Breeding my Boston

Question
QUESTION: I have been looking into breeding my soon to be 3 year old boston with a friends brindle boston. When I bought Ebony, and picked her up fr0m the airport I purchased her in the states she was very sick and had bloody diarrea. ever since she has had stomach problems so we have to really watch what she eats. Should I be worried that this might complicate things. Also sometimes when she gets really excited it is almost like she is gagging. It looks like she is going to puke but then she just stops and is breathing normally the vet says its normal what do you think?

ANSWER: Hi Chealsey,  I agree with your vet, it is normal for snub nosed dogs (like Bostons, boxers, pugs, etc) to gag when excited.

You wrote that your Boston had bloody diarrhea when you picked her up.  You also wrote that she is now almost 3 years old. Was she a puppy when you picked her up?  Have you had her for almost 3 years without any re-occurrence of bloody diarrhea? Did your vet diagnose the cause, and or prescribe any medications for her at that time?

Bloody diarrhea can be a symptom of a number of things, but one of the most common cause is worms or parasites.  If the cause of her bloody diarrhea was worms and or parasites, and she was treated, then I do not see any harm in breeding her.

Good luck, and please do not hesatate to contact me if you have additional questions.  Sincerely, Penny D.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I did get her when she was a puppy and have had her for three years. Yes the vet did give me some medication for her bloody diarrea, and she got better. I have only seen it happen a couple of times after and I think it was because of what she ate because she hasn't had it since and that was still in the first year. She is completly caught up on all shots and I gave her worm medication when we found out that our other dog had them. I have also just found out that Brody the male boston is about 21 pounds and ebony is exactly 20. Ebony is going to be in heat really soon how many times should we bring them toghether because I want her chances to free whelp greater then not. Also how many puppys can a boston have?

Answer
Hi Chealsey.  Sounds like your girl is in good health and ready for breeding.  I like the fact that your girl and the male are very close in weight.

I've seen litters as small as 2 puppies and as large as 10 puppies (yes, is said 10).  The more times the two dogs mate and tie, the greater the chances for a larger litter.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  Sincerely, Penny D.