Animal breeders have to be responsible in order to be successful within their profession. For those wishing to become animal breeders, there are a number of things that must be done. Of course, anyone wishing to breed animals can do so. However, being able to make a sale means having a reputation for being moral, knowledgeable, and honest about the animals being sold.
A Breeder is always Learning
It is important to do what is needed to improve the breed with every litter. This means having the necessary knowledge about every breed being bred. This means devoting hours to learning about their health, genetic conditions, appearance, temperament, general behavior, ease of training, and overall health care. The ways of doing this include:
- Becoming involved in clubs: Look for local clubs that are devoted to specific animals and/or breeds. Many clubs sponsor educational events and programs that help to increase knowledge.
- Understand the breed standard: In the case of dogs, the breed standard is the standard upon which dogs are judged and shows. The standards cover everything from the curvature of a dog’s tail to its eye color. The AKC can provide information and educational videos regarding the breed standard for specific breeds
- Attend events: Performance and obedience events make it possible to see the animal in action. Events also present the opportunity to speak with professional breeders.
- Read as much as possible: There are books, magazines, and websites that are dedicated to specific animals and breeds. It is especially important to be in tune with standards in order to be successful. Plus with dogs, it is important to know how to register a litter so that buyers can have the proper documentation.
Honest Evaluation
It is important to be honest in the evaluations of the animals rather than let the love of them get in the way. Breeding is very hard work because there is a degree of love for the animal, but every breeding must be planned carefully so that the end result is the perfect animal. A great breeder recognizes flaws and is able to recognize a mate that has the qualities needed to avoid those flaws. Avoiding these flaws is what will help an individual get their foot in the door as a quality breeder.
The way to recognize flaws includes utilizing the best informational resources available. Two of the best resources are experienced breeders and the breeder of the mate. The mate’s breeder should have very good knowledge of the animal’s line, just as any breeder should. By knowing about an animal’s line, the knowledge is there to do all that can be done to improve it.
Before breeding, the dogs should be compared against others. This comparison goes back to the breed standard and how the dogs do according to that standard. An experienced breeder can perform an assessment and reveal the results of that assessment as well as how they reached their conclusion. In addition, obedience training and field tests can be great ways to measure animal intelligence and ability. If there is success, then the dog may be exactly what is needed to create an even better breed.
Furthermore, it is very important to ensure the animals being bred receive regular veterinary care, regular exercise, and regular nutrition. When the mother is pregnant, it is a must to ensure that thenutritional needs of the mother are met. In addition, the mental health of the animals must also be a priority. If an animal is stressed, then there can be fertility issues. Even shy or unstable animals can produce shy or unstable young.
The First Breeding
Once all evaluations have been performed, it is time to breed. The animals should be allowed to do so in a private and clean area. After breeding takes place and healthy puppies are produced, the young (puppies or kittens) must be cared for by being placed in a whelping box that is dry, warm, and free of any draft. The mother should be able to move around freely in the whelping box so that she can nurse.
Once weaned, the animals become more active and this means a lot of work must be done in addition to finding buyers for the animals. The animals need to have the best food and a dry environment to be in. They will have to have their first round of shots, as well as grooming. They especially need plenty of play time around people in order to be used to them.
The last thing to do is to place the animals wisely. This means interviewing potential buyers by asking them questions regarding why they wish to own the animal. It is very important to ensure the buyer is going to give the animal a loving and permanent home. Once the animals are placed, the task of being a successful animal breeder is complete. It is also a must to ensure a mother doesn’t have dozens of litters. She should be retired after so many litters and new mothers be sought, perhaps one of her young in order to ensure the purity of the breed continues under the same breeder’s watch and from the same line.
But even after a litter is placed with their forever homes, the job is not complete. New owners are going to have questions and there may be concerns throughout the lives of the animals. Breeders understand that they are responsible for bringing the animals into the world, so they are responsible for the remainder of their lives. Many times, breeders learn that they are responsible for bringing years of happiness to families and this is what makes the job of animal breeder very satisfying.
