Question My Bichon is one year and eight months old, is she old enough to breed? When will I know when a good time to do it would be?
Answer There is more involved in breeding your dog than her age. First is your dog free of the breeds big genetic problems? The bichon is the # 1 breed for juvinile cataracts. Do you have 3 generations clear by CERF certificate. CERF can only be done by a Veterinary Opholomigist. Reputable breeders CERF there dogs annually till they are 8 years of age. Currently reputable breeders have at least 3 generations CERF clear to 8 years of age. This is very very important. The only way to eliminte this problems from the breed is to only breed multi-geneation clear dogs.
Also all reputable breeders have at least 3 geneations of OFA clear dogs. Patella Laxations and Hip Dyplasia are also big breed problems. The OFA certificiation your vet can do.
If you dog came from a pet shop or backyard breeder then they do not have these certifications in their background. Theses procedures cost money and these breeder are only looking to make money and do not care about the breed's welfare.
