breeding?

[sarbh21]

I want to breed bloodhounds within the next five or six years. I still need to move in to a home with more room. (I only own a townhouse now) I learn as much as I can before then. I have a female bloodhound now but when I bought savannah I signed a paper that said I wouldn't breed her. I mainly want references to web sites, books, movies anything to help me plan, and learn everything I need to breed bloohounds for the better of the breed. Thanks

[SizzlinIlsa]

What are your goals? Are you breeding for conformation, tracking ability, or both?

I'm no breeder, but I CAN advise you to get a mentor. In my breed it's easy to find a mentor, but I'm not sure how it is with your breed. Contact the national breed club and see if there's any mentoring program. If not, try to get to know some reputable breeders. They will probably be willing to help you get started.

Second bit of advice (that I got from a lady that has been breeding schnauzers - standard and mini - since 1952) - Buy the BEST bitch you can find to use as your foundation stock. I mean the BEST. Don't settle for an "almost quality" dog. You'll be spending A LOT of money on this girl, not to mention the TIME it will take to find her. The same thing applies to your studs, but REALLY focus on the bitch.

Test and Title before you breed. If your hounds aren't good enough to get titles in conformation, obedience, and/or tracking, there's NO reason to breed them. Also, if your hounds don't have good OFA or CERF results, or have genetic health problems, do NOT breed them - you'd only be spreading the problem of unhealthy and unsound dogs. Same thing goes for temperament... I've met some NASTY bloodhounds in my life... make sure your hounds have great temperaments - temperament testing is a must!

[sarbh21]

thanks for your reply [img]smile.gif[/img] I am going to breed for tracking ability, show, and mostly for the love of the breed. I will probally only do one litter a year if that. I will definetly look for a mentor and I printed out your advice its a good start for me I had no idea where to begin. like I said I probally won't even start for another five years when I have adequate room. Thanks again.... jamie

[DogExpert]

Good look on breeding.