From Myth to Method: Grounding Dog Breeding in Science

In the world of dog breeding, passion runs deep, but passion alone doesn't create expertise. Responsible breeding involves far more than producing litters or owning a successful stud dog. It demands a commitment to knowledge that extends beyond years of hands-on experience to include serious study and a willingness to question what we think we know.

I recently had a conversation with a longtime Brittany breeder — someone with an impressive record that includes show and field champions, plus stud dogs who have sired countless litters over the years. During our discussion, the topic of the "tie" during canine mating came up. She explained that the tie persisted because the female was "clamping down" and would release the male when she was ready. It was something she had heard and accepted, as many breeders do.

But, having spent considerable time reading and rereading veterinary textbooks on reproduction, I knew this explanation didn't match the actual biology.

Here's what the science tells us: The tie results from the bulbus glandis, a section of erectile tissue at the base of the male dog's penis that swells during copulation. Simultaneously, the female's constrictor vestibuli muscles contract around the swollen tissue. While this creates a cooperative physiological response, the tie originates with the male's anatomy and ends when the bulbus glandis decongests — not when the female chooses to "release" him. This isn't a matter of opinion or interpretation; it's basic reproductive anatomy found in textbooks used by veterinary students worldwide.

This moment wasn't about proving anyone wrong. Instead, it reinforced why I invest so much time in studying. Experienced breeders possess invaluable knowledge, and I deeply respect what they bring to our community. However, certain aspects of canine reproduction require more than anecdotal information. Unfortunately, a surprising amount of misinformation continues to circulate among even the most dedicated dog people.

Each year, I revisit the cornerstone texts in veterinary reproduction. Among my go-to references:

• Canine Reproduction and Neonatology by Marthina L. Greer, DVM, JD

• BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Reproduction and Neonatology

• Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition by P.L. Senger

• Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics (Noakes, Parkinson, England)

These aren't casual reads. They're dense, expensive volumes written for veterinary professionals. But they offer the evidence-based foundation that I believe every serious breeder should pursue.

That said, I don't discount experience — my own or that of others. I regularly consult with a breeder friend who has over 20 years in the field and has whelped more than 250 puppies. The combination of rigorous study and practical knowledge provides a balanced understanding that neither source can offer alone.

Consider this: an estimated 5 million puppies are born in the U.S. each year. I'd wager only a small fraction come from breeders who routinely study, question, and work to understand the complex science behind reproduction. That's not meant as a boast — it's a call to action.

If you're a breeder, your work matters deeply. But with that work comes profound responsibility. Our dogs — and the people who trust us with their future companions — deserve breeders who don't settle for "what they've always heard." They deserve those who pursue genuine knowledge with the same dedication they bring to the whelping box.