How Old do they really have to be?

Question

How old do dogs have to be to begin breeding. I've heard many stories and i'm just trying to get the right one.

Answer 1

No less than 2 yrs old and 3 yrs is even better. They should only be allowed one litter a year too, even tho a female can produce 2 litters.

They also have to be old enuf to have all the proper health clearances done, such as hip x-rays, eyes checked and screening for possible genetic defects. If done too young, these tests won't be accurate.

Plus it takes a bit of time to have a dog achieve the proper titles to show that it is worthy of breeding in the first place, which is why many wait until the age of 3 yrs.

Answer 2

Well, 2 years. MOST dogs have grown to full maturity by then, but some larger breeds take about 3 years. Reputable breeders will get the dog's eyes checked, the hips and the elbows checked, one of which can be only checked at two years. Before then, the dog is not mentally or physically equipped to have a litter. B*tches older than 5 years probably shouldn't have puppies.. males can still produce puppies though.

Personally, I would get my stud collected and send the semen to a sperm bank or keep it in my own nitrogen freezer and then get him neutered after 6 years or so, depending on what breed. That's just me.. and I have my reasons.

Answer 3

Any breeder or person for that matter, should consider age when breeding! A dog is not fully grown until it has its second heat!
The AKC wont register a litter unless the mother was at least 9 months old.
That being said dogs can have litters as early as 6 months. Many at a cost of the entire litter, as the mother has little idea how to cope.
Keep in mind also that there are so many homeless dogs and cats out there, perhaps fixing your pet would be a better choice!
It's healthy for your pet, less stress on you, and the local pound!

Answer 4

The third heat cycle, which is aprox. three years is a good, healthy age to start because the ***** is full grown. Please research before you start. Read Canine Reproduction (amazon) before you breed so you at least know what to do. Oh, and I would set aside at least $5,000 for an emergency c-section because it is common and you could lose the mother and the puppies if you cannot recognize the warning signs of a c-section.

Answer 5

18 months min. preferably 2 plus years. anything younger would be like a teen getting pregnant. They really just don't know what to do. But honestly why would you want to add to the pet overpopulation anyways? There are too many animals now getting either put down or can't find homes.

Answer 6

at least 2 ; make sure your wallet is open if problems with the mom and puppies; will you keep one or two if defects - what will you do ; not cheap to do it right; check out all the postings here; my dogs scan revealed she is carrying dead puppies; my puppies are dying; my female almost died had to go to have c section etc ; it all sounds good until you are knee deep into dog poop, energetic pups , quacks who want the pups for all crazy things; advertising costs, puppy shots; deworming; forget your life for about 9 weeks in order to do it right; forget the grass; if pups are inside you are going to have to clean clean so your home doesn't smell like pet store ; timing for the right time of year ; just to name a few things

Answer 7

ok it is not recommended to breed on there first heat ur supose to wait till there 2nd or 3rd one. if u breed on the 1st heat it can stunt her growth and stuff it isnt good for the dog

Answer 8

Two years the best age.

Answer 9

I breed Mini Schnauzers, and I was told that a female should have one heat (period) before she is bred... so on her second one she can be bred. So I was told. And it has worked for my girls.

Answer 10

Not younger than 2yrs of age.