Gneral Breeding Age

[nottzhunter08 898]

What age do you lads reckon lurchers are old enough to breed from? With all the risks of lifelong injuries even death gets me thinking what age I shall breed my pair, not in no rush just food for thought, cheers

[breeze 1,308]

Not that ive bred that many litters, but always thought for a bitch to be around

6 yr old before i think about taking a pup from her

[jcm 2,327]

It's one of them things only the owner of that particular dog will be able to answer, imo a rabbit dog is s rabbit dog 2-3 seasons you know what you have got as for fox dogs etc I belive after 4-5 seasons if it ain't jacked by then it ain't gunna before old age hits it

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

Depends on the type of dog too I think.

 

Some ain't destined to make old bones and I think you can see that in them early on.

 

So obviously if the positive signs are there or you need to take a litter to further a line etc then you may have to take a litter young. I would if I needed too and wouldn't worry what people on the hunting life think about it.

[roybo 2,873]

I'd just have to be in my heart happy with what they have done,and that I couldn't buy in the same or better.if they are 5 or 6 you probably know what you have.

In saying that I left my bitch until over 8 but wish I'd have bred earlier

Also you never know what's round the corner regarding life .

[Wales1234 5,546]

I bred when she was 9 only through lose of another lurcher she was proven well before than and when I finally agreed to breed her and told few the lad they all said the same thing finally you seen sense ! think timing was perfect by time my 3 year old bitch retries the pup I got know should be fully working so timing be right for another pup

[roybo 2,873]

Maybe you should ask if you NEED TO breed first mate then go from there and see IF there's better at the time.

And that enough want them to warrant putting 10 or more pups on the ground.

its a lot of work and although I've bred 1 litter ,worrying ababout where they are after is enough to put me off

and just because you have a couple of lurchers don't mean they are the best 2 to breed off.

[trigger2 3,145]

at least 3 to 4 seasons hard graft

[Chaff 3,622]

2 year helps loosen hips up plus no complications later should you choose to breed again

[nottzhunter08 898]

I'm in no rush as I say, but will defo be breeding from my own stock when the times right, they do me proud and have accounted for plenty of gear over the past few years, plenty vids of them on YouTube, as I say it is food for thought, I always have it in the back of my mind that death is only one slip away and I would be gutted to of not got the chance to breed from them, I have a seven year old dog who lives the life on the sofa as he broke his leg around the age of 4, will never run again which is a shame as he bin pretty depressed ever since just not the same in himself, cheers for the replies from all

[cold pint 330]

youl know whats right and when is right for you,,good luck mate

[storm323 191]

Like been said good 3 or 4 seasons if possible but it's always a worry !

[Giro 2,648]

You know when folk say " Dont think it will make old bones, better breed"..

 

Would it not be more apt if its a dog, to take straws and then use when ever you want..

 

Bred when ever you think its right Notz.. They are our dogs and your pups to part with..

Edited March 14, 2016 by Giro

[jeemes 4,485]

It depends if the bitch comes from an inbred line that breeds true,then she has a strong proven family behind her,then I would say breed while she is young and supple. The longer you leave her the higher the chances of trouble. In any case if the bitch isnt a goodun you should know by the time shes 3. Whats behind the parents is just if not more important than there own ability. A dog could be a one off champ but have mediocre ancestors that will show up in the whelps.

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

It depends if the bitch comes from an inbred line that breeds true,then she has a strong proven family behind her,then I would say breed while she is young and supple. The longer you leave her the higher the chances of trouble. In any case if the bitch isnt a goodun you should know by the time shes 3. Whats behind the parents is just if not more important than there own ability. A dog could be a one off champ but have mediocre ancestors that will show up in the whelps.

Plenty start to show faults after the age of 3.

 

Let's have it right, up to 12 months old they are pups, up to 2 years old they are seeing a bit and learning the ropes. After that they should have a proper season to go at.

 

So after 1 proper season you know if it isn't a goodun?

 

Not sure I agree with that.

 

Not disputing you sometimes need to take a chance and breed young when continuing a line. But to say you know it's a goodun at 3?

 

I agree with the lads saying 3-4 good seasons to know what you've got.