What is the maximum age for breeding a large dog?

Question

I am thinking of breeding my german shepherd, i just wanted to know what the maximum age for breeding is? Thanks

Answer 1

Your mentor should have this answer. And typically, it's not much over 5 or 6.

If you don't have a mentor and your dog didn't suddenly become SCH, CH, or a similar working title, then the dog should be fixed - according to the AKC, KC, and the GSD clubs around the world.


http://www.akc.org/breeders/resources/guide_to_breeding_your_dog/index.cfm

If you went ahead and bred your dog without DNA tests, Health tests, Conformation tests (OFA, CERF, PENN-HIP), then you would be a BYB.

If people in your life want German Shepherds, refer them to GSD rescue or a responsible breeder. Owning a registered or purebred dog does not ethically give you the right to breed.

Answer 2

"mastiff-like" What are you considering breeding her to? A male "like" some other breed? Mutts should be neutered. If she's a purebred (really unclear from your post), her age on first estrus isn't important. What's important is the status of her hips as determined by x-ray when she's two years old, her current status re CERF, CHIC, a thyroid panel and a BAER test, her conformation championship status, and whether she's temperamentally stable enough to earn an obedience degree. THEN when she's healthy and comes into estrus, you can consider breeding her to an equally-qualified male of her own breed. If you start now, you could breed her at her first estrus after the OFA results come back. Anything less than that, well, that's just backyard breeding. And you know what we think of BYB.

Answer 3

If you don't know this then you should not be breeding.

Reputable breeders usually retire the dog at age 4 or 5.

Before you even consider breeding, you need to have the male and female tested for genetic problems because you do not want to breed potentially ill dogs.

Answer 4

if you have to ask, she is likely too old...

She will need her hips and elbows xrayed and cleared as well as cardiac studies done since the breed has some serious health issues, you will want to have all of her clearances done and then have her temperament tested and structurally evaluated and then look long and hard for the most complementary male to breed her to even though he might be very far away... and have 8 - 10 excellent homes lined up and screened for potential puppy homes -- then there is making sure you have thousands in the bank in case you have an emergency c-section or problem arise... by the time you get this all done and in place, she will be even older so just spay and love her and find a good breeder to get another from when you are ready for another companion. :)

Answer 5

I f you have to ask, you don't know enough about breeding a dog to be a responsible breeder. Trust me having raised many litters of puppies, as a responsible breeder you don't many any money off the pups. You breed to improve the breed and the line...not to make cash.

Answer 6

According to AKC 12 is the maximum. After that you need to have a vet certify that the dog is alive.

Of course FC-AFC Truemarks Raider sired a litter 2 years ago. But he died about 30 years ago.
To bad they haven't figured out how to do that with a b*tch.

Answer 7

I would NEVER breed a bit ch that was over 5.

Answer 8

B*tches should be retired by the age of five.

ADD: Lovin Landseers... one of the Newf breeders in our area bred their 7.5 year old b*tch, I was FURIOUS when I found out. I stopped referring people to them.

Answer 9

You have not given us any real information.
Dog's age
previous litters
dog's health or any medical issues