Artificial Mating

Purebred dogs are sometimes successfully bred by means of artificial insemination, or "Al." In this technique, vets collect semen (fluid containing sperm) from male dogs and then introduce the semen into a bitch's reproductive tract.

Semen may be introduced into a bitch immediately; alternatively, it may be frozen and stored for transportation or for use on a bitch at a later date.

The technique has, for example, permitted semen from proven, healthy stud dogs in one country to produce rapid improvements in the quality of stud dogs elsewhere.

Kennel clubs have regulations concerning the registration of dogs produced by Al; 'if you with to breed pups in this way, check out these regulations. Used properly, conception rates from Al are as good as from natural mating.