wot is the age limit to mate a bitch and how often in a year. I wos told 1 a year and not passed 5. whot do you think. Kath

A responsible breeder won't deliberately mate a bitch before she's 1 yr old, I say deliberately because accidents do happen.

A lot of breeders mate their bitchs every other year but this varies from breed to breed. I don't know about the upper age limit.

Fiona

The oldest a bitch can be mated is 8 I think. Then you have to seek permission from the KC.

thank you. I was told not to mate a bitch befor 3. Kath

It all depends on the breed, some mature earlier than others but the KC won't register any pups born if the mother is under 1yr old when mated. (I think that's right)

Fiona

Yes you are right Fiona. As far as the kennel club reg of puppies is concerned a bitch cannot whelp after her eighth birthday. A bitch can only have one litter in any twelve month period, and they are very strict about this, though some have had dispensation when a bitch has whelped a second litter a day or two before the 12 month period is up. Unlicenced breeders can apply to have a second litter from a bitch within a 12 month period if you have confirmation from a vet that the bitch is fit to whelp again and the KC Committee agrees. I dont know how often permission IS given under these circumstances as I have never applied to do it. But to be "safe" it would be wise to have the special KC form already to hand and take the bitch to be examined by a vet very early in the season, so permission can be granted/denied before she is mated.

Also one can only register 6 litters in total from a bitch. I think it depends on the breed as to the best age to stop breeding, 5 is still very "young" for my long lived breed, but middle aged for some large/giant breeds.

i have a neo. Kath

A twelve month month neo is still a pup, as is a bullmastiff and other giant breeds they should not be mated at 12 months . 2.1/2 or 3 yrs is about best. , Five is old for the giant breeds and I personally will not breed a bullmastiff after five . They age faster than other breeds but take as long to mature . so dont make the mistake thinking that because they have a shorter life they can be mated earlier.

Mari this is marles first litter (we hope she is 2 weeks pregnant) she was 3 in jan this year. Kath (in case of confusion i am Kath from cross breeding.)

yes I know it is you Kath, I was just answering your question as to how soon they should be mated and when in our breeds you should stop. how is your bitch do you think she is behaving any different? best wishes Mari

yes thank you she is so loving and eating everything she can.Kath