How to Breed Parti Poodles

Parti poodles are called "parti" due their unusual color patterns; parti refers to a dog with more than one color. Breeding poodles can be somewhat complex and requires investigating the dogs' genetics not only for color, but health. It is especially important to make sure that animals you intend to breed are healthy and do not carry genetic defects. Negligence in medical testing of parti poodles meant for breeding has weakened the breed, and extra care is required to strengthen it. With the right information and research, you can successfully breed healthy parti poodles.

Things You'll Need

  • Fenced lawn
  • Breeding mentor
  • Male stud
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Instructions

  1. Screening and Breeding Parti Poodles

    • 1

      Find a breeding mentor. Parti poodles are more difficult to breed than other dogs because of the health problems common to this breed and the unique color variations that are sought in parti poodles. Find a mentor experienced in breeding parti poodles to obtain tips on genetics to promote desirable traits and color variations and to avoid breeding errors that could result in physically undesirable or unhealthy puppies.

    • 2

      Take your poodles to the veterinarian and get their hips X-rayed. It is also a good idea to get elbows and leg bones inspected. Make sure that the health of your poodles' skeletons meets standards set by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (www.offa.org) for breeding.

    • 3

      Get your poodle tested for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. This is a genetic disorder that affects many parti poodles and makes them unfit for breeding. Before choosing a male and female to breed, make sure you have consulted a veterinarian to confirm all aspects of their health. If you are breeding your female with a male stud, ask to see his medical records. He should be listed with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals as an acceptable breeder. This is especially important if you want to breed show quality parti poodles.

    • 4

      Examine the female parti poodle for signs that she is fertile, or in heat. This happens about twice a year. You can recognize this phase because the dog will exhibit menstrual bleeding. After a few days, the bleeding should stop, and your poodle will enter her most fertile cycle for breeding.

    • 5

      Wait for 10 days after the female has stopped bleeding. Introduce her to a male who has been screened and cleared for breeding. Allow the poodles to interact in an open area such as a fenced lawn. Stay with the poodles and observe their interactions. The female may become aggressive if she rejects the male. If she snaps at him, separate the dogs, wait several days, and reintroduce them. If she accepts him, he will mount her, and after a few minutes they will separate. You may return the parti poodles to their separate habitats when the breeding process is complete. Monitor the female closely throughout her pregnancy, and consult your veterinarian and mentor frequently once the puppies have been born.