Breeders of hunting dogs are seldom in the breeding business for money. More likely, they are interested in the dogs and that is how they got involved in breeding. Most hunting dogs are purebred, though they have many certain needs that must be met that are not inherent to breeding other dogs. Many overlook the difference between a dog that is “pet-quality” versus “show-quality” and this is often significant. Good hunting dogs require training and trainers are looking for certain characteristics in their hunting dogs.
While a show quality dog should have certain physical characteristics like a head that is in proportion to their body or a straight tail, a good hunting dog also has characteristics that are important – they have a certain temperament that allows them to be trained, are suited for hunting and they are not jumpy or nervous around gunshots. Everyone understands that a dog that is bred as a ‘pet’ really needs only one quality – the willingness to play well with others. Hunting dogs do not always make good pets, though certainly most hunting dogs are good pets as they love being around people.
Show quality dogs are not the norm. In fact, in many litters, you are often going to have only one pup that is considered to be show quality, if you even get one! Even with show quality dogs that are bred from show quality parents, you are not likely to get more than two in a breed. However, in spite of this, almost every litter will breed pups that will be effective hunters or quality family pets.
Because show-quality dogs are so rare, it is important that their pedigree be kept in order. If your dogs do not have papers, you’re not going to get the same price for them as you would if they were. If you are a good trainer as well as a breeder, you may be able to get a high price either way. Fine-tuned instincts, fearlessness, a sense of adventure, and a desire to please are all traits of a prized hunter.
Many breeders use artificial insemination to breed. This is acceptable of course, and allows you to select the male to breed your female with. Many times, the paperwork that you are reviewing will not tell you whether the male is going to bring all the qualities you want when you are attempting to breed your bitch. Nevertheless, once you do, you will be looking forward to the day when your brand new puppies will arrive.
While it is unlikely that you will have any problems, it is always a good idea to have a vet on call or even another dog handler who has had experience in the birthing process. Typically, the mom is likely to take care of herself – you on the other hand may need some reassurance or even some assistance. If the bitch does not begin caring for her pups immediately, you may have to take action and it is helpful to have someone who is knowledgeable on hand.
All puppies should be fully weaned before they are sold. Most feel that the ideal time is about eight weeks, and of course at that time they should also have begun having their shots. Since the ideal time for training a hunting dog is about four months old, you want to make sure that they have found their human companion by this time. Almost all hunting dogs are fully trained by the time they are a year old.
It is easy to become attached to the dogs you have bred, but it’s not always easy to sell them. Who you sell them to is your business. You have every right to deny a sale for whatever the reason. Every dog deserves a good home, even if it’s not show-quality or won’t make a good hunter. The love you have for the breed is the reason you decided to become a breeder in the first place.
Hunting dogs are a lot of fun and great pets, but you have to make sure you have all the proper training supplies. Innotek has some great products out there, such as the Innotek Field Pro Series, the Innotek ADV-1002, and the Innotek ADV-300.