Comments on: Breeding Labradors: Should My Dog Have Puppies?

By: Ken

Ken — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 22:41:18 +0000

In reply to Pippa. As I was deciphering Wes’s comment it brought to mind something that I had read in the article about inbreeding. There seemed to be somewhat of a correlation. Great article Pippa, thank for the helpful information.

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 04 May 2020 21:35:12 +0000

I’d love there to be a section about how a lab is after having had a litter or two. I recently rescued at 5 year old who had been bred earlier and found it hard to find any info on how it affects the mother in the years after having litters. Maybe it doesn’t, but I’d love to know if there’s anything different I should be aware of in her retired years.

By: John Crabtree

John Crabtree — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 01:42:36 +0000

Pippa, thanks for posting this article. I read it before our first breeding Dec. 2017, and read through it again before our second (and last) breeding in September this year. While we had a successful litter of 8 (nine initially, but she fell asleep on one about 3 days in, smothering her) the first time, this time we only had one. We are about two weeks in, puppy seems to be super healthy, averaging more than 4 oz. a day of growth. I’m not keeping the whelping area as warm this time since mom is much more of a mom, wants to be with him unlike first litter and protective. Still, keeping temp around 75-80 degrees. Not sure but seems like we may even be able to go cooler since he is moving around, not staying near the corner of the box where the space heater is on the other side. Mom feeds, then stays in separate quarters of whelping box. The routine is less demanding right now, just worried about socializing so I bought some toys off Chewy.com, have been holding him some as well. Pup has a loaded pedigree on sire side, mom not as much but she (I) will title out as HRCH next year, is an excellent gun dog right now, best I’ve had hence the reason to breed. We bred simply with the intent to pass on good genes in the breed in hopes that about 10 years from now we can find a pup from her bloodline.

By: Caden Dahl

Caden Dahl — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 01:28:15 +0000

With my dog, I have been thinking about having puppies for some time now. I know that my dog would be fully capable of having them. However, it might be best to talk to a vet first just to be safe.

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 08:42:54 +0000

Julie, so so sorry for your loss however as well as the article this has helped make our decision that our beautiful baby will NOT be having pups

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 08:36:17 +0000

I found this article very helpful. We have a beautiful red fox lab. As I no longer work we have considered letting her have pups however after reading your article this will not be happening. I think more people should read articles like this before breeding. We have 2 labs and both have such good natures and so well behaved. The thought of being the one where something goes wrong and we lost her terrifies me. Thanks Pippa ??

By: Jon

Jon — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 18:20:38 +0000

I found this article very helpful. I had been considering breeding my 2 yr okd female black lab as she is one of the few breeds i am not allergic to and she is love and sweet. I have decided against it as the strain on her and myself may not be worth it. I will consider buying a pure bred instead.

By: Reil

Reil — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 08:30:51 +0000

I want to breed my 3 years old yellow lab but im afraid due to the fact that her nipple’s wont go back to original form. maybe it will sagg. any adivce? thanks

By: Lucy Easton

Lucy Easton — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 10:51:47 +0000

In reply to McKenna. Hi McKenna, I'm afraid you've missed your window for this with your lovely dog. Enjoy having her as a pet :)

By: McKenna

McKenna — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 19:38:59 +0000

I found this article very helpful, my lab is 8yrs old now and we have always planned to breed her. The breeder who has the stud dog says she wont breed for the first time if they are a year older than 8 years old. My dog has always had good health and i want to know if it would still be okay to breed her for the first time or no?