1. I've got a beautiful 19mth old Rodhesian bitch. She is maturing well and has developed a beautiful physique and grace. I am of course very interested in breeding her and was wondering when was the right age to consider.

I take it that you have been showing her, in which case I would ask your fellow exhibitors what they consider the best age for the first mateing. Ja:)kie

Why is it that people assume that breeding and showing go hand in hand. I know breeders of GSD's that have never been to a show but breed superb quality all tests done puppies?.

Nobody considers that breeding and showing go hand in hand it is just that people on this board want the best for dogs and the best way to find out if a dog is a good breed speciman is by showing them.The poster says that their bitch is beautiful-we all think our dogs are the best but that does not make them the quality needed for breeding.The breeding of unsuitable dogs and bitches is the reason why there are so many dogs out there that are so far removed from what they should look like that they look more like cross breeds or mongrels.
We should be striving to breed better dogs than we already have not just another dog with papers.The poster however is doing the right and responsible thing by planning ahead and asking advice of experienced people.
Archer

Guest

I would also talk to her breeder. They will know what went into breeding your girl and so should be abe to help you along the way. A must it seems for the would be breeder or any owner of a bitch is a book called "The Book of the Bitch" by J M Evans and Kay White. It's available from Amazon and most good book shops could order it for you. It's £10 on Amazon - monet well spent if you sre serious about breeding responsible.

hth

Pam n the boys

Hi

Can't agree more about the book recommended - well worth the money i spent on it - it's almost daily reading for me at the mo, always something else i think of and before i log on and post on here - always check the book out, i've got others as well, my god they will be well dogeared within the next few weeks.

Nikki xxx