There are a number of questions to be answered before embarking on breeding a litter:

The future of the Dalmatian is in the breeder’s hands. Breeding should only be from healthy stock and aimed at improving the breed.
Members must have all puppies bred by them BAER Hearing Tested under the Kennel Club Ltd BAER Hearing Scheme.
All puppies should be Kennel Club Ltd registered.
The time and cost of rearing a litter needs to be considered carefully.
It is essential that both the owners of the Bitch and Stud Dog are totally honest about all known faults and those in their previous litters.
Study carefully the pedigrees of both dog and bitch to see the suitability for your line and consult the Kennel Club Ltd Mate-Select website.

Bitch Owners
a) Is your bitch in prime health?
b) To the best of your knowledge are the dog and bitch free from all known inherited defects?
c) No bitch should be bred from which shows nervousness or aggression.
d) Check that the dog is registered with the Kennel Club Ltd and without restrictions on his papers.
e) No bitch should whelp before the age of two years or over the age of eight years.
f) No bitch should be bred from more than a maximum of four times.
g) Veterinary assistance must be called on if, for any reason, puppies need to be euthanized or the bitch needs attention.
h) A bitch should not whelp without an interval of at least 12 months since the birth of her last litter.
i) No bitch shall be bred from if she has had two caesarean sections.
j) If the bitch has a caesarean section it should be reported to the Kennel Club Ltd.

Stud Dog Owners
a) Is your dog in prime health?
b) To the best of your knowledge are the bitch and dog free from all known inherited defects?
c) No stud dog should be bred from which shows nervousness or aggression.
d) Check with the bitch owners all the points listed under ‘Bitches’.
e) Check that the bitch is registered with the Kennel Club Ltd and without restrictions on her papers.
f) It is the duty of the stud dog owner or their representatives to visit all litters personally.
g) The stud dog owner should be available to give help and advice particularly to novice breeders.
h) The resultant puppies will carry the pedigree of both sire and the dam and both owners should carry equal responsibility for their welfare.
i) Members should not provide stud dog services unless satisfied the owner of the bitch has adequate time and facilities for the care of the puppies.

Selling Puppies
a) It is wise to have some puppy enquiries before contemplating a litter and adequate facilities to maintain the puppies until sold.
b) Question prospective buyers closely and, if possible, arrange for the whole family to visit you and meet the adult dogs. If you feel it advisable arrange a visit to their home, either by yourself, the owner of the stud dog or the District Representative.
c) Make sure the puppy will not be left alone for long periods of time.
d) Enquire as to the adequate facilities for exercising. Is the garden fully fenced?
e) Children must be taught to respect animals. If there are young children or a baby is expected, be sure to discuss any possible problems thoroughly.
f) Do not pass your puppy on until you can be sure it will receive kind and sufficient attention in every respect. It is essential that all new owners should feel able to return to the breeder for help and advice and, in case of disaster, for practical help on rehoming.
g) Members agree that, when breeding a litter, their paramount concern will be the welfare of the puppies. This is especially true of any bilaterally deaf puppy among those born. Members agree that, in relation to such a puppy, they will not pass the care and control of such an animal to any person unless they are fully satisfied that the person is completely aware of the special needs of the puppy and is competent to provide for those needs.
h) When selling puppies abroad, use the facilities of the Club to check on prospective owners; check what will happen to the dog if a show career proves unsuccessful. No dog should be sold to countries where they are not protected by Anti Cruelty Laws. Under no circumstances send potential show stock overseas unless it is absolutely top quality. A second opinion from a knowledgeable breeder should be sought.
i) When selling puppies in this country, the same standards apply. Explain and faults and also the changes, for better or worse, that can take place from eight weeks onwards. Total honesty is essential in every respect.
j) Ensure that potential owners are given an explanation of any endorsements placed on the puppy‘s registration with the Kennel Club Ltd, and obtain written confirmation that this has been understood.