What Is The Oldest Age At Which A Dog Can Have Puppies?
Before I go any further into the topic of when is a dog too old to have puppies, let’s touch on the subject of when is a dog considered to be a senior in need of special care.
Knowing that your pooch is an elderly citizen will help you determine whether it is safe and appropriate for your dog to get pregnant in the first place.
Most dogs enter their senior years when they are around seven years old; however, the aging process is slightly different for small and large breed dogs.
A tiny Chihuahua, for example, is considered a senior when they reach 11 years of age. On the other hand, a giant breed such as a Great Dane is considered a senior by the time they are five years old.
The aging difference between smaller and larger breeds is mainly due to their size. Several studies have confirmed that larger breeds tend to age much faster than their smaller counterparts.
Therefore, how old is too old for a dog to have puppies is directly related to the size of that particular dog.
Unlike people, female and male dogs technically remain fertile their whole lives. However, their fertility and ability to whelp healthy puppies decrease as they get older.
Let’s see at what age dogs can have puppies, starting with male dogs.
So, is there a puppy season in dogs? Apparently not. Female dogs have bi-annual breeding cycles, and male dogs are willing to mate any time a female is in heat. This causes puppies to be born virtually at any time of the year. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Unlike gray wolves, which are generally monogamous or breed only with one partner—with females going into heat in late winter so that pups are born in early spring and have time to grow strong before winter hits again—dogs have undergone substantial changes when it comes to reproduction. With more resources, better care, and less exposure to the harsh elements of the wild, dogs are not monogamous and have become promiscuous with females going into heat twice a year and virtually at any time.
Other dogs following similar breeding patterns are wolf hybrids. Generally, the higher content of wolf in the animal, the more likely it will go into heat once a year, during the late winter breeding season just as wolves do. This results in puppies being born in the spring. Should the wolf hybrid have less wolf content, then it would go into heat biannually just as dogs do, according to Wolf Valley Farm. Male wolf hybrids may therefore also be fertile year round as most dogs or may be fertile only in the late winter breeding season as wolves.
Dogs also tend to mature earlier. For instance, female dogs may mature physically and sexually around 7 and 10 months of age (this does not mean they should be bred on their first heat), whereas wolves are generally not mature until they are approximately 22 months. Male dogs are promiscuous and fertile year-round, whereas male wolves are more selective and monogamous. The male wolves testes are even subject to atrophy when out of the breeding cycle, rendering them infertile, explains Steven R. Lindsay in his book Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training (Iowa SP, 2000: Vol. 1).
Among the many changes domestication has brought into the lives of our canine companions, reproduction has also been affected, bringing substantial changes into the heat cycle and whelping habits of dogs. It is estimated that dogs were domesticated and separated from gray wolves about 15,000 years ago, when they started frequenting human settlements.
What happens if the puppy is visible but my dog can’t deliver it?
Speed is of the essence in such situations, especially if it is a posterior or breech presentation. If the puppy is coming headfirst make sure that the fetal membranes covering the visible part of the mouth and face are removed so that it can breathe. If the puppy is coming backwards, speed is important otherwise the puppy will suffocate.
Regardless of whether the puppy is coming headfirst or hind first, take a piece of clean tissue or clean cloth and gently grab the puppy, pulling it downwards at approximately forty-five degrees to the angle between the mothers spine and the hind legs. Pull constantly and gently, not just when the mother strains. Constant, gentle traction (pulling) on the puppy will stimulate additional contractions. Once the puppy has been born, clear the fetal membranes from its nose and mouth and then cut the umbilical cord. If the afterbirth is still inside the mother, do not worry.
It is important to stimulate the puppy by blowing gently down the nostrils and mouth to clear any fluids and debris, as well as stimulating it by gently rubbing it with a towel until it starts to breathe.
If you cannot dislodge the puppy or if it appears to be painful to the mother, seek veterinary help immediately.
Helping Golden Retriever Give Birth to 11 Puppies
Having a pregnant dog welcome a new litter into the world is one of the greatest things a dog owner can experience.
If you are ready to experience all the joys of doggy pregnancy, you may be wondering: can dogs be too old to get pregnant, and how old can dogs still have puppies?
Yup, you read that right—in fact, there is no such thing as doggy menopause, and female dogs go into heat during their whole lives.
However, although dogs are naturally capable of breeding and having puppies well into their senior years, that doesn’t mean that they should.
Pregnancy can be tough even for young dogs that are in their prime, but older dogs are at a much higher risk of health problems and stillborn puppies.
Whether you want a new puppy or you are a breeder thinking about retiring your dogs, it is important to consider the ages of your male and female dogs before breeding them!
QUICK TIP: If you’re going to have a litter of puppies make sure you have all the essential puppy supplies. Our #1 puppy product we recommend you send home with all new puppy owners is the Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy.
In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about responsible breeding and dog fertility.