Conclusion

Italian breeders show broadly consistent reproductive and neonatal management practices, with widespread progesterone use and a strong preference for fresh semen and natural mating. This fact might recall a low importation of frozen semen and genetic variability decreasing the genetic variability within the Italian territory. An important limitation of this study is the number of breeders involved: Although we included 251 out of approximately 1700, which would be considered a representative sample, unregistered kennels were not accounted for and could influence the overall assessment. Moreover, this study is based on self‐reported survey data and is susceptible to reporting bias. Future research should directly correlate reported practices with reproductive outcomes. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions on progesterone interpretation, given that a large proportion of breeders were unaware of the P4 detection method used despite near‐universal hormonal monitoring, and on standardization of vaginal cytology reading, considering the reported variability in inter‐operator agreement. These targeted interventions may help reduce inconsistencies in reproductive management and improve breeding outcomes.