Breeding Question - Page 3

The person I knew of who bred her 9 year old dog lost the entire litter. It was very difficult litter and none of the pups made it.

I just have heard too many horror stories of breeding dogs past the age of 7. Considering how much I enjoy and worry about my dogs, I would never risk them by breeding past the age of 7. It's just not worth it for one or two extra litters. JMHO 

However, that does not mean I condemn anyone who does breed older dogs (just as I hope no one condemns for for not doing so).

It depends on the Female that only YOU  can answer. You know her health.. I do not need a vet to tell  me if my female is healthy or able to be bred. Most vets have no knowledge of the german shepherd breed....Sorry but I know from experience..I know my dogs inside out and only me...knows the answer.

It also depends on why you are breeding and it is not an answer anyone can say for sure..

i KNOW YOU ONLY WANT OPINION OF OUR EXPERIENCE...MY OLDEST  bred dog was 6years old..

I sold a female to Mahon at 7yrs old and he bred her.  Had some great pups but her last litter at 8yrs old was only 2 pups. 

If I had a female of 7 years old of the health my females all have , yes i would breed her.  I have three customers waiting at this  minute for a pup...but I am retired and not breeding..  Now if  lightening stikes me between now and next spring I may breed Abby one more time  and she right now is 6 yrs old.


YR

 Prager, good point about longevity. I intentionally chose dogs out of old parents for that very reason. 2 of mine are out of 10 and 9 yr old studs, and the dams were up there, too...maybe 6-8. Can't remember exactly, but it definitely says something to me when either sex is breeding naturally and producing large litters of strong, healthy pups well past "middle age."

my female i just bred is 6 now , will be 7 in a few months but her mother ( 11) and grand ma (17) is still alive so i am all for longevity. you make some great points there Prager, i would agree.

Trixx,blimey 17,thats a good age.most of mine from my present line have passed away just short of 12.i had a bitch who was nearly 7(dob.of pups 15th june 2000)dams dob 26th june 1993,who would yu believe whelped 12 pups(6 of each sex)and her dams last litter aged about 6 yrs.was 9.here in the UK our Kennel Club will not register a litter of pups who,s dam is aged over 8.the pups HAVE TO BE BORN BEFORE HER 8TH BIRTHDAY.if yu wish to do a mating from a bitch yu have to apply for permission.Carole Spelman.