What are your opinions about an older stud dog 10yr Golden retriever and low litter numbers? Could there be a connection or is there a more likely reason for a low litter of 3 or 4?

Litter size is usually down to the number of ova released by the bitch - the dog releases enough sperm to fertilise all the eggs. What size litters has he sired before?

Fertility does normally (but not always!!) diminish as the dog gets older, but in many cases this means that the bitch just doesn't get in whelp. You may get more deformed sperm as well.
I think that if a dog has been used regularly (but heaven help...) the problems are less.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

As longevity in many breeds is diminishing many people now advocate using older, healthy stud dogs to improve this. Sperm counting is available so if youa re worried about that then just get a sample and have it sent away to be tested.
Bec