How many times should a dog have a litter

[Jaysmumagain]

This is purely to satisfy a comment that was made to me by another cocker owner when out walking recently, which left me gob smacked, knowing from where her dog came from - she rehomed a reputable breeders bitch,  the most beautiful looking cocker spaniel you could wish to see

This had lead me to ask this question of how many litters should one dog have in her lifetime.

Julie

[Pearly]

I'm not 100% sure but think its a maximum of 4 litters that can be registered through the Kennel Club - that seems a lot to me as ideally the bitch should be over 2 and under 6 at mating which would mean a litter each year 

Of course, that doesnt stop breeders having more litters from each bitch, just that they cannot be KC registered

[Emilyoliver]

The 4 litter limit only came in in 2012, so bitches whelped prior to that may have had up to 6 litters.

[Patp]

Also you never actually know which bitch has had which pups or when!

[Helen]

Also you never actually know which bitch has had which pups or when!

Not all breeders are unscrupulous 

[Patp]

I agree that the majority are not Helen but I  should imagine it goes on behind closed doors especially in puppy farms

[Jaysmumagain]

Thanks everyone....just thought about 2-3 litters, if KC brought in 4 litters from 2012 then clearly the rule didn't apply. 

I am naive to the way of things

Julie

[Helen]

I agree that the majority are not Helen but I  should imagine it goes on behind closed doors especially in puppy farms

These dogs and pups are not KC registered anyway so there is no way the KC can monitor what goes on in puppy farm situations...

There are plenty of KC accredited breeders that flout the rules as well,  but if you do your research you can find decent breeders 

[Joules]

I thought the point of this thread was to ask what was the maximum number of times a bitch could reasonably be expected to have a litter

I am not expert, but I would say that 3 or 4 litters is plenty 

[Jaysmumagain]

Thanks all - have a clearer picture now, the dog was Ollie's age so clearly born prior to 2012.

So as not wanting to take this thread in wrong direction, my curiosty has been fully answered.

Many thanks Julie