First "Period"

[Michael Romanos]

I think it is pretty clear that breeders of dogs can successfully weigh up the background, maturity and conformation of their females and breed from them as early as 14 months in some instances but waiting until the second season which usually occurs well before they reach 24 months.

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

I think it is pretty clear that breeders of dogs can successfully weigh up the background, maturity and conformation of their females and breed from them as early as 14 months in some instances but waiting until the second season which usually occurs well before they reach 24 months.

Perhaps an EXPERIENCED Breeder of a particular breed, but again we're dealing with someone with no breed experience, dogs that are still puppies and not from predictable lines. Your only criteria seems to be that they both have working reproductive parts and that does not produce QUALITY, typey dogs.

Debbie

[Chip's Mom]

Why would or should anyone be in such a hurry to breed their dog anyway?

[LaRogue]

Even though the PWCCA code of ethics states not to breed any dog under one year, there is much more stress on not breeding any dog which has not gotten all the health clearances.

I thought the AKC wouldn't register puppies, if either of the parents were under 1 or over 12, but after looking it up, I see the lower age limits are 7 & 8 mos.

Why would or should anyone be in such a hurry to breed their dog anyway?

Hopefully, we'll get an answer.

Michael, I'm surprised after your "Santa man' stories of those poor, neglected puppies, that you seem not to recognize there are different levels of "breeders" with a variety of agendas, some of which don't have the best interest of the dogs and puppies at heart.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Chip's Mom

Why would or should anyone be in such a hurry to breed their dog anyway?

Very good question Bonnie!

Peggy

[Chip's Mom]

Thanks Peggy - I just think that anyone that owns a female corgi would want to put her best interests first and give her the best chance possible of having a healthy litter while keeping the risks of their female at the lowest minimum possible so to me and remember I am no breeder, it just makes good sense to wait until the female is fully developed. From watching my three grow, it doesn't seem like they reach their full growth before two years of age - I know mine didn't.

[glencorgi]

Well I can pass along what one of the leading reproductive vets in the US recommends and it would probably surprise you. You will find the commercial breeding industry adhering to this philosophy. By 18 months, the physical maturity is often there, also having a litter often adds more maturity to a female. Sometimes Breeders will pull a female off the show circuit, breed her and then bring her back out after a litter to finish her. (We're still talking the 24 month age range here though.)

A lot has been made of the physical maturity, but one thing that hasn't been mentioned and something I consider extremely important is mental maturity. A 14 -16 month old corgi is very much still a puppy brain. I can use my Berry as an example. She had her first season at 18 months (very late for some reason). Physically her maturity was there, HOWEVER, she still acts like a puppy. There was/is no way it would have been in her best interest or that of her potential litter to have bred her at that time.

Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

LaRogue - I was really pointing out that there is no hard and fast natural or manufactured rules regarding breeding after a Corgi has reached 2 years and that many responsible breeders will take earlier options without attracting unfounded criticism.
It could be that one of the reasons a few breeders might breed from a 14 month old dog is in order for that dog to be better presented for subsequent conformation showing as early in their 'career' as possible.

[Chip's Mom]

Michael - Why???? What is the hurry. I don't show my dogs so I don't understand that logic as to why it would make a difference

[Michael Romanos]

I personally would hold off my female having pups until she was closer to 2 years or even post-two years rather than opt for her having a litter at 14 months or 16 months, but I don't have to see the BIG picture nor plan and programme the pathway for my female Corgi. It's a lot to do with timing and the potential number of litters she may be asked to produce.

[Chip's Mom]

Michael - Thanks for clarifying

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Chip's Mom

Michael - Why???? What is the hurry. I don't show my dogs so I don't understand that logic as to why it would make a difference

Those who are breeding to produce puppies to sell (for extra money (a byb or causual breeder) or as a primary income (commerical breeder) want to get as many litters as possible from the females. So they start breeding early.

Reputable breeders who care about the health of the the mother dog and her puppies and are only looking at one or two or maybe three litters in her lifetime are not in as big a hurry. They will do the health tests and wait till the dog is two or almost two. Or even older.

Some people will show a female as a puppy and then take her out of the show ring while she grows up. They may decided to breed her, and yes, sometimes after a litter a female will look more mature.

However, most corgis are not fully physically mature till 3 or 4 years old. Even at two most have not had the chest fully drop or the rib cage spring. Two year olds usually still look rather immature.

There are lines that will mature around age two. It's been my experince that the slower maturing dogs age slower.

Peggy

[rme147]

[quote=LaRogue;40320]I thought the AKC wouldn't register puppies, if either of the parents were under 1 or over 12, but after looking it up, I see the lower age limits are 7 & 8 mos.

Hopefully, we'll get an answer.




Hey Folks- The "one year rule" was something I've read as a general rule of thumb. My husband is the one who bred boxers. I never said I was going to breed her when she turned a year- I am in no hurry- my question was:

Is my 5month old female corgi pup suffering when my 5 year old (fixed) doxin mounts her? She whines, and I make him stop when I'm here, but I want to know if it is bad for her? Is it painful for her? Could we maybe re-focus?

I promise the breeding topic will be MUCH more researched before we even think about starting.

~Robin~

[Michael Romanos]

Now we are not further reducing the age of breeding to 12 months or age, are we?
Good on ya, Robin do the research and you'll almost certainly come up with the right options.

[LaRogue]

Is my 5month old female corgi pup suffering when my 5 year old (fixed) doxin mounts her? She whines, and I make him stop when I'm here, but I want to know if it is bad for her? Is it painful for her? Could we maybe re-focus

Glencorgi (Debbie) and others answered each of your questions in the first couple of posts following your orginal. Congratulations on the baby! I'll bet you're going to be very busy shortly.

LaRogue - I was really pointing out that there is no hard and fast natural or manufactured rules regarding breeding after a Corgi has reached 2 years and that many responsible breeders will take earlier options without attracting unfounded criticism.
It could be that one of the reasons a few breeders might breed from a 14 month old dog is in order for that dog to be better presented for subsequent conformation showing as early in their 'career' as possible.

I understand what you're saying here, but I honestly don't think "many" reputable breeders do it...they have too much invested in the results, and as you and others have pointed out, they would have a REASON. Additionally, they would be expeirienced and capable of making that judgement call. I believe the minium of 2 years is a good gideline for the inexperienced, hell bent, owners who are going to breed no matter what. BTW, have you been following Desta's story?

Those who are breeding to produce puppies to sell (for extra money (a byb or causual breeder) or as a primary income (commerical breeder) want to get as many litters as possible from the females. So they start breeding early.

If someone wants to breed animals for profit they should buy a farm with livestock, not a dog, JMO.