hi ive a small blenhiem cavalier king charles spaniel she has never had pups before and has went into heat 2 days ago she is aged 4 and i want 2 know if it is ok 2 have her mated or do u think she is to old u see she is very small and i would be scared to get her pups in case she had 2 have a caceren sorry i cant spell that i mean operated to have pups removed what do u think i should do i always get my dogs mated only she only goes into heat every 1 and a half years thats why she is old do u thinf at age 4 is ok to get her mated

Welcome to the forum. Leigh

In my breed which is Medium sized it is advised to have a first litter before 5 years of age. Toy breeds mature faster and I think it would be normal to breed a CKCS at about 18months (two years in my breed is minimum age). I personally would think 4+ a little too old for a first litter, but if she is lean fit and healthy then perhaps not. I would be advised by her breeder, as you should contact them anyway to ensure that the parents are still healthy and have no heart Problems, and also have your bitch heart tested. The breeder will also be able to guide you around the good and not so good parts of her pedigree, and advise which lines would best suit her!

Breeding is not just putting any dog to any bitch, both partners carry good and bad genes, and you will not know where the good or bad are most likely coming from, an experienced breeder will be able to make an educated judgement in order to try and produce Healthy, typical puppies of excellent Temperament!!!

Unless you are prepared for this level of 'Study' you should not be thinking of breeding. This should be done well ahead, not just as the bitch comes in season. I have planned the next 3 litters that I hope to breed over the next 3 to 5 years (assuming all goes to plan), taking into account what there will be compatible to breed the pups to if they get into the gene pool!!

Hi Alice

I think to be honest you have already answered your own question. You say that your girl is very small - I presume you mean small for her breed and not just a small breed of dog, and that you are worried in case she would need a cesarean section. I don't want this to sound heartless, quite the reverse, but it seems to me that your little girl is not the best specimen of her breed and so is likely to pass on this weakness that she has herself, ie her reduced size. If there is any risk no matter how small, is it worth it?