Canine Reproduction - Dog Breeding - Breeding

Breeding

Purebred dog breeding arose in response to jobs for which a specific type of dog was needed, whether hunting, guarding, herding, or other work and were also bred simply for their physical attractiveness and appearance as well. Most of the work qualities no longer serve any useful purpose in current Western society. Different qualities were needed for these various jobs, such as a soft mouth for retrievers or a herding instinct for sheep dogs. In order to fix the genetic breed features so that two dogs of the same breed could reproduce themselves, most breeds have historically started with inbreeding. Those fixed qualities are today referred to as the breed standard. Standards are set and approved by each national breed club. Many standards are quite specific and not open to interpretation, such as height, ear type (prick versus drop), tail, coat, and other conformation features. Other aspects of each breed may be open to interpretation. Breeders may focus on conformation, temperament, or working qualities, such as hunting, pointing, herding, or rescue. Currently, the main goals for most breeders are to improve their chosen breed for show as well as producing puppies for sale as pets. Many commonly advertise their dogs on the internet, selling and shipping, often by plane, for pet and show purposes.

Professional breeders are not only aware of their breed standards, but some attempt to improve their own line by either linebreeding or by introducing new lines (outcrossing). Professional breeders may test for genetic defects before breeding for such things as hip dysplasia, various eye conditions, thyroid problems, and epilepsy.