How often to breed? - Page 2

P.S.- If you guys look at the 'females for sale' section, I think you'll run across the dog iloveshepherds is talking about.... scary.

Yes Britney- you are right.  Not only is it irresponsible to do, but to come here and post it like there's nothing wrong with it just really surprises me. 

Here is the female that is being talked about. She turned 2 in June 08. Very sad to see such a young female having had 3 litters and now bred again. No hip certification on the pedigree and no titles. Very sad indeed. Hopefully she will find a home where she is cared for and not used as a puppy maker.

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/511069.html

I think mother nature has determend how often a dog should be bred !! Like it or not..

IMO, A female should not be bred until they have all hip and elbow certifications, titles, and a Breed Survey, which puts them at at least 2 years old or older.

A young female, 2-5 years, "I" would only breed every other heat at most.  After 6 I usually breed back to back providing they are in excellent health, enjoy rearing puppies, have strong healthy litters, and recover quickly from each litter. I follow my repro vet's advice and that of many other experienced breeders in that if the above criteria is met, it is better for them and helps insure good reproductive health. Without going into huge detail, it is kind of "use it or lose it". I retire my females from breeding after thier 7th year unless particular circumstances warrant one final litter in the beginning of the 8th year.