About Penny DiLoreto Expertise As a certified veterinary assistant and a dog breeder, with over 16 years of hands on experience, I am qualified to answer questions in the following categories; General pet health issues, dog grooming, puppy socialization, dog breeding, and basic dog training
Experience In accordance with the Veterinary Assistant program requirmements, I completed 200 hours of intern work under the supervision of a licensed Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine, and volunteered the Escondido Humane Society.
Organizations AKC, ACA, and ABA
Publications I have several articles related to; dog grooming, dog behavior issues, and medical topics, printed on various computer websites and free article content sites. If you would like to preview my articles, links to those sites, and articles, are posted on my website located at www.puppies-dot-com.com
Education/Credentials I have a Certificate of Competency from the San Diego Country Regional Occupational Veterinary Assistant Program, and attained Occupational Competencies in the following categories: Animal Handling and Restraint, Vaccines and Injections, Health and safety, Veterinary Laws/Ethics/Industry Data, Biohazard Waste Disposal Laws, Medicating and Grooming Procedures, Medical Math, Breed Identification, and Parasitological studies.
Awards and Honors I received an Outstanding Student Award for my accomplishments in these studies from the ROP program.
Past/Present Clients A partial listing of my past and current clients can be viewed on my website www.puppies-dot-com.com by clicking on the Testimonial Page.
Expert: Penny DiLoreto Date: 4/29/2008 Subject: toy fox terrier needs to breed
Question I have a 2 year old male toy fox terrier named Griffin. I've heard that if you don't breed unaltered male dogs, they can develop prostate problems. I'd like to be able to give him a few breeding opportunities in order to keep him healthy. He has his papers and is a fine healthy dog, and keeping him that way is reward enough. I don't care to charge for his services but I'm not sure how to set him up on a date. Could you give me some advice on finding a female for him? Thanks, James
Answer Hi James. I receive many calls and e-mails from people who are interested in offering their male dog for stud service. Before you make your final decision as to breeding, here are a few points to consider.
1. Because the male dog is the one who does all the work, and needs to feel comfortable, the female is usually taken to his house for mating. That means that you will have a dog you do not know, belonging to someone you do not know, in your home for 4 - 13 days, depending upon the stage of her heat cycle. Are you prepared to take responsibility for someone else's dog, one that is in heat?
2. The rule of thumb I follow is that the male cannot be more than 5 - 7lbs larger than the female. This is because of the size of the heads of Boston Terrier puppies. If you breed a 15 lb female to a 25l b male, changes are the female will have to have a C-Section, and that is dangerous to the puppies as well as the mother. In 6 years of breeding, and following my rule, I have never had a female that required a C-Section. So, just be careful as to the size of the female you allow to breed with your male.
3. A word about genetic soundness. Before breeding your dog, I highly suggest that you have him tested for any genetic disorders. Your vet will be able to perform the tests such as; BAER, CERF, and or OFA. One litter of puppies, that are genetically unsound, can cost you a bundle of money, and heartbreak.
4. Finding a female, for your male, might be a lot harder than you thought. Female dogs can only become pregnant if they are in the Estrus Stage of her heat cycle. The normal cycle in female dogs are as follows:
Proestrus Stage: This stage begins with the appearance of vaginal bleeding and normally lasts between 4 to 9 days. Male dogs will be very interested in the female; however, she will not be interested in them, and will actually bite and reject a male if he advances.
Estrus Stage: The vaginal discharge is more yellowish than bloody. Ordinarily, this stage lasts for 4 to 13 days, and is the time the female will accept the male and actual mating can occur.
Metestrus and Anestrus: These final 2 stages are periods of ovarian activity, but with no significant outward signs. False pregnancies frequently occur during metestrus.
Stud fees are normally received in one of two forms. 1. Pick of the litter (that is assuming that the female conceives) and or 2. A set price agreed upon BEFORE mating. If you decide to take your pick of the litter, and decide the sale the puppy, then you will probably make more money than if you charge a set fee.
Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions. Sincerely, Penny D.
