I've been reading the KC requirements and I just need to know of I have this right. Maiden bitches can have a littler by AI, they don't need to of have a litter prior to this being done. The only requirement to this is the progeny have to be mated naturally on their first time..

Please can someone check that I'm reading the last point right on the KC site?
Thanks

Thats how I understand it too. Maiden bitches are fine AI's on their first pregnancy but their daughters must have a natural mating for theirs. :)

That's right that easement of the AI rules was brought in quite recently, in the last year or so.

So what are the rules on using AI when the male has just died. Do you have to wait say 4 years after death before the stored semen can be used?
Only a friend of mine just had a litter by c-section but only 3 males, she wanted a bitch from this dog. The owner as offered her a couple of straws of the stored semen if the dog is not around or cant mate the bitch. He is only 10 but there is a problem that could shorten his life, the bitch is now 4, it is not a hereditary problem.

If the male is no longer alive there should be no problem under new rules. Previously you had to wait until the dog would have been 15 yrs before the semen could be used.
See link http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/478