Hi, my name is Pat and I want my beautiful bitch Mali (aged 4 1/2) to have pups. Since I have not mated her before, I would be grateful if anyone has advice for me. She has just started bleeding on (Mon) so I know time is of the essence here.  We live outside Caernarfon, North Wales. Thanks to anyone who bothers to reply.

Oh Pat, the news is not good I'm afraid. You do not say what breed she is, so we can't advise which health tests she'll need, and as those take quite a few weeks to arrange, and have results from, Mali will be well out of season. The next season she'll be over 5 years old and too old then for a first litter. I'm afraid you have waited rather too long to think about this.

Dawn R.

Think Mali might be the breed Nursey as in Malinois but as its not tooo clear I  could be wrong the rest of your answer applies though ;)

Could also be for malamute

If it is a Malinois, the breeder should be the first port of call (well for any breed of course!!) -as I am not aware of any Malinois at all ever being sold here NOT endorsed not for breeding (could be wrong, could be one person who has sold not endorsed, not sure), we do it with them all and lift it later if breeding is ever going to be seriously considered.