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| > Welcome to the Home of the Fabulous Podengo Pequeno! > Puppies > Breeder Tips Breeder Tips
|  | | | Judge Vitor Veiga evaluates wire coat Portuguese Podengo. |
PPCA members offer a network of enthusiastic and learned breeders, some of whom have mentored other members on the ins and outs of breeding. If you are considering breeding, the absolute first step is to find a great mentor in the Podengo world. In addition to this hands-on learning, there are seminars available from various sources on all aspects of breeding and some exceptionally helpful literature in the field. Participate in dog shows, especially PPCA Specialties, which offer close-up evaluations from Portuguese judges and educational clinics on the breed.
Here are a few recommendations for the first time breeder:
(1) Learn everything you can about the Podengo and its history. Read the Portuguese Podengo Breed Standard and become intimately familiar with it. This Standard "sets the standard" for how a Podengo should look (type). Clearly understand the elements that constitute breed type in the Podengo. Many characteristics contribute to breed type and clarity is vital in this respect.
(2) Read read read and then read some more! Here are some good guides to starting a quality breeding program and related concerns:
_ Breeding Dogs for Dummies by Richard Beauchamp. This friendly guide to bringing puppies into the world provides the information you need to create a positive breeding environment for your dogs so that they present happy, healthy offspring. It begins by asking if you should be a dog breeder and examines the responsibilities of dog breeding. It continues through chapters on selecting breeding stock, starting your breeding program and includes informative, helpful chapters on prenatal care, whelping, and raising puppies.
- The Whelping and Rearing of Puppies, a Complete and Practical Guide by Muriel P. Lee. Chosen by thousands of breeders over the years, this manual conveys critical ideas clearly and practically. It has step-by-step instructions and guides the first-time and experienced breeder though the stages of labor, whelping. and rearing, as well as the many possible problems encountered during the process.
(3) PPCA members may participate in the PPCA Breeder Referral Program by applying to the PPCA Breeder Referral Coordinator. This requires, among other things, various health checks and agreement with the PPCA Code of Ethics.
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