IW Foundation Health Library:
Reproduction
There are so many things that can go wrong with a breeding that it's a wonder anyone ever attempts it. And it's a LOT of work. Researching pedigrees, planning the breeding, doing health testing, getting the bitch to the dog (or the semen to the bitch), doing the breeding, taking care of the pregnant bitch, whelping, taking care of newborn puppies ... the list is endless. And that's not taking into account any complications.
Dams and pups should be closely monitored for the first 2 weeks to try and avoid tragedies like the dam accidentally squashing a puppy. The size difference is tremendous, after all.
Breeders should be prepared to devote many months to a breeding, both before and after puppies arrive. Irish Wolfhound puppies should stay with the dam till 10-12 weeks. And they need to be screened for liver shunt before going to their new homes.
Further Reading
- Canine Reproduction Seminar with Dr. Robert Van Hutchison
- IW Breeding Risk Analysis Request - for a calculation of the risks of various hereditable conditions for a proposed breeding send an email with registered names of the sire and dam to iwrisk@yahoo.com
- Maximizing Conception Rate Using Fresh-cooled or Frozen Semen
- Strategies in Modern Dog Breeding
Links provided here provide Irish Wolfhound-specific, sighthound, and/or general canine information relevant to Irish Wolfhounds.
Disclaimer: The Irish Wolfhound Foundation provides the information on this website for the education of its readers. No information on this website should be used for veterinary medical purposes, diagnostically, therapeutically, or otherwise. Consult a veterinarian before attempting to medically treat your dog or changing your dog's medical treatment.
Note: Links to content outside iwfoundation.org may become inactive over time.