Too old to breed?

Question
We are looking to get a Golden Retriever puppy and I spoke with a breeder a couple days ago. I liked everything I heard, but one thing worried me a little.

The bitch is five-years-old. Is that too old to breed? Someone told me that three was about the maximum age.

Thanks,
Mike

Answer
Five years old should be no problem.  Beyond 6-7, the deliveries are difficult the mother.  Responsible breeders do not breed until about 2.  AKC will not accept registrations if the parents are too young.  Breeding once a year would only mean 2 litters if you stopped at 3.  

Puppies are expensive and a lot of work.  Have you considered an older dog?  One of the best sources for dogs with a predictable personality is the rescue
dogs.  These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home
to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them.   You may
find a rescue near you starting at
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm  The rescues charge a fee to help cover their expenses, but is much less than the price of a puppy plus all its medical expenses the first year.

If you do get a puppy, come back and I will help you.