Number of litters for female

[nanney1]

If you have a quality female that produces outstanding pups, how many times would a breeder normally breed her?

After whelping, how many heat cycles are normally allowed to pass before breeding again?

[h.q.s]

One time per year. Or 2 times in a year, every other year. Don't breed before 2 years old, and I personally would not breed after 6. That's a personal preference. At 6 they are not slow or old, but I feel that it is time to retire from being a mom!

[12 Volt Man]

You are generally good to go on their third heat cycle. Assuming there are no health issues and the female provides what you want for a breeding program.

[prairiefirepointers]

One litter per female a year. retire at 7. Pretty much the same as HQS.

[ezzy333]

I have always used the sot before two and then only after you have the health cert. back. And then I would breed once a year normally aslong as they were in good shape and not having any problems up to ten years old. I have read just recently that there is no reason physically that a dog can't be bred everytime she comes in heat as long as her body condition is good. Somehow that just seems to often to me and I am sure you would break her down at a younger age. I would think in todays world it would be good to start at three when all tests are back and then breed not over once per year till you decide it is time to quit. I don't ever start a dog with her first litter if she is over six and hasn't whelped before.

Ezzy

[kninebirddog]

for me it is after 2 when I have their OFA done once a year and if there is an exceptional breeding will work closely with vet as to any breedings after 7 years old

supposedly there is some studies which shows that a back to back breeding here and there is not that bad...I have only done it one time and that was when it was going to be my girls last litter so instead of waiting after a vet check and the vet was happy with her health i did that

but it is not a good idea to have a first litter after 6 years of age

[prairiefirepointers]

The once a year rule is kinda nice for those who use their females as brood mama's and to hunt/trial as well. IF it works out where you can get a litter out of her, let her recover and then hunt her all season that is great! Does'nt always work out that way. "Jenny" the dog in the Avatar came into season 2 days after the season opener... Bummer. But we got PUPS!