I found this list of questions on one of my info searches.  The site that is was on felt that you should find the answers yourself.  I am trying to make this site as informative as possible so I will answer these questions to the best of my knowledge.

Setting yourself up right

  • What does dog conformation refer to?
  • The build of the dog.
  • How can you test if my dog has the correct conformation?
  • Know your breed standard.
  • What important points should be considered on a dog's pedigree?
  • The Reg. Organization and the bloodline.
  • How many championships should be listed in a pedigree prior to breeding?
  • CH look great in a bloodline but personally I look for the health history and conformation before breeding.
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    The beginning of the season

  • When will a bitch first come into season?
  • Can be anywhere from 6 months to a year.
  • Should a bitch be bred on her first season?
  • NO
  • How old should a bitch be before breeding commences?
  • Usually can start on the second heat cycle.
  • On what grounds should a bitch not be bred from?
  • Health issues, bad temperament and poor standards.
  • On what days is a bitch fertile?
  • Read the Females Heat Cycle.
  • How long is a bitch's season?
  • Same as above.
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    Breeding the dogs

  • On what day's should a bitch be bred?
  • Read the Females Heat Cycle
  • On what attributes is a stud dog selected?
  • Good health, Good temperament and Meets the standards as close as possible.
  • What health testing should both the dam and dog have prior to breeding?
  • You should know the health history on both before you breed. The vet will perform any other test needed.
  • How old should a dog be before he is used at stud?
  • Usually at least a year.
  • What are the responsibilities of a stud dog owner?
  • To only breed with females as close to the standard as possible and in good health.
  • What are the important contract items to have in a breeding contract?
  • The main issue is if there is no viable litter or pregnancy.
  • On what grounds should a dog be neutered?
  • Read that section Spaying and Neutering.
  • What diseases can a dog get while being bred?
  • A female can get an infection from not using sterile equipment.
  • When should a dog be allowed near an in season bitch?
  • When she is ready to breed.
  • How does the breeding actually take place?
  • I have heard of a couple of instances of them being able to breed naturally but usually it is in a vets office. We have been doing the AI ourselves but use as much caution as possible.  Meaning using sterile items only.
  • Does there need to be a tie for a breeding to have taken place?
  • NO
  • What is AI and when should it be conducted?
  • Artificial Insemination and it should be done by a qualified person or in a vets office.
  • Who should conduct the AI and what specific precautions should be taken?
  • A person that know what they are doing. The biggest precaution would be to use sterile items.
  • How many times should a bitch be bred?
  • Typically we breed 3 to 4 times.
  • Can a litter have more than one father?
  • Yes, but it is not recommended to be done intentionally by AKC.
  • Where must a bitch be kept while she is in season?
  • Mine are kept in the same environment all the time.
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    Gestation

  • How long is a bitch's gestation?
  • Read the Females Heat Cycle.
  • What special diet should the bitch be fed while in season, and while pregnant?
  • We feed our females puppy chow when we start breeding them they receive calcium and we use nu vet vitamins.
  • Under what special circumstances should additional calcium be fed to a pregnant bitch?
  • We always start them on calcium while they are being breed until the puppies are weaned.
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    Whelping

  • What are the signs that a bitch is going into labor?
  • Usually about 4 days before my dogs deliver they will have a discharge.  I call it the slimy string. The signs of pre labor is usually the dog pants while at rest. 
  • What is the best type of whelping box arrangements?
  • At the vets office on a table.
  • Where should the bitch be when she whelps?
  • At the vet.
  • When should a c-section be performed?
  • We usually have a date scheduled in advance. The ultrasound done at 28 days helps us to determine when to schedule.
  • When should the vet be called for help?
  • We have not nor never will attempt to allow one of our females to deliver naturally. Which has been a good decision for us because in all of our litters we have had puppies that were breech.
  • There were more questions in this section that pertain to delivery and since the questions I am answering are only about the English Bulldog I deleted them.  If you plan on having your Bullie try and deliver naturally consult your vet on what you need to know and how to handle it.
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    Caring for the mother

  • What should the dam be fed while she is looking after puppies?
  • We feed ours puppy chow.
  • What are the signs of infection in the bitch?
  • In case of the cut for a c-section if it becomes red and swollen with a discharge consult your vet.
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    Caring for puppies

  • What are the signs that the puppies are progressing well?
  • Weight gain and growing.
  • What are the signs that the puppies are in trouble?
  • Not sucking or seem to be weakening.  Contact your vet immediately.
  • What is mastitis and how is it treated?
  •  Mastitis is caused by backed up milk in one section of the breast. This can progress to an infection if not treated properly.
  • SYMPTOMS
  • Swelling of the breast
  • Pus-like, or bloody discharge
  • Fever
  • Appetite loss
  • Lethargy
  • If These Symptoms are present Contact Your Vet
  • What do you do if the dam's milk does not come in?
  • There are some formulas that are now available that contain Colostrum which is so important for the puppy to get within the first few hours of life.  This can be purchased from your vet.
  • How do you bottle feed a puppy, and what do you use?
  • The bottle can be purchased from your vet. Hold your puppy in your hand DO NOT lay your puppy on their back to suck. Put them in the position they would be in if they were sucking on the mother. I usually wrap a towel around them to make them feel warm and cozy.
  • How do you tube feed a puppy?
  • If needed have your vet show you how.
  • How can you tell if a puppy is feeding well?
  • You should be able to tell if they are sucking.
  • How can you tell if a pup has received enough milk?
  • Usually they will fall asleep. Their little tummies get swollen and firm.
  • How can you check to see if a pup is dehydrated?
  • You can check to see if they are getting dehydrated by pinching up the skin. It should be elastic and settle back.
  • What is fading puppy syndrome and how do you rescue a puppy from it?
  • If a puppy gets chilled it will die. If a puppy becomes hypoglycemic it will die. If a puppy becomes dehydrated it will die. Those are the parameters of fading puppies.
  • What are the common problems to be aware of when raising the puppies?
  • I will post another section strictly on how to care for new puppies and the common problems will be addressed there.
  • When do you introduce "real food" to puppies?
  • 3 Weeks
  • Why should puppies never be given "baby food"?
  • There digestive system is not designed for baby food.
  • Should puppies be vaccinated?
  • Yes
  • Should puppies be wormed?
  • Yes
  • Under what conditions should a puppy be wormed and/or vaccinated?
  • You can perform the first worming but a Vet should perform the last worming and first vaccination.
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    These questions are some you need to think about and be able to answer for yourself.

    Placing puppies

  • How do you choose puppy buyers?
  • What responsibilities do you have as a breeder for those pups?
  • What sort of guarantees are you going to offer the buyers?
  • How do you ensure your puppy buyers are going to look after the puppies?
  • How do you match the right puppy with the right person?
  • What sort of puppy pack information are you going to provide to the buyers?
  • What breeder support are you offering once the puppies have gone?
  • I HOPE ALL OF THE INFORMATION ABOVE HAS BEEN HELPFUL JUST REMEMBER THE ANSWERS THAT I GAVE COME FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCES.