When is a bitch mature enough to have a litter

[Ranyhyn]

As post title really.

 

[devilinajar]

I wouldnt consider it untill at least 2, but most would say about 18 months!!!!!!!!!!

 

[_Acolyte_]

Depends on the breed - smaller breeds mature quicker - but 18 months minimum, preferably 2 years

ETA - which is exactly what FranP said I have just noticed

 

[GinaB]

I would never breed a bitch before 2 year old, regardless of breed.

Nothing riles me more than bitches that are too young being bred.

ETS: Cos I typed like an idiot

 

[FinnishLapphund]

I wouldn't breed until the first season AFTER becoming 2 years old, whenever that happens to happen for the bitch in question. That gives time for everything to develop, check what needs checking, get some (official as in competitions/exhibitions or maybe unofficial if you use it f. ex. as hunting dog but doesn't like the hunting tests) performance record and evaluate if she's really breeding-quality.


from Sweden.

 

[Passtheshampoo]

As far as I'm aware the Kennel Club will only register pups whose mothers are at least 2years old. We have an Irish Setter and I'll leave her til she's at least two as I'll want to register the pups.

 

[GinaB]

See below FPErin, from KC website

Before thinking about breeding from your bitch, you should acquaint yourself with the Kennel Club Regulations on registering litters and the registration system in general. A Guide to Litter Registration can be obtained from the Kennel Club, but you will need to remember that the Kennel Club will not accept an application to register a litter when:

a) The bitch has already whelped six litters, or

b) The bitch was under a year old at the date of mating, or

c) The bitch has already reached the age of eight years at the date of whelping.

 

[Passtheshampoo]

Thanks for that GinaB

14months for a bitch's first litter seems really young. My bitch is a year old at the end of Jan and is still growing and filling out so I'll definitely be waiting a while before I find a suitable husband for her. She's not a money making machine so there's no rush for her to have a litter.

 

[nijinsky]

My father always told me you should never breed a bitch until it's 2 years old.

Some breeders will say that if a litter is due around the bitch's 2nd birthday - that's ok but I feel 2 is young enough.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Thank You