Airedale Terrier Forum:
breeding

I hope to breed my 2 1/2 year old male this summer. I am new to this. Is there anything I should do before hand to get the boy ready, besides playing Berry White songs?

YES! Please research the breed, the breed standard, how closely the dog matches the breed standard (have him evaluated by a breed expert, (no not a groomer or a vet unless they are Airedale breeders. Also the health problems in the breed and the appropriate health testing to conduct and expect from any prospective females such as hip evaluations and an OFA score. There are many good books on reputable breeding, do a search on Amazon. And go to the Airedale Terrier club of america web site for some good info. There are many, many, many Airedales in rescue, there is no reason to breed except the very best. And sorry to say, the females come find the males if they are quality enough, the male just sits and waits for his phone to ring and it might never. BTW, I dont mean to be rude, but I happen to be a direct person, no offense was meant if any taken . I know some people are more sensitive than I am

Deana- Thanks for your advice. I am as interested as you in maintaining the standards of the breed. If I didnt have a dog that was healthy, a product of excellent breeding, met the standards, intelligent, non-aggressive and beautiful, I would not consider breeding him. I may be new to the "art" of breeding but I can asure you, not oblivious to quality. Kevin

When replying to a public bulletin board, the answer is seen by a multitude of people with a multitude of experience and experiences. My reply to the person who wants to breed their pet usually assumes that the person knows very little about the breed standard, breeding and the breed specific health issues because who knows who reads it. If you had asked me these questions privately I might have answered differently. You also gave no indication in your question any experience level you had so I had to assume none. You didnt mention if you OFAd him. A simple exam by your regular vet is not enough to determine breeding quality.

And by whos standards is he beautiful;? Yours I am sure and that is important as he is your pet. But you need to have him evaluated by an unbiased person who is knowledgeable about the breed standard. Knowledge of the breed standard is not necessarily gained simply by reading it. Studying under the tutelage of someone who is experienced in the breed and comparing dogs against the standard is vital to being knowledgeable enough to apply the words to individual dogs. Judges when they apply for the license to judge a specific breed must do this. They must attend a seminar put on by someone knowledgeable in the breed and/or study with someone knowledgeable in the breed.

Deanna...you are rude and a bit arrogant. One does not have to "show" a dog for it to be excellent breed quality. "Show people" really put down those who are not and are not the only people who can judge quality. Really lighten up.

No you are the one being arrogant in a reverse snobby kind of way. Did I ever mention that he needed to show the dog? No I did not. Dont know where you inferred that from. Showing a dog is far different than having a knowledgeable person evaluate the dogs conformation quality. He asked a question and I gave my opinion. If you so choose to have a different opinion, there you go, that does not mean my opinion is wrong, or that yours is. Though, before forming your opinion on who should breed, what should be bred, and what knowledge needs to be had by the breeder, please participate in rescue. There are hundreds of rescues in this breed each year. If you think I am exagerating, please feel free to contact the national rescue chair for the ATCA. There is a lot of responsibility that comes from breeding.

Thanks eman!

Deana- Thanks for your advice... I have done rearly all that you have mentioned. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder... standards are not. The tone of ones message can be misunderstood, hope you didnt take mine the wrong way. Kevin

I did not mean to offend you either. Actually I am glad that you are asking for information, most dont. I specifically said in my first post that this is a direct answer and no offense is meant. When asking for information, you cant be mad if you dont hear what you want to hear. And that goes the same as especially for the other person who put his opinion in. It is just that expressing of opinions, no reason for that rude attitude of yours. I am an adult willing to have an adult conversation, are you? You asked for peoples opinions, and I gave mine, simple as that, no reason to get all huffy about it. And then I gave the reasons I have those opinions, such as all the dogs in rescue and all the unhealthy dogs. I know deep down you agree with me in principle anyways. I was not talking about interpreting the standard as much as understanding what the words mean. Do you know what proper shoulder layback should be for example? The proper angle to the bones and what they should f

Deana->Your message implied breed interpretation for "show people" more than "rescue" and sick animals. Maybe incorrectly? I have rescued dogs, not an airedale, and do believe in the principle as it is hard to argue against it. Education is always the way to go when trying anything unfamiliar. I surfed into this sight to meet other airedale owners and educate myself as well. All is not lost yet. Bye

I have been reading the posts with interest. As an Airedale breeder, I am a bit biased and protective of the breed! I would like to put in my .02 worth...

First - just because a dog is not a finished champion does not mean he is not worthy to be bred. Just because a dog is a finished champion does not mean he IS worthy to be bred.

When deciding to breed a dog, look at all the variables and make an educated decision.

1. Structure: Is the dog built properly. Have the hips been checked to eliminate the possibility of hip dysplasia? Are the shoulder laybacks correct and the angles for the hips correct? Does the neck flow properly into the body? Do the legs move parallel to one another or does the dog toe in/out, hocks in or out, etc. This is all important - even for pets - to be sure the dog can run, play, have fun with the family, and not have pain. Dogs who are too straight in the shoulders experience a lot of pounding on the shoulder joints and usually ge

Eman, rescuing a couple of dogs and volunteering to work in rescue are 2 different things sometimes. When you work in rescue for a while you begin to see how many irresponsible owners and breeders there are out there. As far as my definition of breeding being for show dogs. Those things I listed in my opinion, apply to all breeding. The concept of purebred dog breeding is about breeding towards the standard and using it as a blueprint towards what the breed should look like, otherwise the breed ceases to exist.

LMcCain, Well said and answered.

Thank you for putting into words better than I did what I meant. Breed standards have a purpose. Each word in the standard has a purpose in making the dog most efficient for its original purpose. There are things that might be beauty points to the uninitiated but once you read books on movement, you will undertand. Length of neck, lenght of back, proper shoulder placement, all lead to proper efficient movement. Those that want pets do want them to be healthy and active. Being careful about whom you breed and the proper health testing is very important. just ask the owner whos dog turned displastic.

Dear Eman,

Im afraid that I have to agree about some show people seeming a cut above. If it werent for the common person loving dogs also...there would be no shows or show people to start with. One other thing I would like to know...Are Deanna and Lynn Mccain paid to answer everyones questions on the boards or is it what they do in their spare time...check it out! Vandy

Vandy, dont you think that when you are looking to buy a dog that you want and deserve to buy a dog from a breeder who does thier best to make sure the pups are healthy? It is not about being snobby. My dogs that I happen to take to shows are my pets. They sleep in bed with me, etc. I take great pride and pleasure in selling a pretty, healthy puppy with a good temperament to a wonderful home that will love it for the rest of thier life. This thread was started by someone asking what the requirements in breeding are. I simply expressed my opinion what they are. Why dont you do some Airedale rescue for a few months and then come back and see if you have a different attitude. You can agree or disagree with my opinion, but that is no reason to belittle someone elses opinion.

Deanna,

I agree with your position. It doesnt cost any more to feed a pretty puppy than a less pretty puppy. It costs a whole lot more to feed a sickly puppy than a healthy one, though!

With the number of unwanted dogs in the world, to breed without researching for problems is a bit irresponsible. Why would anyone want to bring dogs into this world without knowing the potential health and temperament problems?

Most of my pups are peoples pets. They are not show dogs. They are members of loving families. Some of my pups end up being shown. Most of my pups end up "working" in some way - therapy dogs, hunting, obedience, agility, search and rescue, etc. First and foremost, however, they are well beloved pets.

As far as you and I being paid to answer questions...I WISH! No, I answer questions because I feel that if I am breeding dogs, I am also responsible to help educate people on being responsible dog owners. The more educated people become, the bet