First time breeders

When it comes to dog breeding, there’s lots to learn about, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you find out what it involves.

If you’re thinking of breeding from your dog, find out if it’s the right thing to do and whether your dog is suitable.

Find out why breeders health screen before breeding and which health screening schemes are relevant to your dog's breed.

The conformation of a dog refers to its overall structure and appearance. Find out how conformation plays a part in your breeding decisions.

Learn how to find a compatible stud dog for your bitch, how to know if they've been health screened and what qualities to look out for.

Find out how to manage and maintain genetic diversity when selecting a mate and how to avoid extreme inbreeding.

Regulations on dog breeding differ in all parts of the UK. Find out which regulations are in place across the country.

Find out what you need to do to become a member of our Assured Breeders scheme and how to apply.

If you’re thinking of using your dog at stud, find out the essential qualities of a stud dog and things to consider before mating them.

If you’re thinking about producing crossbred puppies, find out about risks, considerations and how to do it responsibly.

If you decide not to breed from your dog, you should carefully consider whether neutering is the right choice for you both.

Neutered dogs may have different nutritional needs and you may need to think about how much they eat.

Female dogs are only fertile when in heat, so breeders need to be able to recognise the signs of heat and predict when a dog’s in season.

Find out how dogs mate, why they become ‘tied’, how long they stay joined and how you can know if your mating has been successful.

Artificial insemination (AI) is used to help dogs become pregnant without a natural mating. Find out how and when to use AI.

Find out how to tell if your dog is pregnant, when to take her to the vets for a scan, how to look after her and how long until she whelps.

What you feed your dog during pregnancy makes a real difference and sets her and her puppies up for the best health possible.

Find out about whelping boxes, how to prepare for when your dog whelps, signs that she's going into labour and what to do when it starts.

Most dogs don’t have any problems whelping but complications can occur. Find out what can go wrong and what to look out for.

After pregnancy and whelping, new mothers will need to have the right nutrition to support her and her feeding puppies.

For many of us, losing a dog can be absolutely devastating. Whether you’ve lost puppies or lost your dog find out how we can help you cope.

Find out what to do as soon as your puppies arrive, how to tell if they’re feeding enough and how to care for them.

If you’ve helped bring a litter of puppies into the world, it’s important that you get them checked over by a vet. Find out what this involves.

Find out when to wean your puppies, how to wean them and what sort of food to give them for good overall nutrition.

Find out how to register your litter of puppies with The Kennel Club, including our rules and regulations.

Find out what endorsements are and how you can use them to protect your breeding lines or for welfare protection.

After your puppies have been born, it's helpful to know what to expect during the first few weeks of their lives.

Find out why breeders vaccinate their puppies, when to do it and which vaccinations are recommended for your puppy.

Find out everything you needed to know about microchipping your puppies, including when to have it done and why.

Find out how to prevent your puppies from getting worms, how often to worm them and signs they may be infected.

Find out how to begin to toilet train your puppies, when to start and common errors that owners and breeders make.

Read our hints and tips on ensuring your puppies have a balanced, healthy diet as they move on to solid foods.

Puppy diarrhoea is common but find out what causes it, how to look after your puppy and steps to take to prevent it.

Find out how to find your puppies a good home, how to advertise your puppies and questions to ask potential puppy buyers.

Find out how to create a puppy pack for your puppies new owners, what to include and what information to give them.

Just like choosing the right home for your puppies, it’s just as important that you choose the right insurance.