[Dailydrool] Albert the basset stud, and remember Emily Latella?

[saraberry at aol.com]

Artificial insemination is an interesting topic.  LOL about Emily Latella!  Sorry if I used the term AI without explaining.

Yes, AI = artificial insemination.

Artificial insemination can be done with fresh sperm, chilled sperm or frozen sperm.  Each procedure is different and the "freshness" can actually make a difference.  Frozen sperm must be inserted by a vet into the uterus in a procedure.  The other methods are piped up into the vagina by a reproductive specialist.  Of course having frozen sperm can allow a dog to be collected and then neutered, if that is desirable, so that addition to the gene pool is not totally lost.   It also allows for the breeding of healthy, quality dogs who are no longer living.   We can also have sperm shipped across the country overnight or from other countries worldwide as needed to find the best match in breeding.

Another interesting bit is now litters can have more than one "baby daddy".  Sperm from different dogs can actually be blended by a reproductive specialist prior to insemination.  Each daddy is DNA tested and then when the puppies are born, each one of them gets DNA tested to see which dog is the daddy.

Artificial insemination or AI is important because it is a big part of how responsible breeders are getting healthier, stronger puppies.  And are examples of another reason why a responsible breeder never makes money.  Certainly some dogs are bred the good ol' fashion way when a breeder is fortunate enough to have local dogs that fit the desired profile, but good experience is needed there as well so that dogs are not injured in the process and that the timing is right.

This is just part of a bigger decision that is based on studying pedigrees, getting to know bassets personally through observation in the ring, at events and in homes of networking members of the BHCA and testing parents for potential health issues.  And this is all well in advance of breeding any two dogs.

Sara
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