hi there. i was wondering if you could help me. i am a slightly manic mother of 11 - 6 still living at home and own a particularly dense but very loveable tri coloured basset bitch. she is currently 4 years old and i was considering letting her have a litter of puppies. i have never grand parented puppies before ( at least not without parental support) and have little idea about how to go about it correctly and safetly or to the cost of a decent stud dog. would you possibly have any information that could help me. thank you so much - sarah potter

By the time you have done enough research to be in a position to find the best stud dog your girl will be too old. Why not buy a puppy from the same lines? This way you will not be putting your bitch in danger and you can enjoy a new addition without the stress of whelping a litter.

4 years old is not too old for a first litter.

But if she hasn't done any research, it could take her the next 6 - 9 months to do so, and find the right stud - and at 5, for a first litter, I too would consider a bitch too old.

Margot

Sarah

If you are 'manic' as you described with your large family I doubt very much you would be able to cope with having a litter of puppies anyway, it can be very hard work ;)

Lucy
xx

Got to agree there.  I find it difficult enough finding a safe area for the mum and pups to be on their own with 3 children.  It takes up loads of time.  This week I have got two dog shows, 4 puppies leaving, sports day, dentist appointments, leaving day for my children so the whole house is in total choas.  I am praying for next week when the kids break up no puppies and calm such as it is will resume!