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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
When we think about bringing puppies into the world, our main goal is almost always the same: raising healthy, happy dogs. Modern technology has made it easier than ever to facilitate breeding, but it has also introduced important questions about how and when we should intervene.
This delicate tension between demand, technology, and animal welfare is a topic we frequently explore on The Consult Room podcast.
Why Is Assisted Breeding on the Rise?
The popularity of certain breeds – especially flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs – has created a high demand for specialised reproductive help. Because of their physical structure, some of these dogs face natural challenges when it comes to mating or giving birth.
Services like artificial insemination provide a practical way to help these dogs reproduce. But as dog lovers, it is worth pausing to ask a deeper question: If a dog struggles to reproduce naturally because of its physical traits, is it right to use technology to bypass that limitation?
Supporting Health Over Conformation
Intervening to breed dogs that cannot mate naturally can sometimes risk passing on physical traits that cause lifelong health problems, such as severe breathing difficulties or joint issues.
However, as we discussed on The Consult Room, reproductive technology isn’t inherently bad. The tech itself is neutral – the impact depends entirely on intent. When used responsibly by knowledgeable breeders working alongside veterinary professionals, these tools can actually help improve breed health. For example, artificial insemination allows breeders to introduce healthy genetic lines from around the world without the stress of traveling long distances.
Putting Welfare First
The key difference comes down to motivation. Responsible breeding always places the physical health and happiness of the parent dogs and their future puppies first.
Before moving forward with any assisted breeding service, talk to your veterinarian. They can offer clear, unbiased advice on whether your dog is physically suitable for breeding and help you ensure that welfare remains the top priority every step of the way.
🎙️ Tune In to The Consult Room:
Listen to our episode on “Should We Be Breeding Dogs That Can’t Reproduce Naturally?” for an insightful, non-judgmental look at modern breeding ethics and animal welfare.
