1
Is my Bitch good enough?
(a)
Be aware of your own bitches qualities and faults and remember there is no such thing as the perfect Dalmatian, but we
must still try to achieve this.
(b)
Is your bitch free from major health problems?
(c)
Is your bitch Kennel Club registered?
(d)
Is she over 2 years of age? - it is not recommended that you breed from a Dalmatian before this age.
(e)
Is she BAER Hearing Tested normal?
2
Can I afford it?
(a)
It is not a cheap exercise - there is a stud fee to be paid.
(b)
You need a whelping box of a suitable size.
(c)
There is the cost of extra food for the bitch and then when it comes time for weaning puppies there is the cost of
food for them until they are 8 weeks old or even longer if you do not have homes for them by this time.
(d)
Normal veterinary costs for check-ups etc., removal of Dew Claws and in the event that something goes wrong (which we
all hope will not happen, but is a possibility) costs for a caesarean operation and post operative care.
(e)
Costs for BAER hearing testing.
3
Do I have proper facilities to cope with a litter?
(a)
Do you have a dry, warm, light and airy, draught-proof room?
(b)
Are you in a position to take a puppy back should this be necessary?
(c)
Have you an electrical point for a heat lamp?
4
Have I done my homework regarding the choice of stud dog?
(a)
Is he free from major faults?
(b)
Does he have any health problems in his line?
(c)
Does his breeding lines match my bitch? - not all lines are compatible, you need to do some homework to check this
and try to look at some of his progeny to see what sort of puppies he throws.
(d)
What are his parents like and what is the quality of puppies from that line?
(e)
Is he K.C. registered?
(f)
Is he BAER Hearing Tested normal?
5
Do I have time to cope with a litter?
Having a litter is a time consuming operation so you need to be able to be available at whelping time and later
on feeding times for the puppies (4 meals a day)
6
Do I have enquiries for puppies?
It always helps to have puppy enquiries, if not, you may find yourself with several puppies left and have to feed
them for a few more weeks.