yes, I do think resting too long between heats can hurt the female. I have no research to back that up. I know the latest stuff going around at seminars is not to rest your bitch at all that she will know when it's time to quit. But I don't agree with this at all. Poor little dogs and I have never actually read the seminar notes on it but it was told to me by someone that attended one. i have only been breeding a few years but the way i do it is breed two (if the bitch is in good shape) and skip one which i know is not what you are looking for but it averages to my girls having only one litter per year so that is a pretty good rest and when they near that five year mark, they are thoroughly vet checked before breeding and will be retired at five even if they are in good shape. |