Recent events 'round here beg many questions...

[Hol]

I have a couple.

Do most pups give birth to more males than females? I swear it's the case in almost every litter I know about.

And if so, is this breed-specific? And why do you suppose nature does it this way?

[GoldenMom1]

The sire is responsible party for determining the sex of the puppy. As far as the size of the litter, it depends on the amount of eggs the female has. Some goldens have really large litters. In breeders who do "back to back" breedings, the female tends to have fewer pups. I do not believe in back to back breeding under any circustances. In my opinion it is not in the best interest of the female. Since my girls are also important members of my family, they are bred very sparingly.

[Marge]

Originally posted by GoldenMom1
The sire is responsible party for determining the sex of the puppy. As far as the size of the litter, it depends on the amount of eggs the female has. Some goldens have really large litters. In breeders who do "back to back" breedings, the female tends to have fewer pups. I do not believe in back to back breeding under any circustances. In my opinion it is not in the best interest of the female. Since my girls are also important members of my family, they are bred very sparingly.

According to Dr. Hutchinson - noted reproductive specialist in Ohio - in order to maintain a female dogs reproductive health you should breed them back to back for the 2 or 3 litters you plan over their lifetime and then spay them.

Marge

[Marge]

Originally posted by Hol
I have a couple.

Do most pups give birth to more males than females? I swear it's the case in almost every litter I know about.

And if so, is this breed-specific? And why do you suppose nature does it this way?

While the males sperm and which ones impregnate the eggs determines the sex of the offspring there are environmental conditions within the reproductive tract that can influence the breakdown of the litter, as well as timing of the breedings relative to ovulation.

Male sperm are smaller and faster, but more fragile so die quicker. Female sperm are slower but live longer. So a female that is bred very close to the time of ovulation might tend to conceive more males than females.

One breeder I know says they can significantly increase the likelihood of a given breeding producing female puppies by, um, er, cleaning a male out by hand a couple times prior to doing the breeding.

Some females just seem to produce more of one sex puppies than others. I had one that tended to produce more males than females and another that tended to produce more females.

Overall it works out to pretty close to a 50/50 split.

There's been some reports I've heard that in humans the male birth rate is slightly higher than the female. But the mortality rate is slightly higher among male babies so it evens out.

Marge

[GoldenMom1]

Personally I would never breed over 2 times in my girls lifetime. I agree in spaying as well after she's finished. I am against the breeders (even show breeder are quilty) that crank out litter after litter. My girls have never been bred back to back, I realize there are some that may follow the back to back for 2-3 litters and spay, but I've seen far too many that do not. When my mom was breeding, during my teenage/young adult years she used to jokingly and affectionately call the "non producers" excess baggage. I have a houseful of goldens, and they are couch potatoe extrodanaires, rescues, pet therapy dogs so my Mom is probably smiling from heaven at all my precious excess baggage.

[Zoo Keeper]

I also don't agree with back-to-back breeding. I think it is too hard on the girl. I have had many people already ask me if I will breed Daisy again, as they want a pup, but aren't in a good position for a dog at this time. I tell them no, because the only way due to her long heat intervals to breed her again while still at a good age would be a back to back. Daisy will be spayed after this litter for her own health and safety.

Now if we end up keeping a lil girl who grows to be like her momma in looks and temperment, maybe SHE can be bred in a few years

And yes, the sire's sperm determines the sex. The sire we used has been known to throw male dominated litters before...but never one THIS unbalanced.

[Marge]

Originally posted by Zoo Keeper
I also don't agree with back-to-back breeding. I think it is too hard on the girl. I have had many people already ask me if I will breed Daisy again, as they want a pup, but aren't in a good position for a dog at this time. I tell them no, because the only way due to her long heat intervals to breed her again while still at a good age would be a back to back. Daisy will be spayed after this litter for her own health and safety.

Now if we end up keeping a lil girl who grows to be like her momma in looks and temperment, maybe SHE can be bred in a few years

And yes, the sire's sperm determines the sex. The sire we used has been known to throw male dominated litters before...but never one THIS unbalanced.

reasons why a breeder might want to follow Dr. Hutchinson's recommendations. Perhaps a show career meant the female wasn't bred until she was a bit on the older side. Or you wanted to breed to a particular male who was getting older and didn't want to miss the opportunity to breed to him while he is still alive. Or a bitch that may have had pyometra. Those are just a few examples.

Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinions as to what is best for their dog(s). But breeding back to back is not an indication that the breeder doesn't care about the female's or puppies health and well being, any more than allowing time between litters is.

Marge