Common Dog Breeding & Whelping Terms
It's easy to forget that we use jargon when discussing our breeding plans and whelping experiences with other breeders, until a new or less experienced breeder joins the conversation. So here’s a starting list of common Breeding and Whelping terms, to help new breeders. Please add to the list or ask questions be using the comments section below. You can put the new word instead of your name so it shows in bold.
The power of collective knowledge and experience for al Dog Breeders !
Absorption (of Whelps) Although
a B*tch may prematurely abort her puppies, "absorption" is more
common. In such cases, the B*tch, in early pregnancy, absorbs her puppies back
into her system. Alternatively, in failed deliveries "mummified"
puppies or "jelly babies" may be passed at the time of whelping.
Anasarca Commonly called Walrus/ Water Puppies.
Anasarca is potentially fatal is a congenital condition. The deformity is
caused by extreme water retention. English and French Bulldogs are the only two
breeds where anasarca is known to be a hereditary condition. While anasarca
affects many dog breeds, it appears to be more frequent in the brachycephalic
breeds including the Pug, and Boston Terrier. Researchers are still unclear
whether or not it is always inherited. Sadly puppies that are severely affected
by anasarca will not survive, they are generally stillborn or die shortly after
birth.
B*tch Female dog (canine)
(we've replaced the "i" with "*" throughout
the page so it doesn't get labelled by google for inappropriate content)
Brachycephalic Breed A canine breed that has that a large and broad skull with very short muzzle and airway. Some of these breeds have an increased occurrence of Caesarean sections delivery. while some believe this is still the case Its prudent to consider the relevant advancement that has been made in all areas and experienced breeders are showing this is not necessary reflective of their own experiences whelping these breeds Edited 19/6/21 see Paul's comments, (bottom of the page) which had us reconsidering our original generalized comment. This is exactly our reason for starting these breeders resources - proving that collective knowledge is so much more relevant and beneficial to us all!
Breech
Birth A birth in which the puppy is
born hind legs (rear end) first . (Also see Malpresentation for the upside down
breach)
Brood
B*tch Female dog keep for the purpose
of breeding
Brucellosis A highly contagious canine venereal disease which
can also be transmitted non-sexually. Both male and female should be checked
for this incurable disease before breeding.
Caesarean
Section Surgical delivery of a fetus
through the abdominal wall and uterus.
Colostrum
B*tches milk produced in the few days before and after birth. Colostrum
is rich in immune factors which protect the puppies from infection.
Congenital Occurring during foetal developmental which is
present or apparent at birth.
Dam The mother of puppies
Dystocia The failure of labour to progress. This may be caused
by one or more puppies blocking the birth canal. The obstructing puppies may be
oversized or mal-positioned. There are a number of other reasons for this to occur
which require vet intervention.
Dog Male dog (canine) But the term is commonly used to
refer to both males and females in a general context.
Dysplasia An abnormality of development, especially of the
hip. Dysplasia commonly results in lameness and faulty movement.
Eclampsia A condition of the B*tch which may
occur before or after whelping but often several weeks after the puppies are
born. It is caused by a shortage of calcium in the bloodstream. Signs are
restlessness and anxiety, stiff-legged gait, and other symptoms pertaining to
muscle weakness or rigidity. Sometimes called "milk fever" although
the body temperature is usually subnormal. This is an emergency situation that
can involve high blood pressure, convulsions, coma and even death.
Fading
Puppy Syndrome A condition in which apparently healthy
puppies fail to thrive. These puppies stop nursing, lose weight and can quickly
die. Fading puppy syndrome occurs from birth to 9 weeks of age. Researchers
have found no conclusive cause, but there are many theories on why this may occur.
Flagging
The dam
may "flag" when she enters oestrus and is ready to mate. She will
position her rump toward the dog and lift her tail up and to the side.
Feathering To assist the B*tch in delivery, a helper will
feather her. This stimulates stronger contractions to encourage labour.
Feathering is done by wearing a latex glove with lubricant (e.g. K-Y jelly) on
one finger, gently inserting the finger into her vulva and tickling or
"feathering" the top of her vagina.
Forceps Surgical tool used for grasping and holding. Often used
in whelping to clamp an umbilical cord that persists in bleeding and remove
retained afterbirth.
Gavage The feeding through a
tube passed into the stomach
Genetic Mode of Inheritance Inheritance is a way a
genetic trait or condition can be passed down from parent to child
Autosomal,
Dominant & Recessive
·
"Autosomal" means that the gene in question is located on one
of the numbered or not sex-linked chromosomes.
·
"Dominant" means that a single copy of the disease-associated
mutation is enough to cause the disease or trait. And males and females will
also be equally affected.
·
“Recessive”
in contrast is where two copies of the mutation are needed to cause the disease
or trait.
Gestation
Period The period of time in foetal
development from conception until birth 0- 63 days for canine pregnancy, almost
9weeks
Heat Lamp A lamp, often infrared, used to maintain proper
temperature for new-born puppies.
Haemorrhage,
Postpartum Bleeding in the B*tch after
whelping. This may be caused by lacerations during delivery, uterine rupture,
or surgical problems. The B*tch may pass a heavy, persistent flow of blood from
the vulvar area.
Hypocalcaemia Unusually low level
of calcium in the blood (also see Eclampsia)
Inbreeding The mating of two closely related dogs (e.g.
mother/son, father/daughter, sibling/sibling). Compare to linebreeding.
Inherited A trait or condition resulting from genes present in the sire and/or
dam and passed to the offspring
Linebreeding The mating of two dogs of the same bloodline which
are not closely related. Similar to inbreeding but different in degree.
Mal-presentation A breach birth where the puppy is not only hind
legs or bottom first but stomach facing upwards, and, as the dam pushes, the head
or feet are being pressed further up against the pelvic wall. (I call an upside
down breach)
Mastitis An inflammation of the mammary glands usually due
to infection. Canine mastitis which usually occurs a few weeks after whelping
can be very painful for the brood B*tch. Symptoms are red, dark breast, hot or
painful when touched.
Mummified
Puppy
A whelp whose development stopped during pregnancy. The
dead puppy is passed as a brownish lump and may sometimes block the birth canal
during delivery (requiring C-section).
Normal
Presentation Head first birth. Compare to
breech birth.
Neuter Castration of the male
dog so they are unable to reproduce.
Oedema
(Edema) An excess of fluid between tissue
cells or any organ.
Outcrossing The breeding of same-breed mates that are not
related. Compare to inbreeding.
Oxytocin A hormone produced in the B*tch naturally that
induces uterine contractions. As a drug it may be administered to the B*tch as
a treatment to help with whelping. Its use may be ineffective or harmful in
some complicated cases.
Placenta The sac that envelopes the foetus
and attaches it to the uterus during pregnancy.
Polygenetic Conditions
or Traits require inclusion of more than one interacting gene. Some polygenetic
conditions are also influenced by environmental conditions e,g hd
Progressive
Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
A hereditary blinding disorder which affects nearly every breed. PRA is
difficult to control through breeding because clinical signs of PRA don't
usually emerge until later in life. DNA
testing is available in most breeds to identify carriers and affected dogs.
Sire The father of the litter.
Sour / Toxic Milk A condition in which
puppies do not take to the B*tch's milk.
Spay Surgical removal of the ovaries of the female
so they are unable to reproduce.
Stud Dog A male dog used for
breeding.
Teratogens Agents or factors that cause physical
defects in the embryo or foetus.
Tie
The phenomenon in dog breeding when the male's pen*s
swells inside the B*tch's vagina. This "lock" may last from a few
minutes to 30 minutes.
Tube Feeding The process of gavage - feeding
puppies through a tube. The tube is inserted into the stomach through the mouth
and formula is inserted into the tube with a syringe
Uterine Inertia A condition in which
contractions become less frequent and or stop completely, but there are more
puppies to be delivered.
Vulva External parts of the female genitalia.
2 Comment(s)
a disease or condition which arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.
Brachycephalic breeds. I believe there is no proof to substantiate, your sites reporting that "bracy" breeds, have a increased occurrence to C sections, this is not fact, it's your researchers supposition, because French and British bulldogs are potentially prone to C section. Having bred and birthed some "bracy"breeds over thirty years, included are Affenpinscher, Boston terrier, also Boxers, and Griffons. Many of which haven't had any precursors to C section. By experience and knowledge sought from breeders...
Thanks Paul, All knowledge and opinion is greatly added when backed up by experience, we also welcome any breeders to write or send breeding articles which others may enjoy or benefit from
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