How do I breed a litter of puppies?

About our feeds

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

How do I breed a litter of puppies from my gun dog?

There are a number of things to consider before, during and after the whelping of a bitch.

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

How do I go about getting a litter from my working stock-spaniel gun dog?

OUR EXPERTS
Jeremy Hunt
Jeremy has been breeding gun dog for over 25 years. He is a member of the Kennel Club and lives in Lancashire and is well known as a writer on country sports and rural issues.

Mark Whitehouse
Mark is an 'A' panel Kennel Club judge for spaniels and has represented England six times in international gundog events. He trains and breeds labradors and spaniels at the Cheweky Gundog Kennels in Yorkshire.

MARK SAYS:

The best time to whelp a bitch is mid-spring/early summer when the weather has started to warm up. Also, all puppies thrive during these long summer days. Another advantage of breeding mid-spring/early summer is that your bitch does not miss a days shooting. However this all depends on the time your bitch actually comes into season, normally every seven to nine months

Ensure that the stud dog you choose has a proven track record and is of working stock. If you decide to use a Field Trial Champion (FTCH) you can guarantee that he has been tested at the highest standard, and hopefully these qualities can be passed on to his progeny.

Before the puppies are due, ensure your bitch is isolated and the chosen area has plenty of light and is draft free. Heat is required during the winter months. A good sturdily built whelping box with an inner rail is recommended to prevent any puppies being accidentally laid on.

You should also worm and spray for parasites from an early age. Worming should be carried out from when your puppies are approximately two weeks old, a recommended brand is Panacure paste or liquid, and spraying for external parasites should be undertaken from when your puppies are two days old - a recommended and widely used brand is 'Frontline'.

Your puppies should have their first vaccination at 10 weeks old and the second vaccination at 12 weeks old and annually thereafter.

Weaning starts at four weeks and a top quality puppy food is paramount. I use Arden grange and have had great results.

If you have have any gundog related questions/queries then please send them in to:
Gundog Questions, Shooting Gazette, PO Box 225, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2HS.

How much should I feed my gun dog?

OUR EXPERTS Jeremy Hunt Jeremy has been breedi...

Gundogs Training

Why is my gundog so badly behaved?

My spaniel chases pheasants far too often.... Read more

Gundogs Events

Arfon Working Gundog Club

The Arfon Working Gundog Club held its summer retriever working test a... Read more

Gundogs Health

Will deafness end my gundog’s working life?

My cocker’s ear infection has proved more serious than first thou... Read more

Comments

Meic Harries

Thu, 18th Jun 2009 18:34:18

Although this is an informative reply, in my opinion, it does not give anywhere near enough information on such things as when is the best time during the bitches season to mate to a prospective dog, or, the gestation period etc, which is a shame.

Frank Lethbridge

Tue, 5th May 2009 23:15:47

I am considering taking a litter from my 3year old Sringer Spniel bitch. My vet tells me that she will she will need to be eye and hip scored at a cost of almost Â£500. What exactly do they do and why is it necessary.

capt al

Mon, 23rd Jun 2008 05:53:15

if your bitch hasnt bred before you will notice an increase in the size if her nipples very early on. Other wise you can spend money having your vet conduct an ultrasound.