breeding an older dog

Question
How old should a dog be when it stops having puppies? And does size matter, like shelties one is about 4 inches taller and longer in size than the female, is it okay to breed them together?

Answer
Hi Michelle

Yes age does matter.  A female is born with all the eggs she is ever going to produce, so as she ages so does her eggs.   With older females you find that there will be more faders in a litter.

Each female is different, mental and physical health play a major role.  How many litters she had and the breed are all important when considering breeding.  

Personally, I think 5 years old should be the max.

Size can make it difficult or easier when breeding, typically a male is larger than a female. With Shelties, they are not a high risk whelping breed, so it won't be that big of a deal.

Good luck