Dual Sired Litters

 History
Although multiple sires have been used in livestock for a long time, AKC only approved the procedure and DNA testing for a multiple sired litter in 1998. There were only 59 dual sired litters in 2012, although as breeders become more familiar with the technology the amount of dual sired litters will increase.
 
What is a dual sired litter?
A dual sired litter is a litter of puppies sired by two different males. When the bitch ovulates, she releases a set amount of eggs ready to be fertilized by any available sperm. The size of a litter depends on how many eggs the bitch releases, not how many males she is bred to. In the case of a dual sired litter, the bitch is bred to two different males in hopes that sperm from each male fertilizes different eggs and produces puppies from both sires.  A single puppy can only have one sire but a litter can have 2 (or more) sires.
 
Why do a dual sired litter?
DNA is an exciting tool for breeders - two exceptional dogs can exert their genetic influence on a single bitch moving a breeding program forward by years.

A bitch has a much shorter reproductive life than a dog. Multiple sires allows a breeder to maximize a bitches genetic potential with fewer litters, thereby allowing the breeder more time to show, title and work the bitch in different venues as well as just enjoy the bitch as a companion around the house.

Who’s the Daddy?
The sires as well as the dam are DNA tested via AKC prior to breeding. Once the puppies are born all puppies are DNA tested and permanently identified (microchip) then the puppies DNA tests will be sent to AKC where they will be compared to the sires and dam DNA to figure out parentage. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete although it is not uncommon for it to take up to 4 months. Once DNA is determined AKC will issue papers for each litter.