Usually a Stud Master will cost about $20 - $40 (but will not perform an AI) while a Vet will usually cost in the vicinity of $80.

Before mating, dogs will usually play around together which is their courting behaviour.

It is important to keep an eye on the dogs when they are mating and after the mating as they tie together during mating and the male may take 15 minutes or so to calm down sufficiently to withdraw from the bitch.

Rottweilers will often have 8 or so puppies in each litter, whilst West Highland White Terriers will usually have only 4 in a litter.

The Commitment to Breeding

We are sometimes asked whether bitches should have a litter to settle them down. Dogs will settle down with training and will live fulfilled lives depending upon your interaction and the effort you make to keep your dog happy.

It is not necessary nor desirable for people to breed their dogs to settle them down or to make or keep their dogs happy.

However, if you are prepared to make the commitment to breed with your bitch, we recommend that you give careful consideration to the following:

• the cost involved in feeding, immunising and caring for your puppies for the 8 weeks following birth until they are weaned (including the significant time that it takes to clean up after them, feed them during the night and day);

• your ability to find the dogs a good home (either by selling the dogs or giving them to people who are interested in owning a dog);

• the effort that will be required by you to gain the knowledge and to assist your bitch in delivering, caring for and feeding your puppies to ensure that they grow up strong and healthy; and

• the need to breed your dog with another dog of sound quality to ensure that the puppies do not suffer from genetic problems.