Age of breeding

Question
My Lhasa is eight years old and my toy poodle has been caught mating with her.  Because of her age I wonder if she is capable of getting pregnant and what are the risk for her if she is?

Answer
Hi Laura

8 is a little old for breeding a female.  Is this her first litter?  

Whenever you consider breeding you have to plan for the unexpected. You risk her health and that of the pups if she's not in top physical and mental health.

A female produces all the eggs she is ever going to produce in her lifetime so the eggs that may be fertilized later in life aren't necessarily going to the strongest.