My 15 month female Boxer

Question
We have a male and a female Boxer. Laci is 15 months old and she has just come into her first full heat. LeeO, our male is almost two. We have waited to get them fixed because we want her to have one litter before hand. If we let them breed now, she will be over eighteen months old when she has the pups. Do you think that we should wait longer? I really don't want to, because I want the dogs fixed. She is very healthy and I believe she would be great with pups. Do you think it is okay for them to breed now?


Answer
She's still very young (and so is he!) - 15 months is similar to about a 10-11 year old human girl.  Boxers don't mature until about 2-3 years of age, physically or mentally.  Appropriate health screening cannot be performed with any meaning until minimum two years of age, in any case - she may be outwardly healthy but without screening you don't know what issues may be lurking.  Boxers are prone to some serious heart problems, which can possibly cause issues for her during pregnancy/whelping, or which can lead to her puppies suddenly dropping dead at 2-3 years of age.  It may sound harsh, but it is not an exaggeration.

More information on genetic health issues in Boxers, and appropriate screening, is here:

http://www.americanboxerclub.org/genetic_diseases.html
http://www.americanboxerclub.org/health-screening.html

As well, I have articles on my site about breeding a Boxer bitch and offering a Boxer dog at stud, with further information and links to resources:

http://www.newcastleboxers.com/wannabreed.shtml
http://www.newcastleboxers.com/wannastud.shtml