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Choice of a Dam by Keith Erlandson
Now the shooting season has ended, and daresay a good many shooters, pickers up and beaters are considering breeding a litter of pups, not to mention the field trial people who are always up to something to breed that world beater.
The first consideration should be whether your bitch is of sufficient standard. A retriever should be an adequate gamefinder, tender mouthed and quiet at a drive. A spaniel should possess these attributes and be bold when hunting cover. It also goes without saying that a water-shy animal should not be bred from.
If you really have the interests of your chosen breed at heart, and this applies more to retrievers than spaniels, your bitch should have her hips X-rayed and eyes tested. The late Jim Edgar, (a vet.), started in working cockers in 1948 and never knew a case of hip dysplasia. The odd case has occurred in working springers but the breed is not predisposed to HD. Progressive retinal atrophy, although listed in Enlish springers, thankfully gives the working strains a miss. Testing for retinal dysplasia can only effect minimal control as several springers that are clear on test are carriers but fortunately RD is generally not too serious a condition and many with retinal folds are competent markers.
(posted 28/07/2003)
List of all Gundog Expert Articles
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Jim encourages you to get involved in gundogs.
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(28/07/2003)
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More tips during pregnancy.
(28/07/2003)
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Kennel Notes - Care During Pregnancy by Keith Erlandson
Tips during pregnancy.
(28/07/2003)
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Importance of Eye Colour When Breeding by Keith Erlandson
Tips on eye colours.
(28/07/2003)
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The Mating Procedure by Keith Erlandson
Tips on the mating procedure.
(28/07/2003)
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Having Your Bitch Mated by Keith Erlandson
Mating tips.
(28/07/2003)
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Kennel Notes - Is the Bitch in Whelp? by Keith Erlandson
Tips on find if your bitch is in whelp.
(28/07/2003)
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Which Sire to Use by Keith Erlandson
Tips on choosing a sire.
(28/07/2003)
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Choice of a Dam by Keith Erlandson
Choosing a breeding bitch.
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