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Canine Breeding and Reproduction

Julio Correa (February, 2016)

Summary

Allowing the female dog (bitch) to have puppies can be a wonderful experience. However, dog owners must understand the responsibility that comes with breeding since overpopulation is a tremendous problem. There are too many abandoned and unwanted mixed and purebred dogs in pounds and shelters all across the country that have to be euthanized (put to sleep) each year. Unless every newborn puppy is guaranteed a loving home, dogs should be spayed or neutered before they reach sexual maturity (6 to 16 months of age, depending on size and breed).