Breeding every heat. - Page 1

 I ran across a webstie where they had some very nice looking dogs, that where bred every heat. http://kreativekennels.com/Puppies.htm  What are the opinions of breeding a female every heat cycle. I was told by a Repro specialist that it was actually healthier for the bitch to breed every heat, instead of skipping heats. Any thoughts on this.

My repro vet says the same thing

This is very interesting- I have recently heard the same- breeding every heat- as long as the bitch is healthy-  is better for the bitch.

This was from a repro specialist as well-

Theresa

Do we all use the same Repro Vet.    Mine is in Austin Texas. She told me that as long as the bitch was healthy.  I guess puppy millers have convinced us it is wrong.

Ok now this is interesting.  Not the responses I expected.  This is the first that I've heard that breeding every cycle is "better" for the female.  Can someone elaborate on this?

In the past, I've only heard negative comments about breeding every cycle - puppy mill.

So, this would mean 2 litters a year??

I can't see a responsible breeder doing that, even if it IS better for the bitch!! 

I tried a google search and all I came up with was the antipuppy millers, and all the reasons not too. My neice is a Vet I will ask her if she knows of a good source of information on this,

I have worked with many repro specialists over the years - ALL of whom have the opinion that breeding every heat is better for the female, especially older females, than skipping heat cycles.  That is IF the female is healthy, in excellent condition, good coat, no problems with the whelping, producing milk, caring for puppies, or losing condition from the last litter.  IF she does lose coat/condition or has trouble with a litter or loses condition after, then skipping a heat is probably a good choice.  But if she is in great shape, great coat, no problems whelping or raising the litter, she's bright and active and "ready to go" - then breed her consecutively.  In the opinion of ALL of the repro specialists I've worked with/spoken to, it's up to the breeder to know their females, and know when and if she needs a break.  Some females need a break every other heat, some never need a break.  Especially older females (as long as they are in excellent condition), breeding each heat is better for them - coming into season is hard on their bodies hormonally regardless if they are pregnant or not.  So you're not really giving them a break (from all of the hormonal changes) by skipping a heat - the only break is from the whelping/raising puppies.  Spaying them (which should be done before they get too old) gives their bodies the only real break.

molly

Thanks Molly for your input. It really makes since.

Thanks Molly.  Good post. 

Sunsilver, what's your take on this?  I can see that you don't agree.  What are you thoughts?