I have two purebred German Shepard dogs, male and female, and want to breed them. When is the best age for the female to breed? She just turned 1 year old, and the male is almost 2. Any info or help would be great!

I would wait until she's at least two, have all health testing done on both her AND the male, to be sure you aren't breeding bad traits into the puppies, and make sure you have homes for the puppies BEFORE breeding takes place. Get security deposits if you have to, or you might be stuck with more dogs than you can handle. Make sure the male and females' temperaments are good, so you don't end up with unstable puppies (like my aunt's dog - grrrrr).

I am against backyard breeding, but if you're going to do it, please do it right.

just because you have 2 "purebreds" doesn't mean squat. the only good reason for breeding two dogs is because they have something to offer. the world is already full of dogs produced because somebody wanted to make a quick buck. this is a very controversial issue. even dogs with several titles are worthless if they can't produce it. and people who have been breeding dogs for years occasionally have an unsuccessful litter. please give this a great deal of thought before you go bringing pups into the world that could ultimately end up in shelters or at the end of a chain in someone's back yard. your question about breeding age is a very good indicator that you are not ready to jump into this with both feet.

The proper age to consider breeding is after *both* dogs have titled , at least with their SchH I, and AD.
And of course after both dogs have been OFA'd and passed.

Thanks, Pat and Will. I wasn't sure if I was being too harsh or not, but I'm glad that you agree with what I said.

DANIEL: Have you by chance looked at all the homeless dogs on Petfinder ? Go there and search for German Shepherds and see how many dogs there are just waiting for the right homes. Also check German Shepherd breed rescues. There are tons of them out there that would make wonderful pets. Why bring more into the world and doom them and others to death??

Originally posted by Will Rambeau:
The proper age to consider breeding is after *both* dogs have titled , at least with their SchH I, and AD.
And of course after both dogs have been OFA'd and passed. Will, I absolutly dissagree!!!
Titling doesn't mean responsible breeding eventhough that is the intent. In fact as a malinois owner of a well bred male you will note the total lack of titles on the female side of Buttercup's lineage.
I have stated over and over that once a breeder here in the US raises or purchases a female and gets hips elbows certified, and a BH and SchHI, and probably a AD and Kkl the thing could produce ferrets and will be bred again and again.
The speed at which the Malinois has come from a little known less than impresive (yep, the GSD was more greatly represented in the ringsports than the mal not that long ago and it is cross breds in the KNPV that still hold sway) working critter to arguably the best working breed of today. It wasn't through titled females.
It is why I have stated again and again that a simplified ZTP type of process should be available for breeders of working dogs for both males and females through USA. Show up on a weekend with x-rays in hand do a series of working tests such as courage test, long pursuit, retrievel of various items, and a sociability test and go home with credentials.
Limit the investment in time. Maximise the value of the test.

I'm thinking I agree with Kevin. However, the same thing will happen with a ZTP 'title' as when someone titles their dog in SChH, only it will be that much easier for people to breed.

Also, if you want to be a breeder, I think it is important to know how to spell the name of your chosen breed. I think the rule should be "If you can't spell it, you can't breed it".
:rolleyes:

Kevin,
You know that I'd be fine with the modified test for breeding suitability ( hell, I'd apply to judge something with that much merit! ) - but sadly it isn't in the works, I'm sure. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

And yes, *both* my current work dogs( who I consider to be of good to excellent caliber ) dam's are untitled - the irony of my views isn't lost on me, really! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I think the puppy testing results alone can be more important than who the parents are, and we've all see many great dogs that were absolutely unable to reproduce themselves with multiple breedings. We see that all the time with National SchH champions here in the U.S.

The German's tend to breed most of their bitches twice, before they've determined that the bitch isn't worth while. Two full litters of puppies on the ground, just to determine if the bitch is a good addition to a breeding program....man, those are some patient people.

I don't have a good answer, but a SchH title awarded by a legitimate SchH organization ( SchH USA, DVG, or the SV ) on the parents still appears to me to be the best *current* solution to the question. Police titles, tracking titles, etc, could all be substituted here, depending on what you were looking for.
The SchH titles at least show me that : a) That the parents had adequate drives and could at least be worked to some degree.
B) The breeder took the time to place the titles on the dogs ( or bought titled dogs ) - that at least would help to limit the number of "backyard" breeders that do not participate in any dog sport and lack the knowledge and dedication that should be present for breeding working dogs.

Kristen - nice post! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Well said Kevin.