We have a bitch who will be 3 years old in may. She is perfect for what we are looking for, nicely aloof, stands her ground, has impeccable manners, completed the kc good citz award silver, works well with the handlers, is very good when training up new recruits, has an 'on/off switch' and fully health tested, however, she is still very 'babyish' in her mannerism when she isn't working. She wasn't at all interested in my last litter until they were 4 weeks old, but she did try to stimulate the pups to urinate. Anything more than urine and she would look at the pup in disgust and walk away. During play when the pups were older, she was a little rough and tried to put entire heads in her mouth.

We think that she would produce super, compact pups with nice drives when put to the correct stud (had him picked out for over a year) but my question is whether I should wait longer and let her 'grow up' a bit more before trying for a litter or to just go for it? My fear is that she would have a small litter, the hormones would not kick in and she would leave me to rear them or a huge litter, be overwhelmed and still leave me to rear them. Not the end of the world but I would prefer to keep things simple if we do start trying for a baby ourselves - may/june time.

Would her mental immaturity impair her abilities? I'm in no rush as I have a planned mating of her mother coming up and she wouldn't be tried until her next season anyway. I may be over emotionalising matters for her but don't want her mental state to suffer because we haven't thought things through.

thoughts?

> During play when the pups were older, she was a little rough and tried to put entire heads in her mouth.

Sounds typical of play for Chihuahua bitches and whelps.  And the noise!!  So I definitely find that play normal.  Don't know if you've ever seen the size of head on a Chi pup (tiny) but I've never had a head bitten off. 

My breeding experience has always been of toy breeds - since the 1970's, so I wouldn't dream of advising on large breeds.  I'm only giving an opinion on behaviour.

I would go for it now before you start trying for a baby... also, morning sickness and litter of pups don't mix too well.
I had a litter together with a 8 month old baby and it was not easy! I was great at little sleep after 2 babies but could have not done the litter without outside help.
So realistically, it will be much easier now than in years time when you might be heavily pregnant or if the next season after that, might have a small baby. Or if baby takes it's time be in limbo of not knowing where you ate at and no chance to really plan too much.
Leaving it much later than 4.5 years would not in my opinion be the best for the bitch for first litter and also if she was to miss Would make her little old for first litter...

Thanks Noora.

I think this is her year too but hubby is apprehensive. Will have another chat with him and put these points to him.