As the largest and most populous city in Florida, Jacksonville, and the surrounding Duval County and Metro JAX area offer a wealth of attractions and green spaces for residents and their canine companions on the First Coast. From the dog-friendly Downtown Riverwalk to exploring parks and even enjoying dog-friendly beaches, the opportunities for enjoying the outdoors with your four-legged friends are abundant. Dog breeding and shows are also popular throughout the Jax community. Highland Pet Hospital, known for its excellence in animal reproductive services, provides Duval County and Metro JAX breeders of all experience levels with essential support for healthy breeding practices.
Ethical Dog Breeding for Beginners
Embarking on a journey of dog breeding is not just a decision, it's an ethical commitment to a breed's health, welfare, and improvement. This commitment necessitates a deep understanding that not every canine, even a beloved pet, is a suitable candidate for breeding. Responsible breeding is about prioritizing the health and genetic soundness of the parents to produce healthy puppies.
It's about careful planning, health testing, and a willingness to make decisions in the best interest of these precious animals and their breed.
AKC Registration is Vital
American Kennel Club (AKC) registration is a requirement for responsible breeders. They maintain vital documentation of a dog's lineage, including date of birth, breed verification, and a clear ownership history. This registration is a first step toward maintaining recognized international breed standards and responsible ownership.
Limited Vs. Full AKC Registration
The AKC offers two types of registration: Limited and Full. Full Registration grants the owner the right to show the dog in all AKC-sanctioned events and, more importantly, allows for the registration of any offspring. Conversely, Limited Registration means the dog is registered with the AKC and can participate in many AKC events, but the puppies it produces are not eligible for AKC registration. Breeders often use Limited Registration when selling puppies as companions to help protect their breeding program and the breed's integrity. The original litter owner is the only one who can request a change from Limited to Full Registration.
What Is Brucella In Dogs?
Canine Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection (Brucella Canis) that can threaten breeding programs and canine health. It is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as during breeding. This disease can lead to various reproductive failures, such as infertility and abortions, and can also affect other body systems. It is zoonotic, meaning it is transmissible to humans. Brucellosis is a reportable disease in Florida, underscoring its threat to the canine community.
Is There a Test for Brucellosis?
Yes, there is a test for Brucellosis in dogs, and it is an essential screening tool for breeders. A simple blood test can detect the presence of antibodies to the Brucella canis bacteria. Since an infected dog may show no symptoms but is contagious, testing all dogs before every breeding is critical to preventing the spread of this incurable infection within a kennel and the dog population.
Popular Breeds in Jacksonville with Stenotic Nares
Jacksonville's popularity means many different dog breeds are common in the area. Among them are several brachycephalic, or "flat-faced," breeds known for their adorable appearance and fun personality. However, these popular canines are genetically predisposed to breathing issues affecting their airways, such as stenotic nares (narrow nostrils). These anatomical differences can lead to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), impairing their breathing ability, similar to asthma in humans.
Why a BOAS Test Is Essential for Canines
Having an animal reproductive specialist perform a BOAS test is a responsible breeding practice. It evaluates the severity of a dog's airway limitations. Breeding dogs with moderate to severe BOAS can perpetuate or worsen these breathing problems in future generations. So, getting the test is vital for several reasons:
- Allows breeders to select healthy breeding pairs.
- Maintains the health of the breed.
- Potentially producing offspring without this condition.
Healthy Dog Breeding in Jacksonville, FL
Ensuring your dog is a healthy candidate for breeding involves comprehensive health screening, including testing for infectious diseases like Brucellosis and evaluating for other conformational issues like BOAS, especially in predisposed breeds like French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. These practices, careful genetic selection, and proper reproductive healthcare are the foundation of a successful and ethical breeding program.
Dr. Carla Barstow, a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenology and a board-certified theriogenologist, brings extensive expertise and best practices to help novice and experienced breeders in Metro Jacksonville, including St. Augustine, Orange Park, Fernandina Beach, Fleming Island, and Green Cove Springs, achieve successful outcomes. Call to schedule a breeding soundness exam today! We deliver personalized pet care for life!