If you want to prevent Pyometra ( a terrible condition that usually results in the death of the bitch) then I would suggest having her speyed.

So Cazi, it would follow then, that if you want to prevent broken legs, you have them amputated.

Dawn R.

That's a bad example to use as broken legs are usually accidental. Pyometra certainly isn't an accident!

This thread is 6months old

It's actually 17 months old. Nov 03.

Dawn R.

Does it matter?

I would think the original poster is long gone!
:)

Cazi, why resurected a thread that has been dead for 2 years

The only reason to breed a dog is to improve the breed. If your neighbor does not have the knowledge and understanding that it takes then she should not breed the dog at all. I have several dogs and one was spayed rite after her first season she is a great dog and has had no health problems... If she breeds her bitch she should have a waiting list of prospective buyers for the pupies and have the prospective buyers sorted. I do not breed my bitch at all untill I have a good waiting list because I feel that there are too many dogs sitting in pounds because someone just wanted thier dog to have a litter.... Good luck and tell her that she can and should apay her dog without having a litter.
Jeanne

I have had every combination - spayed bitches who had and who hadn't had pups, and unspayed bitches who had and hadn't had pups.  And the most litters I ever had from a bitch was 2. 

The fittest in middle and old age were definitely the bitches who had NOT had any pups, and that mattered to me because several of these bitches were working gundogs.

However as someone who has done a lot of work for rescue, the biggest thing to consider is what is to be done with the resultant pups.  Why create more pups unless there's a real reason and purpose - there are enough dogs in the world already!

I would suggest that anyone who is thinking of breeding should do a 6- or 12-month stint working for a rescue organisation - and then make a decision.  I personally don't breed any more!