How to Mate a Pit Bull?

Mating pit bulls encompasses much more work than simply arranging a date for a stud and dam to meet for a romantic encounter. Pit bulls have had the misfortune of becoming victims of anti-pit bull ordinances and bans across the country that are seriously jeopardizing this breed's future. A pit bull breeder's goal, therefore, should mainly focus on the betterment and preservation of the pit bull breed. This entails conducting lots of research, screening the breeding stock for hereditary disorders and following strict code of ethics so as to breed responsibly and not further contribute to the surplus of pit bulls found in rescues and shelters across the nation.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read books, attend dog shows and get acquainted as much as you can with the American pit bull terrier standards. Consider enrolling in a breed club that promotes ethical breeding and discourages indiscriminate breeding and poor breeding practices.

    • 2

      Critically evaluate if your dam or stud qualifies as breeding material. The best way to determine this is by enrolling your pit bull in organized dog sport events and see how it ranks in the conformation ring. The more titles and certifications achieved, the more proof you have of owning quality breeding stock.

    • 3

      Plan the ideal time for breeding your pit bull stud or dam. Dams and studs should not be bred under the age of two. This means your dam should not be bred before its third or even fourth heat. Breeding earlier is highly counter-productive since your dam will likely not be physically or mentally ready to raise a litter of puppies.

    • 4

      Take your pit bull to your veterinarian. Have its hips and elbows x-rayed to obtain certification and clearance from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, have its heart evaluated and its thyroid levels checked, and have it certified free of any heritable eye diseases from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation. Studs and dams should also have their reproductive organs checked and their shots updated, and should undergo a brucellosis test.

    • 5

      Select a proper mate for your pit bull. Consider asking the help of a mentor with knowledge of important bloodlines. He should be capable of providing significant input on the pros and cons of particular breedings and provide advice on possible stud dogs.

    • 6

      Determine when the dam is in heat. Vaginal bleeding and swelling of the vulva indicate your pit bull is coming into proestrus. Generally, according to veterinarian Margareth V. Root Kustritz with the University of Minnesota, dams are at their peak of fertility any time between day 8 through 15, following the day the dam starts bleeding.

    • 7

      Take the dam to the stud's home. Studs are known to perform better when in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Provide the dam and stud with a non-slip surface such as a carpet or a large rug for better footing.

    • 8

      Supervise the mating. After flirting a little bit, the stud should cover the dam, and eventually, both male and female will be stuck together, back to back, in a ''tie." You may need to reassure the dam during this time as many become nervous and restless. If feasible, to heighten the chances of pregnancy, allow the dam and stud to breed every other day until the female no longer shows interest in the male. If all goes well, pit bull puppies should be on their way 63 days later.