My labrador bitch is 2 years old, if I wanted to breed from her is it adviable for her to be older? Apart from checking on hips and eyes, is there anything else that needs to be considered.
Will breeding her change her in any major way?
Kim

I would be inclinded to wait for another year.

No, it should not change her in any way. However, there are other considerations. Choosing the stud dog - making sure that he has clear health certificates, assessing his type and compatability to your bitch, the tempermanent of the dog also must be considered. I would use a very experienced stud dog on a maiden bitch (never been mated before) as the dog will know exactly what to do. On top of all of this there is the expense of breeding, veterinary fees, feeding a bitch through pregnancy, and beyond, together with keeping her, and then the puppies healthy, so unlike what people think, breeding done correctly is not a profit making enterprise. Then setting up a safe place for the bitch and puppies, being prepared for numerous sleepless nights in the first two weeks or so, being prepared if the bitch is having problems coping for her puppies. Then there is huge responsibility of making sure the pups go to good homes, and also taking pups back if the homing has not been successful (happens more times than you think).

Finally, and possibly the most important question, what is your motivation for breeding from your bitch.

Hi please read my reply to another guest question posted the same day as yours. The question relates to K.C.registation, but in my answer to this i have posted other info which may help you if to breed your bitch or not. regards Houndgirl

Interesting question.... From a health and puppy rearing point of view I'd be inclined to breed a labrador at two rather than three (particularly if the bitch was a house pet).

However, as I breed working labradors I may not have seen enough of the bitch working and competing to know if she is worth breeding from at two.