These articles have been posted here to assist breeders in their efforts to produce healthy litters. To the general public we would like to say, the dog breeding and exhibiting world is devoted to the production of the healthiest puppies, in mind and body, that is possible , given the state of the art. And, the state of the art is progressing rapidly, with genetic testing for inherited defects already available, in some cases, and soon to be available in others. As a veterinarian, I am occasionally upset by the depiction in the general press of breeders exploiting their dogs, and uncaringly producing puppies with genetic defects. Nothing could be further from the truth.

However, there are also people who produce puppies who are not "BREEDERS AND EXHIBITORS". Uncaring puppy mill operators who sell to pet stores, and careless back yard breeders do not qualify as true DOG BREEDERS. If you'd like to read more on this subject, visit the The KENNEL JOURNAL pages, where additional topics of interest to the Dog Fancy can be found. When people are bred as carefully as we breed our dogs, human kind will have made progress, indeed!

This is a letter I developed for my own use. For your breed things may be somewhat different, especially in the area of health clearances. I have put the document on the web to give you a base from which you can develop your own more specific form. It is also meant to give the beginning breeder, or the backyard breeder some indication of what considerations must be addressed before undertaking the great responsibility of producing a litter. Who knows; maybe some kids will see it and think twice about getting bred themselves before they are prepared for all the things we prepare for with our puppies!

Information Required
Before Contracting For Stud Service

The minimum considerations which must be addressed before a Stud Service Contract to a dog at this kennel can be completed are listed below. Please fill out this form completely and transmit it to us prior to any discussion of contracting for the services of one of our stud dogs.

1. Health clearances:
       OFA grade and number (please send a photocopy of the form).
       CERF number (please send a photocopy of the form).
       Pre-breeding workup, including CBC, aerobic and mycoplasma culture/sensitivity (through
       appropriate guarded culture instrument, (obtained from the area of the cervix), brucella and T4.
       Original lab report must be forwarded to us. A lyme western blot and or/a chemistry
       may also be required.
       Other:

2. Your detailed plans for the placement of puppies:
       How many do you intend to keep?
       How many have you taken reservations for?
       How do you plan to find homes for the remainder?
       Send a copy of the contract and questionnaire you use for prospective puppy buyers.

3. Describe your arrangements for a whelping area.
       What are your fencing/kenneling arrangements?
       What arrangements do you have to house and care for those puppies for which you cannot
        find homes?

4. Briefly describe your prior whelping experience; how many litters in total have you whelped?
       How many litters has this bitch had previously?
       How many breeding attempts have been made with this bitch?

5. What show, trial, training, etc. experience has this bitch had?

       What is her record at these events?
       What titles has she earned?
       Has she stayed away from home before?

6. This bitch needs to be evaluated for breeding quality. Photos or a video should be sent right away, and a personal examination must be set up to determine this. State below what arrangements for such an evaluation you are prepared to make.

7. What form of positive identification does the bitch carry? (Microchip or tattoo)
       What is the number?
       If a chip, which kind?
       What is the location of this identification?

8. Enclose a copy of the bitch's AKC registration, pedigree, and if an import, the export pedigree of the country of origin.

9. Enclose a copy of the bitch's veterinary records, including current vaccinations and dates, parasite examination results and date, medications currently being administered, medications administered within the past year, and any existing medical conditions. State any congenital medical problems which have been diagnosed.

When these materials have arrived, you can call to talk to me regarding the stud dog you prefer to use, his stud fee, travel arrangements or semen shipping arrangements, and any other matters which seem unclear.

Signed:
Joan Doe
All Dogs Kennel
Phone
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