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Responsible Breeding Steps
Breeding dogs has been a passion for many people through the centuries, it is part art, part science and total devotion, it is also exciting and challenging.
Breeding dogs is also time consuming, expensive and occasionally heartbreaking. If you decide to breed your underlying purpose should be to improve the breed - not just increase its numbers and you must be prepared to accept full responsibility for the puppies you have bred from the moment they are born until the day they die.
Breeding a litter should begin with knowledge. Responsible breeders devote themselves to learning as much as they can about their breed. How can you become an expert? Study the Breed Standard, this is the official version of the "perfect" Scottish Terrier and should be the starting place for any breeder. Attend dog shows, watch the dogs in action and learn the pedigrees of those you like. Ask questions of exhibitors. Join your local breed club - all Scottish Terrier breed clubs sponsor educational programmes and events designed to help you increase your knowledge.
Read, read, read! There are many books on the breed which are invaluable sources of information about the health, care and breeding of Scottish Terriers. One of the best books to buy on this subject is Betty Penn-Bull’s ‘The Kennelgarth Scottish Terrier’ which can be purchased from the Scottish Terrier Emergency Care Scheme, price £40. Their website is www.stecs.net .
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