Looking to breed my pastoral breed bitch, shes 15months old and due to be in season in a month or 2.
Shes booked in to be hip, elbow scored and a blood test.

Am new to this and am looking for some advice, guidence and tips.

All greatfully received.

Don't rush things wait and see what her scores are.
Speak to her breeder and see how they feel about you breeding her, you may find she has endorsements on her registration that would stop you breeding a KC reg litter without the breeders agreement.
Examine your reasons for breeding a litter, lots of your breed are bred poorly and you would not wish to add to the population of bad tempered, poorly bred examples around. You need to talk to the breed clubs and see what breeding practises they lay down in thier code of ethics.
Small steps to doing the right thing for your bitch and the future pups you may bring into the world.
Aileen

Well done for getting the health testing done.

She is too young yet for a litter, leave it another year when she will be 2 1/2, - 3, that is quite soon enough for a large breed bitch.

I have a medium size breed and our breed clubs code of ethics state bitches should not whelp before two years of age (what does your breed club/council advise?).  In my experience mentally they are very much puppies until at least two years of age.

Has your bitch been doing well at shows, trials or other work? Has she been assessed by independent knowledgeable judges as being of the construction and type to be bred from?

If not then the next year you can prove her worth.  Then you can start putting the word around in breed publications and at breed events to let people know your planning a litter.  A lot will depend on what the main purpose of the litter is, are you breeding for puppy worthy to show, be a working dog, or Obedience etc?

It is best to have a good waiting list in advance of mating your bitch, at least 6 - 8 in a breed like yours as some fade away by the time pups are on the ground.

looking at the OPs other post they already have another pup of 5 months....................15 month, 5 month and a new pup...........HELP!!!.......assuming they are breeding to keep a pup - if not then why breed

Suppose it depends on what facilities they have and how much manpower for training but if it is only one person I would find this far too close but then I have a minimum of 3 years between mine.

me and hubby had 2 same age and never again lol we walked them together tried to train apart but they didnt want it that way so took ages to sort them out :(...but if he knows what hes doing and can train all then ok!

By 15 months my bitch was pretty much trained, though she is very biddable and the breed is an eager to please type.

OP - I would find out what age your breed should be to be bred from. Most have to be at least 2 years old, some breeds older. Only breed if the scores are considered excellent as you should really be wanting to improve the breed. Then if all else is good, research stud dogs that would compliment your bitch making sure they also have had all the health tests and have excellent scores. Read the book of the bitch meanwhile. I hope all goes well for you.

I bought two cats, deliberately one was female as I planned to breed her (I've never bred cats before and wanted to have the experience), neutered the male early as they live together and then waited. Unfortunately our female cat turned out to be small for her breed and I worried for her health if bred from so we ended up not breeding her and neutering her too. We do love our cats and wouldn't be without them but I know the disappointment of not be able to do what we'd originally planned to do. I only say this as you may find that the health scores aren't great or are even average and for the interests of the breed you too may have to decide that breeding is not right for your bitch and have to manage the disappointment. It's hard, but is the right thing to do.

Thanks for the reply, exactly what Im doing, hence why Im starting now, want to find a dog that complements mine!

Am taking my time, hence why Im getting her scored now so it gives my plenty of time

Thanks for the reply

Have plenty of space, I live semi rural, have one big out house that is for the dogs a kennle run some seperate kennels and am surrounded by fields.
The dogs have a huge garden, which is secure and access to my kitchen in which they sleep (they dont use the outhouse Ive got for them but come winter hope this will change).

Had my first dog 12 years ago and hes as fit as a fidle, used to come running with me all the time
Love my dogs hence why Ive bought a van to take them out on weekends and do spend a lot of time with them but yes at times it is hard just to spend quality time with just one

I have 3 dogs

12 years

15months

5 months

The eldest is generaly left alone around the house and the 2 youngest adore eachother, when I take them out they all play happy........when the little one can keep up

we have 3 too :) you got your hand full with the 15month and 5 months lol as they say they dont grow a brain till their 2 lol very clever dogs but dont mature till 2-3 years old.LOL ,beautiful breed!!! we get number 4 in sept and cant wait!

Similar to my set up, a 10 year, 7 year, then 2 youngsters, one of 2 years and one just 8 months. Manic! I agree with the others that 15 months is too young to breed on this season, but you're doing all the right things getting the health tests done. :-)

I have four, 11, 5, 3, and 14mths, its hard work :)
I would also leave til shes older, good luck.

Thanks all gain for the advice and will now leave her for 6 months and asses  her then :-)

Excellent news...pleasing that someone has listened to advice given. :)

I expect in a few months time, you will be glad you have left it at least for the time being. I always recommend that there is a gap of 18-24 months between each dog, for many reasons & folk have always thanked me for the advice..

> always recommend that there is a gap of 18-24 months between each dog

Yes i think it's very sensible my 3 boys have a 2 year gap, 5 year old, 3 years & 7 months............all though you'd think my 3 year old is 7 months aswell lol

Wonderful! People like you make up for all the people that come on here and ignore the advice, which is only given to try to help the dog! :-)