Breeding: Toy Poodles

Question
Good day

I was wondering if you perhaps could tell me on which age Toy Poodles can start to breed?

I have heard that after her first cycle (6 months of age) it is best, because the muscles has not yet settled?

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Many thanks

Schalk

Answer
Hello Schalk,
Actually, whoever told you this was wrong and that information could hurt your dog.  6 months old (and even a year) is way too young for a female to be having puppies.  Instead of the muscles being loose, they need to firm up in order to push the puppies out.  Also, you need to give her body time to mature so that the stress on her body from carrying the puppies won't harm the female or the babies.  2 years old is the recommended time, but some breeders will start at 1 1/2 yrs old without too much stress on the female or puppies.

Another thing that is good about waiting is that you can see the female as an adult and you can find out if she has any genetic problems that she could pass on to the puppies.  A Vet check at a year and a half will rule out anything (physical or genetic) that could cause problems either with the development of the puppies or on the mothers body during pregnancy.

To be on the safe side, it would also be a good idea to have the male checked also, so that he doesn't have anything that the puppies could inheirit and to check him so that he doesn't give the female any kind of reproductive illness.  

I hope this helps you some and though I know its not the answer you were looking for, I hope you decide to wait with this girl until she is older.  If you have other questions for me about breeding or other Poodle questions in general, please feel free to ask me.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim