Hello,
I have a shih-tzu who is almost 4 years old.  I really want her to have a litter of pups before she is too old.  Does anyone know the ideal age for dogs to have pups?
After doing some research on the internet I am concerned about the risks involved in breeding.  Is there high risk to the bitch?  I wouldn't want any harm to come to her and if the risks are high then I don't think I should breed her.
Also she didn't come with any pedigree papers but you can tell from looking at her that she is thoroughbred.  I guess this will be a problem for stud owners?  Obviously I am not intending to breed her for profit.  I want to keep one of the pups and I few friends have also said they would want one of her pups, but I am concerned about the likelihood of being able to find loving homes for any additional pups!  Is there a demand for them?
I'm going take her to the the vets before to ensure she is 100% healthy but is there anything else I need to consider before I take the next step to find a stud?
Any advice appreciated!  Thanks

I'm afraid you may well have left it too late. Also being unpapered means that reputable owners of stud dogs won't have anything to do with her, which only leaves you with the ones who don't give two hoots about the quality of your pups - not good news when you could be sued if they prove to have health problems.

You obviously care about your bitch so why risk her health? As it is a first litter for both of you (I presume) you really need all the help & backing you can get & this will often come from the stud dog owner. Unfortunately, as Jeangenie says, you will not get this from the sort of owner who will allow his dog to be used on an unregistered bitch. If you do breed, you will find the people who have said they would like a puppy will suddenly all have a very good reason why they can't take a puppy. You then have to find good homes for all the puppies - and take responsibilty for them for the next 15 or so years. Would you be in a position to take all these pups back at any stage in their lives? If the only reason you want to breed is to have another dog for yourself, you would be better finding a reputable breeder - with KC reg stock and buying in a puppy (it will be a lot cheaper in the long run too!). Your bitch will certainly not suffer by NOT having a litter and you would be spared all the worry & guilt if things did go wrong.

Thanks for the advice guys, after reading through all the postings and advice on here I think are right.  I wish she could tell me if she wanted babies though!  I couldn't bare to be without her so I don't want to take any risks, and knowing me I wouldn't want to give any of them anyway and would end up with a house full of them!  I can imagine my bed full of a load of snoring shih-tzus!!!
:o)

Bitches have no 'need or desire' to have puppies when their lives are filled with a caring owner like you! :d
Archer

Yeah she certainly gets enough love from us!  Thanks for that :o)