Is 7 too old to breed a first litter from a Rhodesian Ridgeback??  I would assume that the risks are far greater for an older bitch and the possibility of complications would be increased. Also are they less likely to conceive at this age? I personally think it's to old but I would be interested in people's opinions. 

In my opinion 7 years is a too old to be having a litter full stop, just my opinion though. And for a 1st litter I would never mate a bitch past 4 yrs old, unless under very special circumstances. I wouldnt even consider it at 7by that age she should be enjoying her older years, after all she isn't the smallest of breeds!

I think it's too old for a first litter, and I probably would be looking at a last litter between 6-7 years, but only if she'd had a previous litter.

I'd say it's too old for a first litter and not even very good for a later litter unless there are good reasons.

i agree with the others too....7 years is too old.  imo a 1st litter ideally would be between 2 - 4 years old.

i agree with others, way too old for first litter, and would say as others have, even a bitch that has had jitters in the past, i would say last litter to be between 6 - 7 years tops. 

Too old for a first litter, but I have bred from a  bitch who was just a month over 7 years at whelping.  She had her first litter at almost 4 years and her second at 5 1/2.

This bitch has been winning top honours right up to 10 1/2 years of age aroudn her maternal duties.

She is only now retired as her own daughter is now also a veteran, so it's a question of who gets to go to the show as only qualify for Open and Veteran now, with the two, adn the youngest is Open only.

Definitely to old for first litter.  Two of my girls have had litters at just 8 years of age, but they were very fit, a rare breed and myself and others thought that they were worthy of being bred from again.  Lydia lived until she was 15 and Lana is still fit and well at 10

Far too old to breed from and the risks far outweigh any other factors at this age

Far too old in my opinion, too many risks.

I think it is unanimous!   I wouldn't risk a beloved bitch for a litter.

Highly unlikely that she would sail through it.  And a much greater chance of losing both bitch and litter.

i personly wouldnt breed after 6 this would be my cut off age and never would be 1st litter age xxx

I agree with the others, too old for a first litter.  A friend had tried for her border collie to have a litter but not successful until the bitch was 5 and it was very stressful, we spent a day at the vets, first one was a real struggle - vet had to get him out and even she was surprised he made it, then a second born ok, but caesarian found two dead pups.  Friend, bitch and I all traumatised and we vowed not to do that again under any circumstance - ok for a last litter, but not a first