ASK THE VET

IS it safe to let my seven-year-old female Rottweiler have pups? I have not bred her just yet. She last had pups two years ago. James Kane

Ashington A: Breeding any dog is not without its risks. These risks do tend to increase with age (as they do in people), with increased risks of complications of pregnancy for both mother and puppy. The most important factor in the safety of breeding from an older dog is their general fitness. Older large breed dogs often have underlying diseases, such as arthritis, which will be made worse by the weight gain associated with pregnancy. If she has an underlying condition or is on medication already, this may increase the risk to her and the unborn puppies. A pre-mating health check by a veterinary surgeon would be the best course of action to take to ensure the risk of breeding is acceptable based on clinical examination. Also, if there are complications, they are likely to incur additional veterinary costs.

In terms of ethically breeding, the age of the dog is only one factor. As a general guide, the American Kennel Club will not register any puppies born to a bitch over 12 years of age, yet the UK Kennel club will not register any puppies from a bitch who has reached eight years of age at the date of whelping unless there are exceptional circumstances notified prior to mating.

Another factor is the number of litters of puppies a bitch has had or number of caesareans they have had. From an ethical standpoint, the Kennel Club in the UK will not register any puppies from a bitch that has had more than four previous litters or two caesarean sections.