To ensure the quality and productivity of meat dogs, breeders must carefully select suitable breeds. Ideal meat dog breeds should be large in size, well-proportioned, strong, and fast-growing. They should have high fertility, strong libido, good disease resistance, and excellent trainability. Yellow and white-colored dogs are generally preferred, followed by gray and black varieties. When selecting a breeding dog, it's important to check for proper head shape, moist and cool nose, clean teeth, well-developed shoulder muscles, straight back, broad chest, well-sprung ribs, slightly higher hips than shoulders, full hips, and tight abdomen. The limbs should be strong and straight or slightly drooping. For females, it's essential to choose bitches with high litter size, strong milk production, gentle temperament, and good maternal instincts. Males should have strong sexual desire, rapid growth, large body size, strong disease resistance, and good trainability. Breeds like the Chinese Tibetan Mastiff, Japanese Wolf Green, and German Shepherd are often used as sires to take advantage of hybrid vigor, which can boost productivity and economic returns.
Meat dogs are seasonal breeders, typically going into heat twice a year—once in spring and once in autumn. It's crucial to time breeding accordingly. These dogs have multiple litters per birth, with large breeds capable of producing up to 10 puppies at a time. With proper management, their reproductive potential can be fully utilized. The gestation period is relatively short, averaging 62 days, which is significantly shorter than that of pigs or cattle. This means that pregnant bitches require extra care and nutrition during this period. Newborn puppies are helpless, unable to regulate their body temperature or feed themselves. They rely entirely on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and protection. Any neglect can lead to death, so careful attention is essential during the early stages of life.
The estrus cycle in female dogs usually begins between 8-12 months of age, though smaller breeds may mature earlier, around 6-8 months. It's generally recommended to wait until the second estrus before breeding, as the body is more mature and better prepared for reproduction. Estrus typically occurs from March to May in spring and September to November in fall. Signs of estrus include restlessness, increased affection, irritability, loss of appetite, raised tail, frequent urination, swollen vulva, and discharge. During this time, the bitch is more receptive to males.
Breeding should occur when the vulva becomes red and swollen, and the discharge turns clear and transparent. This usually happens 48-60 hours after the start of estrus, marking the best time for mating. The first mating should be done around day 5-7 of estrus, followed by a second mating 24-48 hours later. A quiet and calm environment is important to prevent stress, which can cause the bitch to refuse mating. After mating, the male and female will lock together due to the swelling of the bulbous gland, and they should remain in this position for 15-20 minutes. It's important not to disturb them during this time, as premature separation can reduce the chances of successful fertilization.
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