how long can a bitch breed for? - Page 1

hate the term bitch, but at what age does a dam no longer produce pups? i know the consensus say's don't breed till about 2yr's old but then how long will a dog produce? or what age is it that you should stop breeding them? thanks for all input

I don't breed them after 8 years old. But as for physically able to produce - as long as they come into heat cycles, they can produce puppies. I've seen and heard of 12 year old females producing - not mine though, mine are retired from breeding and living the good life after 8 years old if not earlier. molly

As Molly said, eight years old is the typical retirement age.

Beyond 8 yrs old the risks tend to increase. Likelihood of conception drops, the wear on the female begins to show, potential for birth defects etc increases. Breeding an 8 yr old bitch is roughly equivalent to a 50 yr old human. Both are near the limit of their breeding years. Best wishes, Jonah

Molly...Would you ever breed a 7 yr. old bitch who had never been breed before?

thanks everyone, just looking at another dog. dam birthdate was 98. so seeing if this was somewhat normal, but all look's good pretty good lines from what i can see. again thanks KKR

Molly...Would you ever breed a 7 yr. old bitch who had never been breed before? I guess - but chances are good that there is a reason she had not been bred before - probably had been bred but didn't take? If so, she probably wouldn't take at 7. If it really were her first time, then ??? worth a try (if she's titled, hip rated, healthy, great temperament - etc) but increased chances of no pregnancy, small litter, c-section, and pyometra infection. My philosophy is, if the female is the picture of health, and all of the above requirements are met for breeding - then breed her. KKR's female, because she's older doesn't mean she isn't healthy and able to carry/whelp and raise a normal litter. molly

oh sorry, i'm not breeding an older female, but was inquiring as to know, her damn was 7-8 yrs old, was why i was asking. i've looked at alot of breeder site's and generally the offered 6 yr old "retired" bitches from their breeding programs. just wanting to know for future reference also, so i'm not the dumb one in a conversation if it came up and i gave the deer in the headlights look. thanks all kenny