Expert: Kaza - 1/29/2008

Question
We have a great tempermant bichon and want to breed him, any advice? and what is a good age for this? can a male get too old to breed?
thanks
sarah

Answer
Sara firstly it shouldnt really be that simple, and one would need to ask some questions of yourself such as why do you want to breed him, is it for money, love of the breed , breed enhancement or you want another one .
Secondly I would be asking you these questions...

1)What health tests have you carried out to ensure his gene pool is good enough to breed.

2)Does he have the correct papers.

3) Does he conform to the correct breed standard

4)Have any of his parents, Grandparents, Great Grandparents  any known defect that could be passed on through his offspring.

5)Would breeding him enhance the gene pool of Bichons in your country.

If by reading this you feel offended, dont, as these are what I ask daily both of myself and those wantng to breed with me.

Having a litter of pups isnt easy, its very demanding and eventhough you have the male your responsibilities should still be the same to protect the future of the breed, that has seen some poor lines coming through even from show breeders.

Now I shall get to your specific point, a male can breed up until his old age , however his sperm isnt as good as it is when he is at his prime .
My advice to you would be think hard before you breed just to have a litter, there are many rescue dogs that have sadly come through these breeders and they need homes desperately.
Log into my site to see what tests you need to do even before mating and you really do need to have a good breeder that too carries out these tests.

www.eurobichons.com