At what age??

[Derf]

I have 2 chesapeake Bay Retrievers, a male that is about 3 years old and a female puppy about 4 months old. They are currently in the same kennel, at what age should I seperate them? I don't want her to get pregnant at an early age. Also, at what age will she be ready to get pregnant? Also, 1 more question, how young is it possible for a pup to get pregnant, just wondering if I should seperate them now.

Thanks,
Derf

[Rip's Girl]

Do you plan on breeding your female puppy? If not, I would recommend spaying her. If you are (I always ask this but I can't help it.) why do you want to breed her? I'm wondering because you don't seem to know much about breeding. It's good to see that you're doing your research though, by joining this forum.

Personally I would separate them now. There is no need for them to be together, and even though it is unlikely she would go into season anytime very soon, it's better to err on the side of caution in my opinion.

[erdog3]

anywhere between 5-6 months is a good time. Small dogs come into heat sooner than large ones.
So small dogs average 5-6 months old.
Large dogs average 8-15 months old.
These figures are only averages though. I would go at 6 months at the latest to be sure.
You will know when she is in heat, she will start to mount your male and flirt with him. You will have about a week from then to separate.

Also they can become pregnant in the first heat cycle. Not good for your dog.

[Dax]

I'm with Rip's girl on this. Before you even consider getting into the breeding game, you need to educate yourself or you are putting your dog and her pups in danger. Also what pedigrees do you dogs have to even consider breeding them.

Please consider the number of dogs out there in shelters and act accordingly.

If you are going to spay anyway - have it done now.

[Moo]

Agreed with Dax and Rip. No sense taking chances, and if you don't plan to breed, go for a spay soon.

[erdog3]

If you want to breed you should wait till she is nearly 2 years old.

[Derf]

I'm really surprised that everyone is getting so touchy about me wanting to let my female dog have a little of pups when she's ready. I don't plan on opening a puppy mill, I didn't buy her to make money. I have a lot of friends and family that are wanting a pup when she's ready. Chesapeake's are not a really popular dog, they aren't a dime a dozen like labs, That's why I chose a chesapeake, it seemed like every dog owner in my neighborhood owns a Lab. I chose chesapeakes because I wanted something different than everyone else has. I only plan on letting her have 1 litter.

[erdog3]

As stated above, you will need to wait till she is nearly 2 or whichever heat falls around that age. Like just before 2 or just after.
When she is in heat your male will drive you crazy, so you may be better off to let someone look after him for a couple of weeks till the cycle is over, he will do everything he can to get to her and vice verca.
The reason everyone is touchy is because basically we all here have either had our dogs sterilized or are into showing like myself.
We are advocates for homeless unwanted dogs. That is all. So no one is crucifying you, just asking questions.

[GretaJack]

But why do you want to breed her? Other than having people want a puppy from her? There is so much more to breeding than just having a litter of puppies. People might be getting touchy because so many people, and I am not saying you, do not have an idea what all goes behind breeding. You need to make sure that both parents have the proper tests done to proven that they are clear of genetic disorders, you need to make sure that you have a savings account for any emergencies that might come up during your girl's pregnancy. You and your family have to be ready to help whelp, possibly staying up for hours on end to make sure that your girl delivers all her pups safely.

Plus, why is your dog breedable or desirable? Are you planning on showing her? What positive traits is she going to pass on to her pups? And look beyond your own male for a stud. There might be a dog that will compliment her better. Don't just breed because you can, breed for a purpose. Which should be for bettering the breed; temperment, conformation, intelligence, trainability...

There are also so many dogs, many of which are purebred pups that came from just one litter, that are in the shelters today, including Chessie.

[Moo]

I'm not sure about the rest, but the reason that I said what I did, is because you did not mention your intentions of breeding. But either case, I still have reservations, almost the same as stated by GretaJack.