At what age can my westie have her first litter?

Hi there, welcome to PT. :)

I have lots of friend who are breeders, and even my dog will be bred in July. Let me tell you, it's tough. I had to work very hard with my dog and spend alot of money in order to do our sports, but it is important to me that she has titles before and after she is bred. I still work hard with her because she doesn't have a very good ring temperment -- it takes tons of work and socialisation, and TONS of money. I have to travel everywhere, I have to pay for her heath certifications (to make sure she doesn't pass diseases on to her pups), I have to pay for lessons and trials and shows...It'd be a rough life for someone who isn't truly dedicated.

Breeding isn't something you do just because some people want puppies; It's a hobby and a passion. My goal is for my dog to create healthy, well-rounded, well-tempered puppies that will go on to be the best they can be and possibly go on to better the breed, themselves. I have researched and understand the risk factors involved. My dog may need an emergency C-section, and she and/or the puppies could die during the whelping. The puppies could be born prematurely, or Visa may not produce enough milk and we will have to take turns staying up and bottle feeding the puppes. The puppies could be born with defects and they would have to be put to sleep. Because my dog is not spayed, she is at risk for cancer, and pyometra (a life threatening condition where the uterus becomes infected and fills with puss). I also have to deal with her incessant annoying behaviour during her heat -- she bleeds everywhere, she smells TERRIBLE (the discharge from their vulva literally smells up the entire house), she acts freaky and screams, she attracts male dogs into our yard (even our 6 foot fence didn't stop a chow from stopping by last year). She is at greater risk for behavioural problems because she isn't spayed. But I do it all because I have a goal in mind.

If you are truly dedicated to your breed and you are willing to spend the time and money and make lots of sacrifices, then maybe you could be a reputable breeder. First I would recommend talking to a Westie breeder. Hopefully your dog came from a reputable breeder (what was the breeder's kennel name?). The breeder can help you with any problems you encounter along the way, and can take a look at your dog's pedigree and possibly locate a good stud. Keep in mind that a stud dog will usually cost you anywhere from $500 and up. Obviously the breeder will really preach that you do health certifications. Here is a list of Westie health problems . At the bottom of the page is OFA's link, it will let you know if there are any OFA/ CERF, etc clinics in your area. You will definatly want to wait until your westie is 2 years of age to breed. OFA won't even certify a dog that is younger than that. The breeder can teach you how to handle your dog in the showring and possibly other sports. If your dog is not show quality, the breeder will probably recommend that you don't breed (as Westies are not often bred only for their working ability these days). The breeder will also not recommend breeding if your dog is unregistered, unpedigreed, not health certified, coming from bad lines, having a bad temperment, having health issues, etc.

Keep all of this is mind -- yes, everyone does start somewhere -- but the responsible people start off by listening to those that are much more experienced than they. I wouldn't be breeding my dog if I didn't have her breeder giving me her first-hand experience.

Hope to see pictures of your dog!

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Originally Posted by Giselle

Because a friend of mine wanted a Westie, I know that this breed in particular seems to be more susceptible to allergies, bladder cancer, luxating patellas, and eye problems.

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Just want to mention what bladder cancer is like. Sudden heavy bleeding when urinating.....constant urge to urinate.......the diagnostic test......bladder cancer results.............total and complete lack of appetite and water consumption.......vomitting anything given by mouth...........continued symptoms.....no food for two weeks.......pacing.....panting..........inability to sleep........inability to walk more than a few steps........look in her eyes..........growing bladder.....................all options to save her gone..................death by euthanasia. It took all of two weeks.


Another note: pray the pups don't have portosystemic shunts!! That's another tragedy to worry about!

Sudilar,

I couldn't have said it better!!

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Originally Posted by lucyloo55

the reason I would like to breed her is because I have members of my family and a few people I know who really want a westie.

The reason I posted the question on here is because I want to do it properly and in an informed manner.

I have never had a dog who has had pups in my entire life and this is why I would be a novice at this but I guess everybody has to start somewhere.

I really can not stand people who always think the worst of people before knowing any facts.

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Don't get angry because you may not be getting the answers you wanted. On PT we all feel very strongly about the welfare of the animal. If you are serious about breeding your Westie you should take on board all the advice you have been given here. Personally, I think you would be breeding her for all the wrong reasons - if the people you know want a Westie so badly point them in the direction of a Westie rescue centre

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Originally Posted by lucyloo55

I really can not stand people who always think the worst of people before knowing any facts.

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By what you've told us we can assume the facts.
Fact- Your dog is not spayed and you are considering breeding her.
Assumption- Your dog was purchased from a backyard breeder therefore will not meet the standards and should not be breed.

Fact- You are asking how old she should be before she should be breed.
Assumption- You have never breed before and you have no knowledge of how to properly do so. I can also assume you don't know the health risks you will be forcing on your dog.

If you have family members and friends who want a westie they first need to research the breed to be sure it is the breed for them. If they still want a westie after researching them then I'd suggest either finding a westie to rescue from a shelter or finding a reputable breeder. If you need help finding a reputable breeder there are a lot of people here who would be more than happy to help you find one.

This helps explain how we all feel, it give a good definition of a backyard breeder. Please read it carefully. I pulled a few highlights from the article

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Every breed of dog recognized by the AKC has a written standard, a blueprint of what the dog should look like and act like. These standards were written so that all would know what a quality example of the breed is and strive to produce dogs that meet or exceed the standard in health, temperament and appearance. To be sure you are breeding dogs that meet these standards, your dogs must be judged by people who have a lifetime of experience among the breed. Do you know the standard of the Pure Breed Dog? Does your dog meet this standard according to an AKC Judge? If not, your dog is pet quality. A pet is to be loved, cherished, trained, cared for, spoiled and bragged about, but it is NEVER to be bred. No matter how cute or sweet the dog may be, if it is not up to the standard, you have no business breeding it.

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-Most purebred dogs are not breeding quality. If you breed your pet quality dog, you are a backyard breeder, whether you breed the dog in your backyard, garage, living room or an expensive hotel room, the term is still backyard breeder.
-If your pet quality dog has AKC papers, that's nice but it doesn't change anything. You still don't have the right to breed it.
-If your pet quality dog cost you $500 be glad you had the money to afford it. You still have no right to breed it.

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Backyard breeders will swear all of their pups went to a good home. They believe this but it's not true. Some may have been lucky enough to go to a good home but more than half of them will end up dead, in a shelter, alone, on a cold table with a needle sticking out of their leg. Some of those good homes will get tired of the dog and they will just give it away to anyone who is willing to take it. Some of your beloved dog's children will end up living alone in a backyard, barking all night, cold and neglected until the owner gets complaints and then that pups will be dead. Some will be starved and beaten. Some will be bred until they die from it.

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Do you want to be respected? Spay or neuter you pet dog. There's really no other way. The kind of homes you want for your pet pups don't want to buy from you. They are looking for responsible, respected breeders who are doing something for the breed as a whole. Most of those who will come running to buy your pups are the kind of people I wouldn't give a dog I didn't like to. They are the ones who will turn your puppy into a shelter when the novelty wears off. That's a fact.

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Someone above stated it - and I wanted to emphasize it- she wasn't getting the answers she 'wanted', so, I doubt she will be back to read all the wonderful responses.

She is young, ignorant, and defensive. She doesn't want education, she wants validation. She didn't get it here. She will move on to others that give her "oooohhh what a great idea...." answers.

Amazing, isn't it, that she purchases a Westie, and, like, all of a sudden, has all these people that want one, too. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Hello and welcome to Pet talk. Please do not breed your dog there are 5000 dogs a second being put to sleep in shelters across the world. You dont want to add to those shelters, do you? Instead, convience people to get dogs from the shelters!

Catholic your are very right!!!

BUT EVEN IF SHE DOESN"T READ THIS,
70 million dogs and cats are born every year
but only 10 million children are born!!!
The numbers don't add up.

If your family members want a Westie, perhaps they should look into a Westie Rescue and look to rescue a Westie who NEEDS the help rather than breeding and adding to the population problem?

That would be the best option, in my opinion.

We do NOT think any less of you as a person, as you said you don't know all the facts and just came here for information. But in my honest opinion, you are breeding for all the wrong reasons. As I've already stated, if your family members want a Westie please save a life and rescue instead of breeding.

Please don't breed your dog. You will end up regretting it... it's no easy task. Plus by breeding your dog, you have killed a dog in a shelter for every puppy that is born. Be willing to learn the facts.