We want to buy another labrador in the next few months and find that an old friend is breeding her bitches.

I haven't seen the dams at this stage just their photos and they look beautiful, (we will visit in the next few weeks and see both dam and stud ) The one she recommends getting a puppy from is due her first litter in April.

My concern is that this is a first litter for the bitch and she is just fifteen months old. This sounds rather young to me. Am I being unduly worried or should I tactfully explain to my friend that we would rather wait for another litter to be born from one of her older bitches later in the year.

One final question, what sort of rest period should a responsible breeder allow her bitch between litters? Many thanks. Annie 

Well around a year at least, by this I mean the second season after the litter.  In my opinion three litters in a dogs lifetime is enough.  Don't know much about Lab's but in my breed a good breeder and someone who cares about the breed wouldn't breed from one until it's 2 years old.

First of all, check that your friend does carry out hip and eye tests - if the bitch in question is only 15months old then I would really doubt it.    She is breeding far too young - breed standards say no breeding of dogs below 2 years of age.   There should then be at least one season between litters.

I think I would leave this friend well alone - and get a puppy from someone who does test - you might not see the father in such circumstances, but its not necessarily her dog that is the best match for her bitch.

How much do you value your friendship?  Would it survive a puppy that might have health problems?

Margot