Poodle Breeding Question

Question
QUESTION: My wife and I are thinking about breeding our poodle. We have several questions see below:

1) Ovulation period
2) length of pregnancy
3) How many times a year can a poodle deliver pups
4) Type of shots needed, i.e. timing costs

ANSWER: Hi Paul

Each female is different and if you haven't bred this female before it may be tough to tell when she ovulates.

Typically the eggs are released (ovulation) and they take 7 days to mature. If a female releases her eggs on say 9 of her heat, it is prudent to breed her around the 13th - 15th.  Also, just a FYI, sperm can survive inside a female for 5 days.

Pregnancy is 63 days after the eggs are released (no necessarily the day of breeding).

All females have a heat cycle. Some come in every 6 months, some every 9.  If you are planning on breeding a female you want to have an excellent repore with your vet.  Depending on the size and ease or complication of whelp will give you an idea on how often to breed your female.

Cost can run from everything from a hundred to a thousand dollars depending on your vet and your dog.  A female should be up-to-date on all shots and dewormed.  She should be on the best dog food available, supplemented with vitamins and oils and she should be tested prior to breeding.   You want to test the male you are planning to use for any STD's that would harm the female and later the pups.

You have to factor in the cost of care, x-rays, puppy shots, tail docking, removal of dewclaws, c-section if required, tattoo, micro-chipping, and puppy shots, advertising to sell the pups and puppy food, just to name a few.

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response. This information is very helpful. Can you tell me on average the number of puppies in a litter with a toy poodle. We are also thinking about breeding our puppy with either a Cavalier or Pomeranian. Regarding hybrid dogs, is it best to breed 2 pure breeds or 2 mixed breeds? Thank you for your help in advance.

Answer
The female determines the number of pups by the number of eggs she releases, it could be 1 or a dozen. But most likely some where in between.

With regards to breeding you have to take in consideration everything, regardless of the breed, but the temperament and health of the dog you are considering using.  It's important to know the lineage of any dog used for breeding, regardless of pure or mixed to determine the what to expect from the pups.