Does any-one agree with me when I say I think that the age to breed from a bitch should be increased to 2 1/2 years old ???

No, the age at which a bitch is ready for breeding depends very much on the breed and even then there are differences. I don't breed before 2 because of health tests etc. but, in an ideal world, I believe my breed is better bred at around 18 months, in my  experience they seem to whelp far more easily & adapt much better to the idea of motherhood. Obviously there are exceptions to this - slow maturers etc.

I disagree  surely she is still only a baby herself at this age??

I agree with jamjar but i can also see that there are exceptions with certain breeds. What breed do you have Anwen?

Can I ask a related question, since I don't breed but have heard various answers to this question from others.

If you have a stud dog, what would be the maximum age for a bitch to be used with your stud, assuming the bitch hasn't had a litter before and it is her first?  I've heard of someone whose bitch was 5 when she was taken to a stud dog for the first time.  Would many stud dog owners agree to this or not?

Norwegian Buhunds & no, she would not be a baby but a young fit adult. In answer to the stud dog question -  not over 5, although I do know of bitches of 5 who have produced a 1st litter with no probs at 5.

I don't think I'd absolutely refuse a stud to an older maiden bitch but I would say that in my opinion it's best to take a first litter relatively young, and that I'd not take a first litter off a bitch of my own once she was past 31/2

I'm with Anwen on age for a first litter. My own breed is barely physically or mentally mature at 2 but I do not understand a rigid 2 year rule for all smaller breeds that physically and mentally mature earlier.