Welcome back to our blog series all about the journey of a canine partner mum! 

You may remember from our last update that Faith’s Brood Bitch Holder took her to the veterinary clinic for her blood tests. The great news is that Faith’s second blood test confirmed that she was ready to be mated.

Our Brood Stock Supervisor, Sian has been busy arranging her mating and was on hand to collect Faith and chaperone her. Faith was mated to the very handsome Gus, a yellow Labrador who is a Guide Dogs for the Blind stud dog.

The mating process

Faith’s supervisor took her to meet Gus and the two were given the opportunity to meet and get to know each other. Throughout the mating process Faith and Gus were supervised, to ensure that the mating was successful. The two were mated on two occasions, this is to ensure that we maximise the chances of the mating’s being successful.

Once mum and dad have mated, it’s a waiting game of up to five weeks before finding out if the mating was successful. So we have a little while to wait! In around four weeks time, Faith will have a scan booked at her local vets to find out if she is pregnant.

Tell-tale signs

Just like humans, dogs have a few tell-tale signs that they might be pregnant. This includes morning sickness which can make them nauseous and put them off their food. Another indication is if Faith’s behaviour changes and she becomes clingier and wants extra attention and cuddles.

A few breeding facts

• Canine Partner mums-to-be are supervised throughout the year by our breeding team.
• They must be at least two years of age before being mated.
• They will have one litter per year, and a maximum of four litters before being retired.

Interested in fostering a canine partner mum?

We are on the lookout for more volunteers to care for a canine partner mum in their home. You will be responsible for looking after the new-born puppies until they are approximately 7 weeks old. If this sounds like something you would like to do, or you wish to find out more, click here.