Animal Research Foundation Frequently Asked Questions

Question: "I plan to have my “Bitch” [Gyp] bred for the first time; I have no knowledge or experience in dog breeding; therefore, what do I need to know, and what ARF paperwork do I need to fill out after the pups are born?"

Answer: We recommend that a breeder does not breed his “Gyp” until she is a least 18 months old, which should be her 2nd “heat”; better still, her 3rd “heat”, at which time she would be more mature, at 2 years of age.

NOTE: The “Gyp’s first “heat” occurs when she is approximately eight months old [with a spread of six to nine months], then recurs usually in the SPRING and FALL, every six to eight months thereafter.

NOTE: An eight-month-old “Gyp” is much too young and should not be mated in her 1st “heat” season.

MATING: After you see evidence of a bloody vaginal discharge, which marks the beginning of “ESTRUS”, it will last approximately 21 days [three weeks]. The most

Successful breeding can be expected to occur from the 10th to the 14th day of the “heat” cycle.

NOTE: After mating with your chosen “Stud Dog”, you need to be careful here and keep your “Gyp” kenneled [or in a safe place where no other “Stud Dog” can breed to her], for if she copulates with another “Stud Dog”, as much as 7 or more days after the original mating, she can produce pups by both sires. Therefore, if a multiple breeding occurs, you will have to do DNA testing on both “Stud Dogs”, and each of the pups, to determine the pup’s true sire.

Once your “Gyp” conceives [is pregnant], she will whelp her pups approximately 63 days later; therefore, do not plan to go on vacation, or be out of town at that time. During this 63-day gestation period, make her a “whelping box” [a place for her to have her pups] which is usually a 4 foot x 4 foot square box, generally made from 2 inch x 12 inch lumber, and placed it in a quiet and comfortable room [not being hot or freezing cold]. Inside the box, place an inexpensive rag rug, or a piece of remnant carpet, on a foam pad, or some other material that would be comfortable for the mother dog to lie down on, and have her pups on.

Once your pups are born [whelped], do not release them from their mother until they are at least eight weeks old; they all need to nurse their mother, for her milk contains colostrums, protective antibodies, protein, and fat. All these things are what build up the pups’ immune system, and help fight off disease. At 2 to 3 weeks of age, you can start the process of your ARF puppy registration, by obtaining an “ARF Application for Litter Pedigrees”. This application can be printed off our ARF web site [See “ARF Application Forms”, in the Table of Contents], or by contacting the ARF office.

Should you need further information, do not hesitate to contact the ARF office.