Breeders of hunting dogs are seldom in the breeding business for money. More likely, they are interested in the dogs and that is how they got involved in breeding.  Most hunting dogs are purebred, though they have many certain needs that must be met that are not inherent to breeding other dogs. Many overlook the difference between a dog that is “pet-quality” versus “show-quality” and this is often significant.  Good hunting dogs require training and trainers are looking for certain characteristics in their hunting dogs.

The first thing you should do is learn everything you can about the dogs.  You need to know which traits are prized, what trainers look for in a good hunter, and especially the difference between show-quality and pet-quality dogs.  Show-quality dogs have special qualities in their appearance, for instance a straight tail, a proportionate head, and certain coloration or markings.  People who wish for a show dog will know just what to look for in a hunting breed.  Good hunters are prized for their intelligence and temperament rather than their appearance.  Pet-quality dogs only need to be able to play nice and socialize well. 

Show quality dogs are not the norm. In fact, in many litters, you are often going to have only one pup that is considered to be show quality, if you even get one!  Even with show quality dogs that are bred from show quality parents, you are not likely to get more than two in a breed.  However, in spite of this, almost every litter will breed pups that will be effective hunters or quality family pets. 

Because show-quality dogs are so rare, it is important that their pedigree be kept in order.  If your dogs do not have papers, you’re not going to get the same price for them as you would if they were.  If you are a good trainer as well as a breeder, you may be able to get a high price either way.  Fine-tuned instincts, fearlessness, a sense of adventure, and a desire to please are all traits of a prized hunter.

Many breeders use artificial insemination to breed.  This is acceptable of course, and allows you to select the male to breed your female with.  Many times, the paperwork that you are reviewing will not tell you whether the male is going to bring all the qualities you want when you are attempting to breed your bitch.  Nevertheless, once you do, you will be looking forward to the day when your brand new puppies will arrive.

Being well-prepared in advance can help insure the safe birth of healthy puppies.  Have a veterinarian on call as well as another dog handler who has had experience, in case of any emergencies.  Natural instinct has prepared your bitch to be able to handle the birth herself, but you may need to offer reassurance or help, especially if it is her first litter.  She should be compelled to take care of the puppies as soon as they’re born.  If not, there may be a problem and you will need expert advice.

All puppies should be fully weaned before they are sold. Most feel that the ideal time is about eight weeks, and of course at that time they should also have begun having their shots. Since the ideal time for training a hunting dog is about four months old, you want to make sure that they have found their human companion by this time.  Almost all hunting dogs are fully trained by the time they are a year old.

As a breeder, you reap the rewards of the happiness and love you get from your dogs and this does not change even if you must sell them.  If you are a breeder who is considering selling a dog you have bred remember that you are under no obligation to sell the dog.  Make sure that your dog has a good home – just because someone has the money to purchase, a dog does not make them an ideal owner.  Deny anyone who you feel is not an appropriate companion for your dogs.   It is not only your right, but it is your responsibility to ensure that the pups are in a good, safe and welcoming home.

Hunting dogs are a lot of fun and great pets, but you have to make sure you have all the proper training supplies. some great products out there, include Garmin 222 tracking collars and Innotek ADV Dog Training Collars.