Size of Male to Female.

Question
Hi,

I have a 4 year old female Shih Tzu weighing in at around 5 kg and i am told that she is quite small for her breed. With this in mind i have also been advised that if i wish to mate her that i should seek out a male of equal size ie NOT bigger.

Does this matter OR will any suitable male do?

Many thanks.  

Answer
Hi Rob

The thing is, in most species, the male is always going to be larger than the female.  

It's important to know the pedigree of the dogs on BOTH side of the male and female.  3 generations is good, 6 is better.  To know what lines and what is thrown is a good indicator of what will be produced.  Out-crossing dogs will produce larger pups.

Line breeding or inbreeding will also bring down the size of the off-spring.  So breeding to a related male will work (half brother, uncle, great uncle, grandfather, etc.)

When your female has been bred, it's important to keep her on regular adult food. Puppy food will make the pups grow to large.  

Regardless, the vet should do an internal to determine if her pelvis is large enough accommodate a pup.

Good luck