Accepted Answer

Hello and thanks for researching this very important question!

Dog breeding can be fraught with many complicated problems. Among them are the venereal (or sexually tranmissible) diseases.

The magazine article was no doubt about Canine Tranmissible Venereal Tumor (spread not only by direct sexual contact, but also through saliva). DNA in particular tumors and DNA of the host dog/wolf do not match...supporting the idea that these tumors are viral in origin. More research is needed, but wolves and wolf-like breeds are most likely more susceptible than domesticated breeds carrying fewer wild-type genes. There is no blood test available yet to the general public.

CTVT Article Here.

There is, however, a blood test for a venereal condition called Brucellosis (veterinarians can send it out for each dog). This infection can interefere with reproductive health and a dog's health in general. It can be transmitted to humans.

Brucellosis Article Here.

As the male dog's owner, you will want to be quite sure that the female's family is fully familiar with how to care for a pregnant and nursing female (canine reproduction is quite different from that in humans!), and that the pups will likewise be raised properly and re-homed with care.

Since there are so many mixed dogs in shelters across the country, it is generally best to spay/neuter all mixed pets to help reduce overpopulation of unwanted pups.

Good Reproduction Book Here.

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Edited by Gen B. on 5/7/2009 at 8:05 PM

Expert:	Gen B.
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Answered:	5/7/2009

Retired Veterinary Technician

Lhasa,Shih Tzu Breeder/ B.A.Neurophysiology & Animal Behavior/I use plain English!