Quick question - for anyone who owns "The Book of the Bitch" (or similar)

[Cob-Web]

Is there an advised maximum age that a bitch can safely have her first litter? Does it vary from breed to breed? 

[MegandMolly]

The breeder I got Meg from advised me that if I did want to breed from her between 18 months and 3 years was best for first litter, def not a first litter after 4 years old. But that's his opinion, sorry don't have the book. Would have thought breeds would vary, as life expectancy and development for each breed is different.

[KellyS]

I've read the B of the B from cover to cover and I'm sure it doesn't state a max age for first litter, I will find it up and check -  Optimum age I would think is 2-4yrs old for a cocker.

[KatieJean]

My son had a golden retriever and he was told about 3 1/2

[cupcakebarb]

Hi according to Successful Dog Breeding by Walkoicz & Wilcox the bitch should be bred for the first time by 3 as there is less flexibilty of pelvis as the bitch ages.  I have the book of the bitch but tend to read this book more, although it is American authors (i belive) and focus's upon American kennel club it is witty throughout and a good read.   

[Jane S]

I don't think there is a fixed maximum age which applies to every bitch of every breed. The general consensus seems to be that it wouldn't be sensible to breed from a bitch over the age of 5 for the first time but there are always exceptions eg if you have a very fit, active bitch. We have bred from two bitches who were 4 at the time of being bred from for the first time and neither had any problems at all, both whelping naturally (both were very fit though).

[Eve]

It definitely depends on the breed. Anyone thinking of breeding should read about hip scores, eye testing, breeding to type or not, speaking to known successful breeders and research bloodlines.  By the time you have done all this, you should know the right time to breed.

This is what I did when I bred my litter of golden retrievers.

Eve

[tiamaria]

It definitely depends on the breed. Anyone thinking of breeding should read about hip scores, eye testing, breeding to type or not, speaking to known successful breeders and research bloodlines.  By the time you have done all this, you should know the right time to breed.

This is what I did when I bred my litter of golden retrievers.

Eve

Eve did you make a decision on that cocker spaniel pup you were thinking of getting in the future? 

[Eve]

It definitely depends on the breed. Anyone thinking of breeding should read about hip scores, eye testing, breeding to type or not, speaking to known successful breeders and research bloodlines.  By the time you have done all this, you should know the right time to breed.

This is what I did when I bred my litter of golden retrievers.

Eve

Eve did you make a decision on that cocker spaniel pup you were thinking of getting in the future? 

Yes I am definitely going to get a cocker but my old girl is going downhill quicker that we anticipated.  She has become very unsteady on her pins and her eyesight is failing. I have made the decision to just have her for the time being as the vet seems to think we may only have her until around Christmas. She is not in any pain or anything. She still seems happy with her life albeit restricted at the moment.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for old age at the moment. Hving gone through all this with her mother and grandmother, I know in my heart the vet is right.

So looking forward to seeing photos of your new baby. Having read your thread, I know how much love you have to give a spangle.

[tiamaria]

It definitely depends on the breed. Anyone thinking of breeding should read about hip scores, eye testing, breeding to type or not, speaking to known successful breeders and research bloodlines.  By the time you have done all this, you should know the right time to breed.

This is what I did when I bred my litter of golden retrievers.

Eve

Eve did you make a decision on that cocker spaniel pup you were thinking of getting in the future? 

Yes I am definitely going to get a cocker but my old girl is going downhill quicker that we anticipated.  She has become very unsteady on her pins and her eyesight is failing. I have made the decision to just have her for the time being as the vet seems to think we may only have her until around Christmas. She is not in any pain or anything. She still seems happy with her life albeit restricted at the moment.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for old age at the moment. Hving gone through all this with her mother and grandmother, I know in my heart the vet is right.

So looking forward to seeing photos of your new baby. Having read your thread, I know how much love you have to give a spangle.

Must be hard knowing the short time you have left. I hope you find comfort when the time comes.  Bitter sweet feelings to think about getting another dog after losing one, but ultimately something you know is going to happen. And im sure you'l be very happy with a cocker.

I have another 6 weeks to wait, VickyG is getting a littermate (brothers) and she has asked the breeder for a photograph, so once we have one im sure one of us will unveil! 

[Jane S]

Can we keep this thread on topic, please Thanks

[doughy]

I thought after the age of 4 years old the pelvis is set so basically if they haven`t had a litter by then you shouldn`t breed her !!!!

[Coco]

You can't KC reg a litter if it comes from a bitch over 7 I believe (first litter or other). So I guess that would be them saying 7 or over for any litter is a definite no-no.

[Tasha]

our upper age limit for a bitch on first mating is 5 years lower age after the bones have set so 18 months although its better to wait a bit longer. 

Some people breed on the first season so it can be as young as six months which is appauling

[*AmandaB*]

I did first litter at 2 years after all the testing, (she only had two, Grrrr.) then second litter at four years old when she had 8 healthy pups (aghhhh!)
All born ok and mum took to it really well, which was the only reason I looked at a second litter and I wanted more bone and a black and tan boy in the pups! got the bone but no boy (Grrrrr!)
The other thing is that the first litter were mature enough for me to see again and review what I had got the first time to help with what I might get the second litter, so it was always going to be easier and a better litter.