We have a toy poodle bitch who is 5 years old and we are considering breeding from her.  We would welcome any advice.

Thankyou

Please don't at 5 she is way too old for a first litter :(

If you need advice about breeding and are looking on a message board for it, you probably shouldn't breed. Leave it up to the experienced breeders. Do you show your dog? Does she have titles? In other words, is she proven to be a superior example of her breed? By proven, I mean enough judges have evaluated her. Have you done all the genetic health testing for diseases prevelent to her breed? Is she clear of them and not a carrier? Do you understand the science of pedigrees, line breeding and have you researched them in order to find a suitable sire? Are you quite certain you can find GOOD homes for your pups? Have you asked yourself what your motivation is for breeding her? Is it to better the breed? Or is it for some other reason? These are some questions I think anyone considering breeding should ask themselves. If you still think you want to breed, why not ask the breeder where you got her, if she's a reputable breeder? Or talk to some other reputable breeders and see what they have to say. They'd be your best source. You could go to a dog show and talk to some Poodle people too. That's a good place to start.

http://www.iupui.edu/~ihls400/responsible_breeder.html

That site might help you too.

Carrie