Care of the pregnant bitch

[silverfawnpug]

I had to post here as it wouldn't let me post in breeding section. :-(

I've done every bit of research possible and more! and have everything ready, even though my girl hasn't even been bred yet!

I want to be a good breeder and I wanted to ask on here as I wanted to get some information from breeders of PUGS as we all know how different they are to other dogs, and I wanted to hear from people who have experience in breeding them!

I want everything perfect for my girl, and I want to take every precaution necessary to make sure all goes well.
She and the stud are both healthy, up to date and ready to go, I also have all the vets arranged as well as a whelping box and kit ready in storage.

I have a few questions.

1. as it can differ in all breeds, roughly how long before you can be certain your pug is pregnant? and are there any tests you can buy to test her at home?
Obviously after a few weeks the physical changes mean you can SEE that she's took, but is there anyway to know she's taken, before she shows?

2. At what point in the pregnancy should I "slow her down"? She's very active, likes to play and run etc. at what point should I slow her down? I plan to buy a ramp so she can get onto the bed / sofa without jumping and I will take her toys up as she gets further in as she can be very rough with them, but when should I start to slow her down? I don't want her being overzealous and risking injury to herself or pups

3. How long into the pregnancy before I stop taking her out? She's fully vaccinated, wormed and flead and obvioulsey when she's so far in her weight won't allow her lots of exercise, but when do I stop taking her to the park and confine her to the yard? When it becomes too much effort for her to walk at the park, or before?

4. When do you get your bitch scanned to see how many pups are in there, my vet said between four and six weeks.

Also if anyone has any tips, or experiences they'd like to share, I'm ready.

Because dad is a crufts champ, I already have potential homes for up to 7 puppies, so if she has anything up to 7 puppies they are already reserved :-) I am also able to keep any puppies for as long as possible until they find a home, and I've already written out contracts for the puppy's owners advising them I will take the puppy back if they ever need to rehome them, as well as writing out a special pug information sheet to go in my bumper puppy pack, that has all the special pug information for potential first time pug owners, such as how pugs should always be walked on a harness not a lead, ridge cleaning, eye damage, soft pallete, overheating etc. etc.

[MrsGreene]

You were not allowed to post in the breeding section due to the rules of the forum. New folks are not allowed to post in that section until they have posted a certain number of quality posts. The details are in the forum rules if you care to look. You will discover on this forum that there are many on here who are dedicated to rescue, and very opposed to breeding except by knowlegeable breeders. Pug breeding is a very tricky business in the best of circumstances, due to the very small gene pool and myriad of health issues the breed can encounter. There are several folks on this forum who do breed, and they can give you some ideas about the responsibilities of bringing new and vulnerable lives into the world.

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

Top on my list before breeding the pair would be to determine first if they are both breeding quality. They should both be tested for genetic breed-related illnesses, such as PDE. They should have both had thorough exams for hip, patella, elbow, shoulder, and spinal abnormalities. Their pedigrees should contain a good amount of show stock, with plenty of champions, and the parents should both at least have points.

The entire point of breeding is to improve the breed. If the parents are not top drawer, then it really shouldn't be undertaken.

Breeding pugs is terribly expensive and time-consuming and even those breeding champions and grand champions rarely make a profit. It can be tempting when you have two wonderful dogs that are cute and apparently healthy with good natures to breed....but think long and hard. Many pugs need c-sections and they are notorious for being horrible mothers, preferring to be with their people instead of their pups. The breed is host to a myriad of genetically carried problems and you must be prepared to take back pups which have problems later or to cover or at least help with associated costs if the owner chooses to keep the dog anyway.

It is really good that you are looking for information before the actual breeding takes place. There are several on here who breed. They can get more specific on all the details, but this isn't for the feint of heart.

Take care,
Lisa

[Wonka & Nilla]

Moderator note:
Silverfawnpug, since you now have more than 10 posts (the minimum amount required to post in the breeding forum), I have moved this thread to the appropriate sub-forum.

Please read the Breeding Forum guidelines here: ****Guidelines for the Pug Breeding Forum--A Must Read****

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

I see on your other thread that the sire is a Crufts champion, would love to see some pics of the prospective mom and pop!

Take care,
Lisa

[frankoliverlucy]

I would like to switch to raw, however Lucy is in the 2nd week of her possible pregnancy (not confirmed yet) Is this safe for her or should I wait????