there will be evaluating and placing the pups in their new homes. In the majority of cases, it's best to not let the buyers have a say in the matter. The breeder (you) will have 8 weeks of daily interaction with the pups while the buyer will only see them for a few minutes and will pick based on that and looks - the worst way possible to pick a puppy. You will need to learn to evaluate puppy temperament - this dog will do great as a working heeler. This one an active pet home. This one will need an active owner but a quieter environment without a lot of unexpected surprises. This one will need an experienced hand and isn't good for your average pet home. You will also need a contract with your buyers. Who is responsible for bills for genetic issues? What shots were given and when are the next due? What if it turns out that the pups are sick when they get to the new homes? How long will you give the new owners to have the pups checked by a vet (most require it be done within 72 hours of taking the pup home)? If it turns out to be a sick pup or a genetic issue, will you refund purchase price? Help pay for medical bills? Will you give a replacement pup? If the latter, will you require that they return the original pup? Will you require spay/neuter? If so, at a specific age?

Believe me, there is a LOT of work involved in breeding responsibly.

 

[barn206]

Hi I’m not a Breeder but I have my first red Heeler pup for about 3 weeks now. He definitely keeps me and my rescue on our toes. What a dog.. so glad I made this decision!!!

 

[Delaneygraces]

Hello! Did you ever breed your little pup? What did you end up doing?

 

[ShrekDawg]

Hello! Did you ever breed your little pup? What did you end up doing?

I am curious to know this too.