Breeding a first litter.

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SouthWestWhippet

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My pup is 11months old and I'm expecting a first season in the next month or so. My friend at the yard who breeds Westies says 2nd season (March ish) is a good time for a first litter but I'm not sure... she still feels like my little baby.

I want to breed from her, she has good lines, good confirmation and a lovely obedient temprament plus my mum is a KC reg breeder so I would have lots of guidance. Obviously I'll get her opinion on it too but what do you guys think. Is 2nd season too soon for a first litter?
 
Depends what breed she is - I assume a whippet
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Obviously smaller breeds mature a lot quicker and can be ready to have a litter earlier, but I wouldn't want to breed from anything younger than 18 months old, and would really wait until 2 years ideally
 
Hmmm, yes that was what I had in mind as well. It just surprised me because this woman is an experienced breeder and she said second season was the best time for a first litter. Obviously I want to do the best for my pup, I had my older girl spaid after her first season as I wasn't in a position to breed so managing seasons is a new thing for me
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I find just because they have experience doesn't mean it's right. Many breed earlier as they can get more litters and therefore more money. (Not saying this lady is like that though!) but my personal preference is 2 years as they are more physically and mentally ready for it.

I'm sure there are many on here who breed that can also advise you.
 
Not only that - my mum has occasionally bred from a SLIGHTLY younger bitch (she has CKCS) if it lacks substance for the show ring. Having a litter makes them body up and look better.
 
I would never breed from a bitch who is under 2yrs of age. You know by then what you're breeding from and that she is mature enough to cope with a litter physically and mentally. I know that sounds daft but not every bitch copes with motherhood.

I certainly wouldn't have a litter with the idea that it betters dogs for the show ring, if they're not good enough to show then they're not destined to be any more than pets.

A lot of people agree with having puppies castrated or spayed before a season - doesn't make it right, so no unless the bitch is 2yrs come her second season I would say it's not the best time to breed.

However for a first litter I wouldn't leave it any later than 4yrs and a last litter 7yrs - it's 8yrs for KC registering but I think that's pushing it and our breed club rules say 7. Also it's my beliefs that a bitch shouldn't have more than 3 litters in a life time.
 
i too wouldnt breed from a bitch under 2 as theyare still very immature and puppyish, however like people some cope better younger while others dont cope at all, all depends on the bitch, do what you feel rite as like ginab said just coz they have the experience dont mean its right.
 
Not before two it is then.

glad to hear that it is ok to leave them as late as 4. I was thinking in about a year and a half (she'd be 2 and a half then) so this gives me some leeway.

thanks
 
Oh dear - I really think that after 50 years of dog ownership, showing & breeding my mum is experienced enough to make that decision?

Oh - and she is a breeder of multiple champions, championship judge, international judge etc etc etc
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the Kennel Club recommendations are 2 years for a first litter and not after 7 years old.

You also should make sure that all her health tests are done ( eys and hips come to mind although there may be others specifically connected with the breed).

More importantly - to my mind - is the reasons for having a litter. Unless she is able to offer something that will improve the breed then she should not be bred from. Whippets are not a rare breed and there are many many stunning examples about if she is not of top show qaulity then have her spayed and don't add to the already huge number of poor quality, un health tested dogs being produced.
 
Good advice from Echodomino....I am very shocked that any so called experienced breeder would be advising anyone to breed from a bitch under 2 years of age
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, when breeding from bitches that are not mature physically u run the risk of caesarean and rejection from the mother....I see this often when people bring young bitches into us...usually for the money factor
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....and more often than not...they are absoloutley clueless.
SWW u are wise to wait...Im sure your mam as a breeder will advise along the lines of ED and MILOR.
 
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