Industry research indicates demand for dogs will continue to increase. Shelter and rescue organizations can’t keep up and provide little support for individual breed development and continuity. The number of breeders is likely to grow with the demand leaving a common question among folks new to breeding.
What is the best age to breed a dog?”
Source: Breeding Business, March 2017. Link. The third heat in a bitch is usually the start of her prime time in terms of fertility in dog breeding. Her body and support system are fully ready to go through the hardships of pregnancy and nursing. Her hormone levels, precisely progesterone levels, have now reached the optimum level to facilitate a successful mating as well as preparing the uterus for the healthy growth of each embryo.
Surprisingly, breeding a bitch back to back is healthier for the bitch’s uterus.”
INSIGHTS: Animal welfare standards will continue to restrict large-scale breeding operations. For breeds to survive and meet marketplace demand for new puppies, veterinary teams can help smaller, home-based breeders succeed and enjoy the experiences associated with raising pups at home.