Can anyone tell me the KC rule on upper breeding age - ie the oldest a bitch can have a litter please? I heard today it is eight years, whereas I had previously thought it was 6 years.

Thanks

Fiona

Hi, you can't register a litter to a bitch who has reached 8 years without special permission. So in effect, 7 is the oldest
Gwen

A bitch can give birth to puppies up until her 8th birthday-and not a day later!

WOW!! Here in the USA the AKC will register litters for a bitch who is up to 12 years old! Thier regulations are the bitch must be 1 to 12 years of age and the dog must be 7months to 12 years of age. Though, could someone explain to me why there is an age restriction on the dog? Couldnt an older dog also do a fine job of servicing a bitch... or am I just being niave again?!?
QT

Don't know QT, but in humans the chances of conception reduces and the chances of birth defects increases with the age of the parents. Would have thought that canines may be the same, but don't know. Jackie

I never knew it was 12 in the US that is too old. Well I think so..strange.

Pam

I would love to be able to find healthy 12 year old dogs still standing at stud

Christine

I can think of a couple of GSP's ;-)

Thanks everyone

Fiona

dont think it applys to the males-only the bitches as usual its the females that have to do the hard bit!!

Hi Leigh

Humm Dobe x GSP - wonder what they would be called :)

Christine

A Shothaired Man of course :D

Jolly good Phillippa :-D :-D Anne

A-dobe acrobat maybe :)

LOL!! :D :D :D

Fiona
x x x

I used a 12 year old dog and ended up with 4 beautiful girls. I suppose in my breed their lifespan is quite good, an average of about 16 yrs. so although he's quite old, he's still got a few good years in him yet. I do think that this is his last litter though, I must admit all that I kept saying whilst he had his 30 minute tie was "oooh leave go of him now" but he seemed happy enough!!

Hi,
I believe that the uper age on dogs is in place because of the likelyhood of a dog that old being infertile. I think that the AKC requires a vet statement that the dog has viable sperm so they can know he is the sire. Of course, now we have DNA, so perhaps this will become moot.
I never understood the upper age of 12 for a bitch, however. Certainly wise and kind breeders would cease breeding a bitch (and have her spayed!) long brfore that age! I believe that this rule could give a false impression to novice breeders that breeding old bitches is OK.
TiaLee