Definition

Noun: A female dog specifically kept and used for the purpose of producing puppies.

Usage

This term is used in the specific context of dog breeding and kennel management. It refers to the primary female dog in a breeding program.

Examples

• The kennel's most successful brood bitch has produced several champion puppies.
• Selecting a healthy brood bitch is a critical first step for any responsible breeder.
• After her last litter, the brood bitch was retired from breeding.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily technical and is standard within professional dog breeding, veterinary, and kennel club contexts.
• It carries a neutral, functional connotation, focusing on the animal's reproductive role.

Variants and Related Words

• Bitch: (noun) A female dog. This is the more general term.
• Dam: (noun) The female parent of a litter, often used in pedigrees and registration papers. While related, "dam" refers to the relationship to offspring, whereas "brood bitch" refers to her ongoing role in a breeding program.
• Stud dog: (noun) A male dog used for breeding.

Synonyms

• Breeding female
• Brood female

Notes

• This is a compound noun. The word "brood" functions as an adjective modifying "bitch," specifying her purpose.
• The term is not typically used in general, casual conversation about pets.

Noun

1. a bitch used for breeding