Fact Sheet

Topic: The Brood Bitch

Variety of Poodle: Toy, Miniature & Standard

Goal: To improve the overall health of a brood bitch in order that she might whelp naturally and easily and care for her puppies in a manner that will increase puppy survivabiliy and health.

Criteria for Breeding: A bitch being considered for a breeding program should be structurally correct (no major faults) according to the breed standard. She should have a superior temperament (no shyness or aggression). She should have been tested for genetic health disorders, and she should have passed these tests. A bitch that tests positive for any genetic heath disorder should not be used in a breeding program.

Ideally, a bitch should not be bred more often than every other heat. However, in some instances (i.e., age, availability of the stud dog, etc.) it may be appropriate to breed a bitch on two consecutive heats. A bitch should never be bred on more than two consecutive heats. A bitch under two years of age is not mentally or physically mature enough to be bred. Bitches over 7 years old may have age-related complications during whelping. A bitch should not have more than 3 or 4 litters in her lifetime.

Prior to Breeding

Vaccinations: A bitch that is going to be bred should be brought up to date on all vaccinations in order that she can pass along maximum protection (immunity) from disease to her puppies.

Parasite Control: It is advisable to worm a bitch prior to breeding. If she has fleas, use a safe product to eliminate all external parasites. Internal and external parasites will prevent a bitch from providing maximum nutrition and immunity to her puppies thereby putting the puppies' survival at risk.

Physical Condition: A bitch should be in excellent physical condition (well muscled and in proper weight) to enable her to whelp naturally and easily. A bitch that is overweight or underweight or one that lacks muscle may have complications during delivery. A bitch should be tested for brucellosis (a highly contagious venereal disease) prior to breeding. Bitches carrying the brucellosis bacteria may abort their litters or deliver dead puppies.

The Environment: A whelping box appropriate for the size of the bitch should be provided in a warm, draft-free room. The box should have a ledge that prevents the bitch from laying on puppies that get between the bitch and the side of the box. The bottom of the box should be lined with shredded newspapers or indoor/outdoor carpeting that can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

The information contained above is based on published research current at the time of this writing and is accurate to the best of VIP's knowledge.