my daughter is doing a btec national diploma in animal care/management and today got asked how many litters can be bred by someone who is a not registered as a breeding kennels. i was under the impression that it was 3 but she has been told it is only 2 breeding bitches in one year. does anyone know who is correct and if so where we can get a copy of this information

Isn't it dependent on the local council?

It depends on the local council, but generally it seems (as the example here) that anyone breeding 5 or more litters of puppies per year needs a licence.

Dog Breeding is covered by the Government Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999

The licences are issued by the Local Authority but under an Act of Parliament

I think that the KC allow 6 litters from a bitch.

I also believe that you can only have 2 breeding bitches in a year.  Although I have 4 bitches 2 are not having any more litters, one is going to have one more litter next year and her daughter is only 13 months old so won't be having a litter for at least another year and when I find a male that I think will be suitable.

That's the maximum that they'll register over the bitch's lifetime. That's nothing to do with being a licenced breeder though.

just wondered, my friend has just had his 2nd litter from 1 bitch, on 2 consecutive seasons, is this allowed?  he reckons it is ok as his bitch is fit and healthy, but im unsure of it all?!!!
ta x

It's not illegal, but not necessarily wise or kind.

thankyou!!!   Just wondered if many ppl did it thats all?
i wudnt do it myself, ive only bred 1 litter and that was bad enough!!! lol

I've just booked pick of the dogs from a BC litter, the bitch has just had her first litter & the next litter will be a repeat mating, now i've just got to wait Not a year but 18 months to 2 years depending on her seasons & how she recovers from this litter

Back to back litters can only be KC registered if the breeder doesn't need a Breeders licence !