How old should a female be before breeding?

I would ask what type of dog are asking about because that make some wwhat of a diffrance like myself i own a pur bread male black lab so in a female lab it is ther second year of heat so let me know what you think

Yes you are right Miss Rissa, Second heat is the best time for breeding the females. First one is bit too early and she has to learn to adjust and her growth should be completed before she gets ready for breeding. Only then she'll be ready for her healthy puppies. All the best

I am going to say "none of the above". Spaying before the first heat is the best option for the dog's health. Ask yourself why you are considering breeding your dog in the first place. There are people who think its just about putting two dogs together but there is a world of consideration for your dog's health and your peace of mind. Will the breed be improved by you breeding them? Are they the best possible example of confirmation, health, and temperment? Do they exhibit the temperment traits that are typical for the breed and the breed at their best? Has someone else assessed the dog - not just a vet saying they are currently in good health. Do you know the possible genetic traits that are inherent in the breed that you have to watch for and want to take utmost care in not passing down and determining if both male and female might be carrying the markers for it. Also some of these traits may not show up until the dog is mature or a few years old. Are you willing to also NOT breed your dog if the dog that compliments them well is found. it could take years. If the puppies do not find suitable homes, are you will to keep them as your own for the rest of their lives even though it may be hard for you to manage 2,3,5 adult dogs in your household? Should a family change their mind or prove to be unsuitable, are you willing to take the dog back no matter how much time has past or find them another home for the welfare of the dog? Do you have the money to cover the prenatal vet visit, money should something happen with the pregnancy and the dog needing a c section to save its life, or to care for puppies that are not thriving? Do you have funds set aside for all of their necessary shots whether its a litter of one or nine? I know people get defensive sometimes when I bring these points up, but one seriously needs to consider them. Also, I would be remiss to say that there are sooo many dogs at the shelters being euthanized on a daily basis. I know one may think they are not as "special" as yours, but many are just that special. Only 1 in 12 dogs (1 in 56 or so if a pitbull) ever finds a permanent home rather than getting bounced around after someone takes them as a puppy or euthanized. To me, the chance is too large that a dog won't be cared for like they deserve to justify deliberately trying to bring more into the world.

i've always heard that they should be at least six months old, but i never bred a dog before they were a year old. it just didn't seem right to me for them to still be so young and to get started that quickly. i guess it's all a matter of opinion and how the person feels and when they think their dog is ready to reproduce. thanks for sharing this discussion and God bless

Second heat would be best. She'd be about at least 10 months onwards by that time. Here in the Philippines, I think the official canine club provides that female dogs should be made into breeders only when they are 8 months old. In fact, the dog's 1st heat is already apt for breeding. But I dunnno, my younger brother told me that it's better to let it pass and wait for the second heat. I do not have any scientific facts to back it with though. But I guess, because many people have in fact opted to breed their female dogs in their second heat, there is an empirical truth to it, or wisdom, or, well, however you may call it.

Hi! In my experience, for medium-breed dogs I would suggest breeding at 18 months old and for large breeds 24 months old that way they will be physically & mentally matured to handle the stress of pregnancy, whelping & rearing puppies. With small / toy dogs some friends told me as early as 12 months old. Some dogs do have their first season at an early age so breeding on the 2nd heat won't be such a great idea. It is better to breed depending on the dog's age.

I breed Jack Russells & we breed at the second heat - the first is too young, they are better of being at least 12 months, preferably older. If you breed them too young it can stunt their growth.