Breeding Teckels is much more than just putting a male and a female together. It is a detailed process involving rigorous selection of both parents, monitoring of gestation and assistance during birth. However, to take breeding to a truly professional level, genetic, morphological and functional tests must be taken into account to ensure the quality and health of the future puppies, an approach shared by prestigious kennels such as RAJ Canin FCI.
The Fundamental Role of the Female in Breeding
The focus in breeding Teckels should not only be on the choice of the male. The bitch plays an equally vital role. To ensure the transmission of good genes, the bitch must be selected with the same rigour as the male. It is essential that she is in optimum health prior to mating, ensuring that she is fully wormed and up to date with her vaccinations. In addition, it is crucial that she has morphological and temperament characteristics that will improve the breeding line.
A well selected bitch not only ensures a safer and less problematic calving, but also contributes to the good development of the litter. An aspect that is often underestimated is the importance of the bitch's physical condition before and after parturition. An adequate physical condition prevents problems such as dystocia (difficulties in parturition) and facilitates good lactation, as an obese bitch may have problems in caring for her puppies and feeding them properly.
In addition, in the weeks prior to whelping, it is essential to prepare the bitch with a diet rich in essential nutrients and minerals, such as calcium, to prevent hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium) during lactation, which can put both mother and puppies at risk.
Genetic Testing: A Key to Health and Excellence
Genetic testing of both the male and the female is an indispensable step in modern Teckel breeding. Responsible breeders such as RAJ Canin FCI have set high standards in the performance of these tests to ensure that parents are free of inherited diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other conditions that may affect the quality of life of puppies.
Genetic testing allows breeders to select dogs not only for their morphology or temperament, but also for their genetic health. This reduces the risk of congenital diseases and increases the chances of breeding healthy and long-lived litters. In the case of breeding Teckels, it is important that both the female and the male are DNA tested to rule out pathologies that could compromise their reproductive capacity or the development of the puppies.
In addition to genetic testing, functional and morphological evaluations should also be carried out. Functional evaluations ensure that both parents have the physical ability to perform traditional Dachshund tasks, such as hunting underground. Morphological testing, on the other hand, evaluates the physical conformation and ensures that they meet the breed standard as per the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Mating: Accuracy in Timing and Method
Before proceeding with mating, it is essential to determine the right time to maximise the chances of fertilisation. This is where methods such as vaginal smear or the measurement of progesterone levels in the blood to accurately identify the bitch's ovulation. Through these tests, breeders can optimise the timing of mating or insemination, significantly increasing success rates.
In the case of artificial insemination, which is a procedure increasingly used in high-level breeding farms, a strict protocol of semen collection and handling is followed to guarantee its viability. Insemination is an excellent option if unnecessary movement of the bitch is to be avoided or if there is any difficulty in performing natural mating.
Gestation and Childbirth: Accompaniment and Supervision
Once gestation is confirmed, which lasts approximately 63 days, extreme care must be taken. In addition to ultrasound scans that help to monitor the number of puppies and their development, it is crucial to maintain a suitable environment for the birth. The whelping box must be in perfect conditions of hygiene and temperature, which facilitates both the birth and the first days of life of the puppies.
It is also vital to observe the behaviour of the bitch in the days leading up to parturition, as the appearance of signs such as a drop in body temperature or the breaking of water indicate that birth is imminent. During parturition, the assistance of the breeder is essential, especially if complications such as dystocia occur, which may require veterinary intervention.
Home Selection for Puppies
Once the puppies have been born and properly cared for during their first weeks of life, the next challenge for the breeder is to find a suitable home for them. The selection of the future owner is a task that should not be taken lightly. The breeder must ensure that the puppies develop both physically and psychologically, which means finding a suitable environment where they can thrive.
Teckels, historically selected as hunting dogs, require appropriate early socialisationand an environment that stimulates their natural instincts and energy. They should also receive the necessary veterinary care, such as regular deworming and vaccinations from the age of one and a half months.
The Spanish Dachshund Club and the Promotion of the Breed
The role of the Spanish Dachshund Club is instrumental in ensuring the continuous improvement of the breed in the country. The club is dedicated to promoting responsible breeding and encouraging excellence in breed standards. Its events, such as shows and working trials, allow breeders to show the results of their work and to obtain objective feedback on the quality of their dogs.
In addition, the club acts as an educational platform, organising seminars and courses for breeders to update their knowledge on genetics, canine health and reproductive management. This ensures that breeders who are part of the club have access to the latest information and best practices in Teckel breeding.
Conclusion: Responsible Breeding and Continuous Improvement
Breeding Teckels is a comprehensive process that requires attention to detail, from the choice of parents to the selection of a home for the puppies. The focus on genetics, functionality and morphology ensures that the dogs bred are healthy, balanced and conform to the high standards of the breed.
The example of hatcheries such as RAJ Canin FCI and the support of Spanish Dachshund Club underline the importance of responsible breeding, where the health and quality of the dogs are the priority. In the end, the aim is not only to maintain but also to improve the breed, ensuring that future Teckels remain faithful companions and excellent working dogs.
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